Crestwood's Cowell rumbles through Lake City's defense on way to Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week

Ryan Cowell has been the bell cow of Crestwood's backfield all season long. He continued that on Friday with a dominant performance against Lake City that helped carry the Knights to a 24-6 region victory.

His performance was also enough to win the vote as the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"It feels pretty good," Cowell said of winning the public vote.

Cowell rumbled his was to 166 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries in Crestwood's victory.

"I just tried to go out there and do what I do and run the ball hard," Cowell said. "I don't really know what (Lake City) was doing. There were just holes, and I was hitting them."

Cowell is a physical runner for the Knights. He appreciates the chance to put the hit stick on opposing defenders. It also allows him to form a great thunder and lightning duo with quarterback Javion Martin.

"It feels good," Cowell said of his style of running. "It's great to get more touches and be more productive on the offense. (With Martin in the backfield,) defenses don't know what's coming."

Crestwood head coach Roosevelt Nelson also appreciates having that physicality in the backfield, as Cowell has worn down opposing defenses through each game the Knights have played.

"He's been getting better each week. Ryan battled a nagging shoulder issue last year that kept him out most of the season. Now he's healthy and running the ball well. He's a physical runner and a good pass catcher," Nelson said. "(Cowell's physicality) is important. That's the style we want to play with. We want to be physical and maintain control of the ball. Having a guy like Ryan helps us do that."

Cowell and the Knights won't have a game on Friday, as they weren't able to find an opponent. They'll hopefully play one more game on Oct. 29, but the opponent is still to be determined. Cowell just hopes to carry his momentum from a strong regular season into the playoffs.

"I'm just ready to do the same thing going into the playoffs," Cowell said.