Powell powers Rockets
SLIPPERY ROCK — Jonathan Powell is one part David Blaine, one part Peyton Manning and one part Timex watch.
The Slippery Rock Highjunior quarterback executes ball fakes that would make even master magician Blaine envious.
He audibles at the line with the craftsmanship of Manning and keeps on ticking after taking vicious hit after vicious hit.
"My quarterback represents, as far as coaching is concerned, everything I love in life," said Slippery Rock coach Clyde Conti. "He just takes command. Most of the things we do out there is his management of the game."
Powell is a huge reason why the Rockets are 2-0 in the region and head into Friday night's clash against Titusville with a chance to take the lead in the region race.
Powell's success comes as little surprise to many observers.
At the end of his sophomore season, his first as a starter, Powell showed why the Slippery Rock offense was in good hands with him under center.
But this season, Powell has matured to the point where Conti has surrendered almost full control of the offense to him.
"He has the trust," Conti said. "When they talk about extension (of the coach), he is, literally. He has control."
Powell has completed 30 of 59 passes for 560 yards and two touchdowns and has rushed for 367 yards and seven scores this season.
He's also wracked up just as many nagging injuries, but Powell keeps coming back for more.
He was knocked out of the game against Franklin, but returned to help Slippery Rock rally for a 23-12 win.
"You'd have to cut his heart out to get him out of the game," Conti said.
You name the body part, and ice probably has been applied to it at one point or another.
Powell simply shrugs it off."I really don't think of it like I'm going to get hit and get hurt and I'm going to be in a lot of pain on Saturday morning," Powell said. "I just want to win. I'll take any kind of pain if we win."Powell said his toughness comes from a usual source: His older brother, Justin, who had a penchant for being a bully in his youth."I've taken a beating," Powell said, smiling. "That's probably where it came from."No matter the level of football, Powell's control of the offense is unusual."I ask him what he wants to do," Conti said. "He just says, 'Win.'"Next to winning, Powell particularly enjoys having the ball in his hands, either throwing it or running it.Late last season, Conti went more and more to the option to showcase Powell's running ability. Powell has taken that offense and, well, run with it."I love running the team," Powell said. "I love running the option. It's something I've always wanted to do since I started watching Navy and Air Force college games."Powell's passing has improved significantly as well.Last year, he was a 35 percent passer. This season, he's completing more than half of his attempts."I feel like I'm doing a lot better passing, but I feel like I can still do a little better," Powell said. "It's not all me. I have two receivers in Derrick (Orloski) and Zack (Ejzak) who are phenomenal."Powell's play has Slippery Rock thinking playoffs.Last year, the Rockets fell one win short of advancing to the postseason.This year's march starts with the feet and arm of their gifted and gutty QB.And his leadership that belies his youth."There's no doubt in my mind we can make the playoffs," Powell said. "I think we came together as a team on the first day of summer."
