By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó You won’t find many triple-option football teams who send two receivers to play in college.
South Rowan has done just that, however. Anthony Bowles and Jordan West will be on Division III rosters in the fall.
Wide receiver Bowles will attend Averett and tight end West is going to Guilford.
In fact, they’ll hook up on Sept. 19 when the two schools play at Guilford.
Bowles was a three-year starter for coach Jason Rollins. His best season came as a junior when he and B.J. Grant were the leading receivers. He caught his only varsity touchdown that season against Salisbury.
When Rollins brought in the triple option, the number of pass attempts dwindled, but Bowles didn’t get discouraged. In fact, he may have worked harder to get noticed.
“Averett knew he could catch,” Rollins said. “But they also like the way he blocks. A lot of people forget how important it is that receivers take care of their job out there.”
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bowles will report to Averett, which is located in Danville, Va., on Aug. 19.
Averett was 5-5 last year playing in the USA South Conference. He follows former South star Daniel Crosby.
Bowles said Averett’s offense is 50-50 with the pass and run.
“One of the coaches saw film on me and asked me if I would like to come up there,” Bowles said. “I liked it. I’m excited.”
Rollins couldn’t be happier for Bowles.
“He’s a great kid,” Rollins said. “With his size and ability, it is a good place for him.”
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West came to South when his father was named assistant principal.
“He gave us everything he had,” Rollins said. “He loved this school and loved playing for South.”
West was a tight end for two seasons before being moved to offensive line.
Guilford was West’s choice all along but after talking to a Quaker assistant, he thought he’d try out as a tight end, where he saw time as a senior.
“Toward the end of the season, we put in a tight end formation,” West said. “It won’t be hard for me.”
Guilford was 4-6 last season in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference but won its last two games and is favored in the 2009 season opener against Greensboro in the Gate City Soup Bowl.
“We moved Jordan around,” Rollins said. “We thought he could perform at tackle.”
Now, the 6-0, 200-pounder will be back at tight end.
“It’s amazing,” West said. “I’m really excited.”