Ryan Lover Bulldozes Through Defenses for Second Straight 1,000 Yard Rushing Season
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by Ryan McCabe
published 11/25/22
Following Bow Football’s dominant defeat over Laconia, the final regular season game, senior running back Ryan Lover eclipsed over 1,000 rushing yards in a 9-game span. Averaging over ten yards a carry, Lover was a force in the running game, consistently breaking numerous tackles and powering through opposing defenses. After a stellar junior year campaign, the Falcons leaned on Lover and the domineering run game on offense for the 2022 season. Bow Football’s longtime Head Coach Paul Cohen stated, “He is one of the work horses in our stable, as it were, of running backs. Simply put, he is hard to tackle, able to run through defensive players, legs always seeking that extra yard.”
The Falcons finished the regular season 8-1, placing second in the East Division and third overall in Division Two. This record was largely due to Lover and the strong smash-mouth run game Bow Football is known for. Selected as the only member on the football team to make the top 50 players in the state, Lover is highly regarded. But with all of his accolades and success on the gridiron, he’s remained humble.
“I have to give credit to my lead blockers (Myles Rheinhardt, Hollis Jones, Logan Godan, Owen Guertin) and obviously our linemen the past couple of years. Couldn’t do it without them.”
Lover’s dominance on the high school football field is no new occurrence. He’s been a top tier running back since middle school, making the First Team All-State Granite State Football league (GSFL) team and being named MVP for his Bow Youth Football (BYF) team following his eighth grade year. His early days in BYF helped mold him into the player he is today.
Lover mentioned, “Growing up playing football has not only taught me mental toughness, but also to be a hard worker.” He went on to say, “It’s taught me how to deal with adversity, and I couldn’t thank enough all the coaches I’ve had through the years for teaching me all sorts of football and life skills.”
Not only is Lover a tremendous athlete, but a great leader to his team. He was named team captain in the summer, but has held a leadership role since last year. Coach Cohen noted,
“Ryan demonstrated outstanding leadership last year, being one of the major organizers of the tribute for Nick the day tragedy struck. Post season 2021, he was a diehard attendee at winter conditioning, resulting in a legitimate 400-pound bench press. And his constant encouragement of fellow players has continued through that time to summer conditioning, 7v7’s, and in our state title run.”
It’s clear his positive leadership has brought the team together, inspiring each player to be “All In” (the 2022 team motto).
Ryan Lover will go down in history as one of the best running backs to come through the small town of Bow. Although some players have reached the 1,000 yard rushing mark, he is the only one to ever reach it in two straight seasons.
“In BHS history, I believe Ryan is the only one,” commented Coach Cohen. “We have had several 1,000 yard rushers, but his successive performances are exemplary.”
Without question, Lover etched his name into Bow’s history books on the football field, leaving the gridiron as arguably the best running back to suit up in the blue and maize. His legacy is one to be remembered for years to come.
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