Hart’s Owens Makes Big Connections

It now can be said without any hesitation that Hart High’s Jerry Owens is no longer a basketball player dressing up in a football uniform.

Possessing speed, athletic ability and a knack for the big play, Owens has become a wide receiver who creates almost as many problems for opposing teams as former Hart star Cody Joyce did last season.

On Friday night, Owens burned Canyon on touchdown receptions of 51, 43 and 34 yards as the Indians opened Foothill League play with a 38-28 win at College of the Canyons.

Owens, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior, finished with five catches for 195 yards. Last week, he had a school-record 275 yards receiving against Loyola. He has 10 touchdown catches in six games.

Joyce, a freshman at UCLA, was on hand to admire Owens’ work.

“He’s always been an athlete,” Joyce said. “It’s just been a matter of him coming into his own. He’s fun to watch. Hopefully, we can get him to UCLA next year.”

Owens came into Hart as a freshman known for his basketball skills. He still plays the sport, but his fortunes are rising rapidly in football.

“I do feel like a football player, but I’m still a basketball player, too,” Owens said.