There was no doubt that Drew Lowry had the talent to be a big-time playmaker for Signal Mountain's football team this season. The only question was at what position the 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior would be counted on to spark the offense.
After beginning the season at receiver, Lowry has settled in at quarterback, leading the Eagles to three straight wins and a chance to challenge for a home playoff game through the second half of the season.
Last Friday night he took control in a key Region 3-3A game against Brainerd, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns and completing four of six passes for 62 yards and another score to lead the Eagles to a 28-7 win that put his team in line for the region's second spot.
That all earned Lowry the latest BMW Performance of the Week award.
"He came in at quarterback for us at halftime of the Red Bank game a few weeks ago, and ever since then we've been more consistent on offense," Eagles coach Josh Roberts said. "His level of play has not only helped the offense, but we're able to work the clock and help keep the defense from getting as tired. He's made the whole team better.
"We've simplified what we're doing on offense, and he's really been giving defenses some trouble. When you've got an athlete of his caliber, it raises the level of play for everybody. The line knows even if they miss a block, Drew may run around and make a play, so nobody gives up until the play is over."
With a 14-0 advantage at halftime last week, Lowry extended the lead with a 45-yard TD pass to Travion Williams.
A Belmont University baseball commitment, Lowry has rushed for nearly 560 yards to help Signal Mountain begin climbing out of an 0-4 start that came against one of the area's toughest early-season schedules. That included three teams ranked in the top five of their classifications: Tyner, Red Bank, Whitwell.
"It was a tough way to start, but after that fourth game Coach Roberts said we would turn things around," Lowry said. "Things have just kind of clicked for us the past few weeks, and we've been on a roll. That Brainerd win was really big for our confidence and because we want to win out and get a home playoff game.
"Having played receiver helps, because I know where the seams will be for our guys to be open. There are a lot of plays where I'm just running around trying to make a play for our team."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.