Week 7 Player of the Week: Winder-Barrow’s M.J. Dowdy

Winder-Barrow's M.J. Dowdy is joined by head coach Robert Paxia for the presentation of GHSF Daily's Player of the Week award.

Winder-Barrow’s M.J. Dowdy has one scholarship offer, from South Florida. Others are waiting for the running back’s junior film.

The highlight reel got a boost Saturday, when Dowdy rushed for a school-record 347 yards and five touchdowns in a 57-43 victory over Habersham Central. Dowdy has rushed for 1,046 yards this season in six games. He was over 1,000 yards rushing as a sophomore, too.

“He is a powerful runner who runs behind his pads,” Winder-Barrow coach Robert Paxia said. “He has good vision and patience, which allows him to set up blockers.”

The victory improved Winder-Barrow 2-0 in region play for the first time since 2017. The Bulldoggs and Clarke Central, both 4-2 overall, are tied for first place. Winder-Barrow has never won a region championship.

Dowdy is GHF Daily’s Player of the Week. The award is sponsored by Sports Turf.