Signal Mountain senior quarterback Drew Lowry has the "Sunshine" look from "Remember the Titans."
Tall, lanky, hair flowing out of his helmet and confident. He didn't start the season at quarterback, just like in the movie, but he's the leader now, and he showed it Friday night.
Lowry ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns, threw for another score and led Signal Mountain to its third straight victory as the Eagles beat Brainerd 28-7 in a Region 3-3A game. For Lowry and the Eagles, the hunt for a home playoff game is on.
"I just want the ball in my hands so I have a chance to make a play," said Lowry, who moved to QB at halftime of Signal Mountain's game at Red Bank four weeks ago. "I love to run, and I love to get into the end zone."
Signal Mountain (3-4, 2-1) controlled the game from beginning to end. Brainerd (3-4, 2-1) went to deep throws in the second half and managed a score, but the Eagles never were threatened.
"This is our most important win," coach Josh Roberts said. "If we can take care of business, we will get a home playoff game, and these kids don't know what that's like. We are getting better every game, and we can be dangerous when November comes."
After leading 14-0 at halftime, Signal expanded its margin to 21-0 on a 45-yard touchdown pass from Lowry to Travion Williams.
Brainerd's lone score of the night came midway in the third quarter when quarterback Xiyeer Latimore connected with Trey Owten on a 35-yard pass. The extra-point kick was good, and the Panthers closed to 21-7, but Signal answered with a 10-yard touchdown run to finish the scoring.
"We have some good things going," said Lowry, who got his 145 yards on 25 carries. "But we have to keep it going."
Brainerd played three quarterbacks in the first half and did little against the Signal Mountain defense. Other than a 36-yard completion from Lattimore to Owten, the Panthers generated only 18 yards in the half.
"Our defense is getting better and better," said Robert, whose team had three takeaways. "We were in the right place and we tackled. Considering where we have been, tonight is proof that we are moving in the right direction. The kids have bought in, and I am proud of them."
A 20-yard punt return by Braden Casner started Signal's first touchdown drive, setting the Eagles up at the Brainerd 39. Five plays later, Lowry scored from 24 yards out around the right end. Scott Payne added the point and Signal Mountain led 7-0 with 8:18 left in the first quarter.
After the Panthers went backward on three plays, the Eagles got another good punt return and started from the Brainerd 29. Lowry carried the ball five times for 24 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run, and after the Payne point, Signal Mountain led 14-0.
Both Signal Mountain and Brainerd are off next week.
Contact Davis Lunday at sports@timesfreepress.com