For Pike County senior running back Deshon Cowling the main goal is not to be the best runner on the field; it’s getting past the second round of the playoffs.

When the Bulldogs travel to Brewton to take on T.R. Miller tonight, they may do just that.

“We have been to the second round two years in a row,” Cowling said. “I’m the type of person that wants to go forward in life. That’s what motivates me the most. I don’t want to get stuck in the past, I want to go to the future.”

Cowling has been a force for the Bulldogs all season. Whether from the running back position or kick returner, Cowling has potential to break lose and score on any play.

As a running back Cowling is both powerful and elusive, a rare quality for a running back. “I am more of a shifty back I would say. I have more of a cut move, but I will use my strength when I am coming out of tackles.”

Cowling likes to be able to carry a load of defenders on his back and use his strong running attack to be able to score touchdowns.

“It gives more confidence in my running,” Cowling said. “I feel stronger about myself. I go hard every play. When I have a defender on my back, it makes be go harder.”

Cowling knows his ability to score on any play is an asset to the team.

“I’m a type of player who you don’t want to give up on,” Cowling said. “I am the type of player that you can stop three or four times, but when you give up on me that’s when I’ll break one.”

Cowling is also a leader, on and off the field.

“He is great leader for us,” said head coach Fred Holland. “He gives the team so many things, not just vocally, but he does it on the field. That is the important thing to see for the younger guys on the team.”

Seniors Kamari Jackson and Jerrel Lawson round out a dangerous triple threat to opposing defenses and the friendly rivalry the three share is what drives their success.

“We have a great bond,” Cowling said. “We always say we are better than one another. It’s like a competition, but we are all family and it really pushes our motor to get better.”