County prep football stars sign with colleges

The King’s Academy, Gareth Rowlands, signed a football scholarship with Tusculum College on National Signing Day in the academy’s library conference room Wednesday morning. The all-purpose athlete for the Lions signed as a kicker for the Pioneers. “They only have one kicker on the team,” said Rowlands, who is a native of Wales. “He is a 5th-year senior who has yet to kick in a game. I have an opportunity to kick from the get go.” Rowlands made 5-of-6 field goals and only missed three extra points in his career with the Lions. Ninety-eight percent of his kick-offs went into the end zone for touchbacks. In addition to his strong leg, Rowlands played running back and wide receiver on offense where he accumulated 324 yards rushing on 71 carries and four touchdowns. As a receiver he had 238 yards receiving on 10 receptions and one touchdown. On defense, Rowlands played cornerback where he had a total of 71 tackles and six interceptions. Rowlands is appreciative of the mentoring he has received while at the academy the last two years. “The King’s Academy has been the best experience of my life,” said the grateful Rowlands. “It has been the provider of many opportunities that I have waited for and now my dream of attending college has come true. The dorm staff, coaches, and teachers have done everything they could to help me in my pursuit of playing at the next level.” During Wednesday’s happy moment, Rowlands did feel some sadness. “My mom and dad are back in Wales,” he commented. “I wish they could have been here for my signing. They are very anxious for this to be done. It has been tough being so far way from them in such an important time but they have supported me all the way.” ****Watson, Feezel ink with OVC Schools**** Corey Watson and James Feezel made it official Wednesday morning when they signed to play for rival Ohio Valley Conference schools. Watson, a former All-Region quarterback and defensive back for the Smoky Bears, accepted a full scholarship at Tennessee Tech under veteran head coach Watson Brown. Feezel, Watson’s favorite target at SCHS, might be facing off with his former teammate next fall after signing a full scholarship to play for Austin-Peay. Watson is projected to play in the defensive backfield at the college level while the long and athletic Feezel is a prototype wide receiver prospect. Watson turned down a couple of other offers from mid-major schools in the state as well as a couple of opportunities to become an invited walk-on at two high level Division I programs. Feezel, also a standout basketball player currently leading the SCHS hoops team in scoring, was expected by most observers to be a quality basketball prospect for the next level but instead opted to continue his athletic career on the football field. **** Former PFHS QB Harper signs with Lambuth College***** Former Pigeon Forge High School quarterback Paul Harper officially signed to continue his football career at Lambuth College Wednesday morning. Harper, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound southpaw, led all area quarterbacks in passing last season, according to information provided by the high school. He finished his senior season with 1902 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns. Harper is an unusual prospect because he played just one season of high school football, his before-mentioned senior campaign. With his prototypical size and above-average arm-strength, Harper is considered to have a wealth of potential and could have his best days on a football field ahead of him. In his first and only season as a high school quarterback, he completed 57% of his pass attempts and broke school records for attempts, completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and total yards during his senior season of 2006. Recently named an All-District basketball player for 2007 and a District Champion in doubles tennis, Harper was named first team All-Region 1-AAA and was Pigeon Forge High’s nominee for the Wendy’s High School Heisman.