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By Brian Pitts

Sports Editor

After graduating eight starters, Davie’s offense has several gaps to fill. Not only is it replacing four starters up front and breaking in a new quarterback, Davie is also going to trot out new running backs in 2024.

Davie has produced a 1,000-yard rusher five consecutive years – Tate Carney from 2019-21 and Markel Summers in 2022-23. The War Eagles are going to certainly miss Summers’ 1,483 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns from 2023, but coaches don’t feel the current running back situation is dire.

There’s potency between junior Jamarious Pelote and sophomore Braxton Bowling. The offense will look to establish a 1-2 punch as they rotate in and out.

“With the teams we play, you almost have to have two who can take the pounding,” coach Tim Devericks said.

“We’re going to try to keep them both fresh,” offensive coordinator Matt Gould said. “Those two look super impressive.”

Pelote has changed positions after quarterbacking the JV for two years. Bowling was immediately thrown into the fire as a varsity freshman, starting all year at cornerback. His eyes lit up when Devericks approached him about moving to offense.

“There was a smile,” Devericks said. “Braxton is not a kid who says a whole lot, but there was a smile and ‘I’ve got you, coach.’”

The duo has contrasting styles. Pelote can dance around defenders, while Bowling likes to plow.

“Jay’s had opportunities to run the ball in the past (at QB),” Devericks said. “What he may lack as far as his stature – because he’s a little taller – his shiftiness might be a little ahead of Braxton at this point.”

“They can both make big plays,” Gould said. “Braxton is a little more physical, but Jay’s got the elusiveness. I mean, he did it at quarterback for two years, where he puts his foot in the ground and makes people miss. So we’re super excited about both of those guys.”

Bowling plays the game with a fury. He might just be an ace in the making.

“He can tote it and he cuts on a dime,” defensive line coach Randy Athey said.

“Braxton is physical,” Devericks said. “He’s low to the ground, low center of gravity and an extremely hard competitor. I don’t care if it’s a run on air or an inside run or whatever it may be, he’s going hard.”

“Braxton was at every single (offseason workout), putting in the work,” Gould said. “I think (running back is what he’s) wanted to do since middle school, and he’s a natural at the position. And he can catch. He has incredible hands. So he’s the complete package. He runs it hard. He about runs people over in practice, so I can’t wait to see him touch the ball in a game.”