Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Spotlight On Developing Character
JOWERS, CARDINALS HANDLE ADVERSITY
FARMINGTON — Surrounded by a tempest of humiliation and adversity, Javan Jowers’ character emerged.
Farmington’s Homecoming celebration went south in a hurry with fumbles and penalties killing drives during Jowers’ junior season. Their frustration mounted on defense. Greenbrier senior quarterback Carter Burcham completed his first 20 passes, leading the Panthers to a 33-0 lead late in the first half. Greenbrier wanted another score, necessary to activate a mercy-rule running clock, and drove to midfield before the Cardinals forced four straight incompletions to stop the threat.
Farmington took over on downs at their own 49. Eleven seconds remained after an incomplete pass for a Cardinal offense, desperate to get something going.
With Greenbrier putting on an all-out rush against Farmington quarterback Trey Waggle, head coach Mike Adams pulled an arrow out of his quiver and called for a screen pass to Jowers. The Panthers predictably blitzed as Jowers slipped undetected into the flat. The junior tailback caught the short pass, took off towards the left hashmark, then reversed field bringing life to Farmington fans, who had very little to cheer about in the first half.
Jowers weaved his way upfield doing his utmost to stay on his feet. Finally, Greenbrier got him down at their 18 as time expired to end the first half.
Farmington would lose, 41-14, but Jowers’ 33-yard gain restored a measure of self-respect for the struggling Cardinal offense. Three plays into the second half his classmate Caleb Williams broke a 38-yard touchdown run and the goose egg was off the board.
During the off-season Adams switched defenses, shelving a 4-2-5 Farmington adopted two years ago in an attempt to match up with spread offenses they face in the 5A West. The alignment worked against the Cardinals leaving defenders out of position and unable to make plays in certain situations.
Jowers, one of the leaders in the secondary, started at strong safety last year. In the 4-2-5 he was supposed to line up with the Spur, a hybrid defensive back/linebacker, but the defensive calls didn’t always match up. The Spur was the fifth defensive back, but also the third linebacker.
“I think it caused a little bit of confusion,” Jowers said. “The linebackers could have one call and the spur could have a different call.”
This year Farmington reverts to a 4-3 defense that has been a hallmark of Adams’ career.
“Now, it makes communication a little bit easier, it’s more defined,” Jowers said. “I think it’s a lot easier and more streamlined.”
Besides absorbing athletic lessons on the football field, Jowers excels in the classroom, and lays hold on a dream.
During the summer break between his junior and senior years of high school, Jowers served as a delegate to Boys State May 31 June 3. He attended the Air Force Academy’s Summer Seminar June 18-23 at Colorado Springs, Colo., with a specific objective.
“The goal for me was to see if pursuing an appointment to an academy is what I really want to do,” Jowers said. “It’s certainly not a decision to take lightly — given the prestige of the school and the tedious application process.”
Students are selected to participate in Summer Seminar on a “whole person concept.” According to the USAF Academy website, the Air Force seeks out emerging leaders to take the Air Force into the future. The Air Force evaluates “future Falcons” based on an applicant’s demonstrated leadership experience or potential in extracurricular and community activities, athletics and academics.
Jowers came away loving every second of the experience, from learning about the history and mission of USAF Academy, to simulating a day of Basic Cadet Training (BCT). The questions in his young heart were answered.
“I believe wholeheartedly that attending the Academy and being commissioned as an officer, in that respective branch, is not only what I long to do, but most importantly where the Lord is leading me,” Jowers said.
The United States Air Force used to advertise on television with the slogan, “Right out of high school into flight school.”
Before he embarks on that adventure, Jowers has a present mission to fufill, help the 2017 Cardinals become the first Farmington football squad to secure a playoff berth from the 5A West.
According to preseason picks, they aren’t on anybody’s radar. A Hootens coaches’ poll lists Farmington as predicted to finish sixth in the league, but as Williams points out in looking at the season opener Aug. 29 against Prairie Grove, “We’ve got to show up and show them what Farmington football is all about. People from Fayetteville might not know how good Farmington is.”
Jowers prepares to play his part. Whatever role that may take, his leadership skills will come to bear on the game.