Lucas Bowser

RIMERSBURG — Becoming a productive quarterback for Union’s football team was all about a solid mental approach for sophomore Lucas Bowser.

At the start of the season, the confidence wasn’t there.

As an underclassman, the 6-foot-3, 170-pound sophomore wasn’t comfortable settling into a leadership position.

“Especially on varsity,” Bowser said. “As the season went on, I became more comfortable.”

Bowser’s teammates helped build that confidence with a simple message. Following an 0-2 start, the Golden Knights needed wins to sneak back into the playoff picture.

Union has responded, winning three of its past five games to improve to 3-4. The biggest win came last Friday, with the Golden Knights 32-0 win over Clarion, which was their first over the Bobcats since 1994.

Senior wide receiver Cole Morris, who said he’s 5-9 if you give him that, started the season at quarterback. He had a hard time seeing over the offensive line to pass.

“I honestly wanted him to start at the beginning of the year, but we didn’t think he was ready,” said Morris, who moved to wide receiver. “We told Lucas you have to get this done for us to win. He accepted it and we are where we are.”

Bowser took over during the Golden Knights’ 34-6 win over Allegheny-Clarion Valley Sept. 18 in Foxburg. He completed 6-of-8 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

On the season, Bowser’s passed for 279 yards and three scores in addition to adding 76 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Making the switch was natural for Bowser.

“I was pretty comfortable, I played quarterback all my life and in junior high,” Bowser said. “I needed to keep my composure.”

Union coach Dave Louder said he planned to start Bowser from the beginning of the year, but changed his mind.

When the Golden Knights lost Trey Miles to a collarbone injury, it amplified the need for Morris, who had 986 receiving yards last season, to move back outside.

“Lucas is a decent quarterback and he gives us a chance to develop him for three years,” Louder said. “In March, April and May that was my plan. Moving Cole from wide receiver to quarterback meant we had no deep threat.”

Lacking a deep threat made things harder for running back Dugan Gallagher, who has 915 rushing yards and is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

“When they put 9 or 10 guys in the box it’s hard to do anything,” Morris said. “Having me play H-back opened up our big-play offense.”

With the offense opened up, Bowser, who plays linebacker, believes the Golden Knights can earn a fifth straight playoff berth.

They just need to stay confident.

“We know we can do it if we believe in ourselves and never quit,” Bowser said. “We’re playing well as a team. The line and running backs are doing well.”