En route to crushing Howard County’s all-time career rushing record, breaking the county’s single season touchdown mark and running for 2,193 yards over 11 games this fall, Glenelg senior running back Wande Owens has always credited his offensive line. Their blocks, he said, are the key to his success.

Surely, there’s more to his dominance, but Owens refuses to boast. So, after the No. 7 Gladiators’ regional semifinal win over Oakland Mills on Friday night, Owens’ offensive line did the bragging for him.

Offensive tackle CJ Davidson: “He’s the toughest player I’ve ever played with.”

Tackle Jake Arnone: “One of the fastest people I’ve ever seen.”

Guard Otto Trawick: “He’s passionate. We know he loves the game. He definitely plays for us out there.”

Owens displayed all of those traits in a 42-0 shellacking of the Scorpions in the 2A South region semifinals. On 17 carries, Owens accumulated 246 yards and scored four touchdowns. On defense, he snagged one of the Gladiators’ four interceptions and juked his way to a 70-yard return touchdown. Oh, and he accomplished all this by the opening minutes of the third quarter.

With Owens leading the way, the Gladiators advance to next week’s region final, where they’ll play the winner of Westlake and River Hill.x

kstackpole@baltsun.com

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