It was August 23, 2013. The Desoto Central Jaguars were opening the season versus Saltillo. They would do so with a sophomore quarterback named Cameron Bowman.

“I was nervous,” Bowman told SES. “Probably the most nervous I've been. We were playing at Saltillo and I had butterflies in my stomach until I got that first drive out of the way. I remember on one drive we were backed up on our 4-yard line and I threw a 96-yard TD which was my first one as a varsity QB.”

Bowman went 18-28 for 176 yards and a touchdown. His job as the Jags’ starting quarterback was secured. Bowman says that the game did not really slow down for him until around conference play began later in the season.

“My confidence through out the season grew tremendously,” Bowman explained. “I was nervous going through the first few games but as the season went on I got rid of those butterflies and started getting comfortable.”

After that opening night in August back in 2013, Bowman would go on to start 35 more times for the Jags and in a run heavy offense he managed throwing for 5,025 yards and 37 touchdowns.

In 2013 Desoto Central would start several sophomores. That group of young men would battle through three years together. An experience Bowman says he wouldn’t trade for anything.

“I wouldn't trade them for anything,” Bowman expressed. “I love every one of those guys. It helped us grow as a team more than anything. We all played for each other and grew together.”

In his three years as a starter, Bowman was asked to look back on his most memorable

moment. He did so with just one sentence.

“87-86 triple OT game against Olive Branch,” Bowman declared.

It was a game that came earlier this season. A game Desoto Central lost. Bowman was 14-27 for 266 yards and a touchdown. His teammate that had been in the backfield with him since pee wee football, Alan Lamar rush 59 times for 421 yards and nine touchdowns. He would also complete one pass for a 19-yard touchdown. To add a little cherry on top of the incredible performance, Lamar would return the game’s only punt for an 87-yard score.

Bowman has always carried himself with class and has always shown nothing but selflessness in the way he plays the game and handles success. When asked how he hoped he is remembered he displayed that same class and selflessness again.

“I want them to remember me as their quarterback,” Bowman said. “The stats and scores will fade away but the bond we had as a team won't fade.”

Bowman has had a great career and has been an absolute joy to cover over the past three years. Fortunately, Bowman says his football playing days are not over.

“I got a preferred walk on to the University of Memphis,” Bowman added. “I will be going there to compete for a spot and to earn a scholarship. I'll be starting June 1st.”

Congratulations Tigers, you got a great one!