The tried and true formula for offense in Prince George’s County is simple — rely on a physical ground game. Finesse? Isn’t that a brand of shampoo?
But Bowie is challenging the model, perhaps by accident. After injuries to tailback Evan Harrington and 250-pound fullback James Washington, the Bulldogs had to improvise. The results have been a revelation.
In the last two weeks, senior quarterback Andrew Trimmer has completed 28 of 40 passes for 412 yards and seven touchdowns. Wideout Gabriel Cazares has been on the receiving end of 16 of those completions for 242 yards and seven touchdowns.
“It’s fun,” said Trimmer. “I didn’t think we’d be throwing this much, but it’s working. I think it gives us an advantage. Not many teams in the county throw. We have a different look.”
When Bowie (4-0) travels to Laurel (3-1) Saturday, the visitors can expect a heavy dose of Timmer-to-Cazares.
After a year as reserves on a run-oriented team, the pair, both 6-foot, 180-pounders, have re-established the rapport they developed in their sophomore year on the junior varsity under current varsity head coach Jae Jackson.
“Gabe runs good routes and has very good hands,” said Jackson. “With his success, I expect teams to start doubling him.”
Last Friday in a 21-7 win at Henry Wise, Trimmer and Cazares showed their synergy on three touchdown passes, including two fade routes on which Trimmer lofted passes over Cazares’ outside shoulder and the wideout made deft, over-the-shoulder catches and kept his feet in bounds.
“That play is all timing. You make the break and look for the ball,” said Cazares. “Playing together the last few years has made a difference.”
The only downside at Wise was a pair of Trimmer interceptions.
“Andrew needs to survey the field more,” said Jackson. “His tendency is to get stuck on one receiver.”
For now, however, Jackson has to admit, the strategy is working well.
Flight of the Bulldog
» Bowie won the 4A state title in 2001, but hasn’t made the playoffs since.
» Evan Harrington carried six times for 131 yards and two TDs this season before suffering an Achilles strain. He will dress for Saturday’s game, but coach Jae Jackson hopes to rest him.
