Bowden earns major honor

Raiders QB named tops in offense

Staff report

For Warren Harding senior quarterback Lynn Bowden, football has been family.

“Great discipline for the real world and the things that you need to do,” Bowden said recently about the sport in which he excels. “You value every moment with your teammates, your family.”

Today, Bowden’s Harding family is celebrating his latest awards. On Monday, the two-year Raiders quarterback was named Ohio’s Division II offensive player of the year and was named to the Associated Press all-Ohio first team.

On Monday night, Bowden attended the annual Trumbull County Coaches Association awards banquet at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland, where he was named the Trumbull County Player of the Year.

In 13 games this season, Bowden gained 2,277 yards rushing and 1,366 yards passing. He scored 57 touchdowns as Harding went 11-2, losing to Hudson in the regional final.

Bowden wasn’t the only Raider earning state recognition. Lineman Taj Harper (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) also was named first-team all Ohio. Wide receiver Marlin Richardson, linebacker Thad McCollough and lineman Dan Angelo received special mention honors.

Also receiving special mention in Div. II was Boardman tight end Travis Koontz who caught 28 passes for 431 yards and two catches. Koontz has a scholarship to play for Toledo.

Also announced on Monday were Ohio’s Div. I honorees that included three players from Fitch. J.C. Mikovich, the Falcons’ 5-6, 135-pound defensive back, made second team as did punter Nick DeSalvo.

Mikovich, a two-way starter, made 32 solo tackeles and assisted on 20 others He made four interceptions and broke up seven passes. As a wide receiver, he caught 22 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown.

DeSalvo averaged 42.9 yards on his 36 punts. Eighteen of them were downed inside the 20.

Lineman Bryce Warmouth received special mention after making 20 solo tackles and assisting on 14 others. He made three sacks and caused two fumbles.