Eastern Montgomery’s Dylan Owens runs for a first down after catching a swing pass from quarterback Nick Bahnken.
“Owens on the carry, Owens on the catch” is becoming a repeated announcement on the public address system at Eastern Montgomery High School.
The two brothers, Dylan and Devin, are a major part of this year’s football team’s offense.
Devin (5-6, 194), who is a junior, has led the team in rushing in several games this season including two games of over 200 yards. Dylan (5-10, 186), a sophomore, started the season at quarterback but has now switched to tight end and has made some big catches when the team’s needed them.
Their coach, Jordan Stewart, says they’re typical brothers.
“They fight and compete with each other. Matter of fact, I think they enjoy competing against each other as well as their opponent. But this will be a highlight in their life,” he said.
Stewart knows the feeling as he got a chance to play high school football for one year with his own brother.
Like the Stewarts, the Owens brothers remember playing football in the backyard while in first grade.
“We’ve always played together in one form or another. Typically, Dylan has played up an age group with me,” Devin said.
In those early years, including recreation youth football, both brothers were running backs, competing for the rock. That has slowly changed this season as Dylan has moved to QB and tight end.
He said it’s fun playing with his brother when he’s not yelling at him.
“We do that to push each other and tell the other what he needs to do,” Dylan said with a smile.
According to Coach Stewart, they go back and forward in practice and games.
The key has been the adjustment of playing different positions. Dylan shined at times during the spring and summer 7-on-7 drills as he played quarterback—a position the coach expects to be his the next two years. After a disastrous first game that included three fumbles, Dylan moved to tight end.
“I just wasn’t used to the position and need to learn a lot more, but it was fun giving the ball to Devin,” Dylan said.
That was the first time ever he had the opportunity to hand off to his brother. He admitted they have a bond that others on the team might not have.
“We’re brothers, so I think it’s expected, and I know when I turn to hand the ball off, he will be there.”
Stewart said the Owens brothers are very knowledgeable and good athletes who did not miss a single offseason workout.
“They’re tough kids and don’t complain about injuries. The future is bright here at Eastern Montgomery with them and the younger players that we have,” he said.
Eastern Montgomery hosts Parry McCluer this Friday night.
