Pomona football coach Jay Madden didn’t have to think too long in answering the question: Is Donovan Bowens the best running back you’ve ever coached?
“He is the best back I’ve had,” Madden said. “And he’s the fourth all-state back I’ve had in 12 years.”
As a junior, Bowens rushed for 1,800 yards. Even more is expected out of the 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior who is getting recruited by a number of Division I football programs.
“He (Bowens) is going to be incredible,” Madden said. “We are expecting him to rush for 2,000 yards. That’s our goal.”
Reaching that magical 2,000-yard mark will depend heavily on how Pomona’s offensive line performs this season, along with if it can stay healthy. Senior center Josh Carvalho will be anchor the line with seniors Donny Haupt, Bronson Silva and Kyle Vanderveen providing holes for Bowens to run through.
Junior Christian Stefo will standout on the offensive line standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at nearly 300 pounds.
“The one I’m really excited to run behind is Stefo,” Bowens said. “He is a big kid. He’ll have some Division I offers coming pretty early to him.”
Bowens said he feels more confident coming into this season after proving himself as one of the top running backs in the state. He feels comfortable jumping into more of a leadership role on and off the field.
“I feel like I have to be more of a leader this year. Not only rush for more yards, but also come out and lead the team,” Bowens said. “There is a lot of pressure on me to do big things.”
While Bowens and the offensive line are pretty established, Pomona will have a new signal-caller with the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Matt Castillo. There has been a good battle between junior Nathan Grimes and a move-in transfer from Mountain Range, junior Dylan Buononato, for playing time behind center. Buononato was a two-year starter at Mountain Range.
Madden said he isn’t putting too much importance on who will get the starting nod. Both should get time in a platoon-system.
“We want to make teams prepare for both quarterbacks,” Madden said. “They both have unique talents. We aren’t necessarily looking for a starter. Both will play. Neither will be holding a clipboard.”
Madden has turned over his offensive clipboard to his younger brother, Brad. After calling the offensive plays the past five seasons, the older Madden will take over calling the defensive plays.
“I’ve been trying to get back to defense forever since I left Dakota Ridge,” Madden said. “I can get back to being more intense and having more fun.”
Madden coached at Alameda, Dakota Ridge and Mullen before returning to his alma mater.
Jay Madden and Bill Pospisil, a former head coach at Wheat Ridge and Chatfield, will take care of running the offensive show for Pomona.
Defensively, senior safety Ryan Torrez will be the heart of a solid defensive back core that features three returning starters. Torrez also wants to be one of the emotional leaders for the Panthers.
“I want to bring excitement and enthusiasm this year,” Torrez said. “We weren’t really as enthused last year.”
Pomona will be geared up to face city rival Ralston Valley for the first time on the football field to open up the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. While the Mustangs still play in Class 4A, the Panthers aren’t taking Ralston Valley lightly.
“Everybody is feeling the tension,” Torrez said. “It’s almost like the A-West game. We are really excited for the game.”
Scheduling Ralston Valley before heading into the new-look 5A Big 8 was a no-brainer for Pomona’s coach.
“I think its more fun for the schools, more fun for the kids, when you play somebody you see all year long,” Madden said. “You are going to play a little harder, with more passion.”