David Bauer wasn't supposed to be the offensive savior for the Slippery Rock High School football team.

It's just turned out that way.

Bauer has been stellar at the wingback position for the Rockets, rushing for 512 yards on just 86 carries and catching nine passes for 130 yards.

"David Bauer is tremendous," said Slippery Rock coach Clyde Conti. "You know I don't usually like talking about individual players, but David Bauer has been great for us."

Bauer has become the go-to guy on the Rockets' offense almost by default.

The senior, who started at defensive back as a sophomore during Slippery Rock's run to the PIAA Class AA semifinal game, watched as several key members of the team decided not to play football this season.

Then he watched more of his teammates miss time because of injuries.

But Bauer never flinched at the added responsibility. Instead, he relished it.

"I always knew I could do it," Bauer said. "A lot of it has been the line's performance, then I do what I can."

Bauer has done a lot.

Last week in a 17-14 win against Hickory, Bauer rushed for a career-high 150 yards on just 19 carries. He also scored the winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with 2:58 remaining in the game.

A week before, Bauer was at his best on both sides of the ball, gaining 112 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. He also recorded 14 tackles.

"I take a lot of pride in how I play defense," Bauer said.

Bauer is only 5-feet-8 and 150 pounds, but he packs a wallop on defense and is also deceptively strong when carrying the football.

"He's not the biggest guy out there, but he comes flying up and hits people," Conti said.

Bauer also plays on special teams and is one of the team leaders.

Slippery Rock needed leaders after a 0-4 start that was disheartening for everyone involved, as all four losses easily could have been wins.

The Rockets lost a game to Fairview on a final-second pass play in the opener, lost a game to Reynolds in which they held the Raiders to fewer than 100 total yards, lost to Sharon on a punt return and lost an overtime game to Grove City.

But Slippery Rock has recovered from those defeats to win three straight games. In those victories, Bauer has rushed for 281 yards.

"It satisfying because, basically, we just bounced back," Bauer said. "Nobody expected us to, but everyone's spirits were high."

Bauer has seen just about everything high school football has to offer.

As a sophomore, he rode the wave of success to the brink of a state championship game appearance, then watched as a promising season last year crumbled and ended with a 3-6 record.

Even though Slippery Rock is under .500 again, it is a different feeling entirely.

"Some people would probably say we've had a disappointing season," Bauer said. "But it hasn't been. We've been in every game this season. I think this has been a very good experience."

Bauer has two more high school football games left - Friday against region champion Wilmington and then the season finale against Quad-A power Erie McDowell.

To Bauer, these last two games are precious.

"It's a chance for us to put a stamp on the season and show everyone we're a good team, despite our mediocre record," he said.

Photo: Bauer