Nate Dowler is embracing his newest challenge on the gridiron. The senior tailback has rushed for 113 yards on 23 carries in Malibu High School’s first three games, highlighted by a 34-yard touchdown run in the season-opener against Fillmore. This is Dowler’s first year as a running back and he is literally “learning on the run.”
“I’m doing pretty well,” Dowler said. “My instincts are coming along. I’m following my blocks on offense and watching the play develop. I just need to continue to run hard and not shy away from getting hit.”
Prior to joining the football program at Malibu, the only time Dowler played organized football was in the fifth grade when he competed in tackle football for one season. Fast-forward seven years later. At 5’8” and 165 pounds, Dowler is now the starting running back for the Sharks.
Dowler, 17, played cornerback exclusively last year for MHS. Now, just three games into the 2011 season, he has added offense to his game and established himself as the Sharks’ primary ball carrier in addition to his duties on defense. Dowler credits his offensive line for his progress.
“We are all learning together,” Dowler stated. “They are working hard and I’m really confident in them.”
The 34-yard touchdown run versus Fillmore was the first touchdown of Dowler’s varsity career, and he did it in style, stiff-arming a cornerback and then a safety to hit pay dirt. He will never forget the play called “35 Blast” as he powered his way into the end zone.
“I was so pumped up,” Dowler said. “I was pretty happy. But a victory would have been better.”
Malibu (1-2) lost its first two games to Fillmore 27-7 and Pasadena Poly 17-7 but bounced back last week with a much-needed 17-3 victory against St. Monica. Dowler is confident his team will improve as the season moves along.
“We only have 19 guys on the squad. It’s a challenge,” Dowler said. “Compared to last year, we are happy with where we are. We want to win and we expect to have a winning record.”
Coach Ray Humphrey didn’t know what to expect from his new running back. Dowler has been a steady fixture on the defensive side of the ball. He has 16 tackles and a 56-yard interception return to his credit thus far in the season. But his growth on the offensive side has impressed Humphrey.
“He was definitely a surprise, but he proved that he deserved to be in that position,” Humphrey said. “He plays hard and he is a guy that we can rely on. He is a spark for us.”
Dowler and the Sharks next play Bellarmine-Jefferson High School on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7:00 p.m. at North Hollywood High School.