WEST FORK --West Fork's Briant Bowerman thought his days on the football field were over, after suffering a torn hamstring in early May.
He worked hard in physical therapy, cutting his recovery time and incredibly getting him back on the field for the Tigers this season.
Profile
Briant Bowerman
School: West Fork
Class: Senior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Position: WR/OLB
Notable: Two-time all-conference player as a two-way starter for the Tigers. … Has a team-high 16 catches for 165 yards in just four games after returning from injury to go with a touchdown and two 2-point conversions. … also has 31 tackles and one interception from his linebacker spot this season.
Bowerman was stretching at first base to complete a game-ending double play, which he did successfully, in the 3A-1 District tournament in early May. But he knew instantly something was wrong.
"I stretched for the ball like I've done a thousand times, but my leg just never quit going," Bowerman said. "I did like the splits. I heard a pop. The pitcher said he heard the pop as well. I didn't know what it was at the time, but it was very painful."
What Bowerman felt was all three tendons tearing from his pelvic bone. He had surgery to reattach the tendons on May 13.
"The doctor said recovery would take a full year," Bowerman said. "It was kinda devastating, but I knew I had to get it taken care of."
But the senior's perseverance has paid off nicely for he and the Tigers, who will host Camden Harmony Grove on Friday night in a Class 3A state playoff game.
West Fork football coach Brad Lindley acknowledged Bowerman's return in week seven played a key role in helping the Tigers (7-3) win their second consecutive 3A-1 Conference title. He was a two-way starter as a junior and two-time all-conference player.
"As soon as we got him back, it was like our confidence shifted," Lindley said. "There was a big difference in our receivers, they all had more confidence in our quarterback. It was a transformation when we got him back on the field.
"I remember he scored a touchdown in his first game back, and I don't think I've ever seen a happier kid."
The numbers show he's a difference-maker. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder has a team-high 16 receptions in only four games, but the bigger impact might be on defense, Lindley said.
"He was one of our top tacklers the last couple years at his outside linebacker position," Lindley said. "He understands the game and puts himself in position to make plays. He's the coach-on-the-field type when he sees a formation he can relay what's fixing to happen. We were missing that early. He was on the sideline, still telling them what's coming, but it's not the same thing."
Bowerman's football instinct and tenacity make up for a lack of athleticism, Lindley said.
"He's a smart player and an outstanding open-field tackler," Lindley said. "If we line him up in a race against a guy from the other team, he's probably not going to win a race. He probably won't out-jump guys, but he's going to make solid plays and one-on-one tackles."
The one thing Bowerman has going for him is an incredible work ethic as shown by what he did in therapy. But his feelings were more spiritual as far as getting back on the field.
"You're emotional," Bowerman said. "You can't help but give God the glory. I knew he had a plan for everything. It's a great experience I would never want to give up. God's given me the ability to play again, and I'm in awe of it really."
The Tigers will try not to repeat what happened a year ago as West Fork lost after earning a first-round bye. West Fork's chances appear better with Bowerman back in the lineup.
Sports on 11/18/2015