Sometimes the best approach in life is a simple one.
“I just see people and hit ‘em,” said Cassville senior Bowen Preddy.
That mindset works well for Bowen.
“I don’t want [anybody] going in the endzone. If they’re getting in there, they’re getting punished,” Bowen said.
Bowen, a two-way stand out for the Wildcats, does a bit of everything.
“He’s known for his speed, but he’s really running the ball hard and his defensive effort [is great],” said Cassville Head Coach Lance Parnell.
The best example of that effort was his touchdown saving tackle versus Trinity Catholic in the state semifinal.
The play kept the game tied 0-0 going to halftime.
“It [was] huge, for us to go 0-0 at half was huge for momentum,” Parnell said. “Bowen has stepped up for us in so many different ways this year.”
One of those ways is on the offensive side of the ball.
Just two weeks ago, Bowen ran for 219 yards versus state No. 1 Blair Oaks in the state quarterfinal.
“That was him just absolutely being a man last week and putting us on his back and saying we’re going to win this thing,” Parnell said.
Win it they did, knocking off Blair Oaks and then Trinity Catholic in back to back weeks.
Thanks in large part to Bowen not just on, but also off the field.
“As good a football player as Bowen Preddy is, he’s an even better human being,” Parnell said. “All of our kids look up to him. When Bowen speaks, they listen just because he’s so genuine.”
Now Cassville is heading the state final for the first time in a decade.
It’s an extra special opportunity for Bowen and the other seniors.
“We’ve been together since kindergarten, all the way up,” Bowen said. “We’re a family. Nothing’s better than this.”
Except maybe one more win.
That would bring the state championship back to Cassville.
Bowen says the Wildcats have the right ingredient to make it happen.
“Our heart, we’re going to play with every bit we got,” Bowen said. “I’m excited. I think we can do it.”
For his team-leadership and game-changing plays, Bowen Preddy is this week’s athlete of the week.
