27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Ace Sowell – Vilonia

After facing personal setbacks on the field the last two seasons, Vilonia Eagles senior defensive back/wide receiver Ace Sowell is putting in the work for a healthy final campaign.

“My sophomore year, I broke my collarbone while playing in a game,” he said. “My junior year, I broke my thumb also playing in a game. My personal goals this season are 500 receiving yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.”

Despite a disappointing season last year, a huge hire in former Conway Athletic Director Clint Ashcraft has shifted excitement in Vilonia. The Eagles are looking for their first playoff win since 2020.

“As a team, we are hungry for a state playoff win,” Sowell said. “Vilonia hasn’t won a playoff game in years, so with the talent that is on this team, anything but a playoff win will be a disappointment.”

He stays active in many sports at Vilonia. In addition to football, the senior competes in basketball, baseball and golf.

“I want to be remembered on the field as someone who puts God first in everything I do,” Sowell said. “God has given me the talent to play football, so I feel the need to give all glory and praise to Him.”

Beyond high school athletics, he enjoys playing wiffleball and pickleball with his friends in friendly competitions. 

He attends Vilonia Summit Church and works as a basketball referee and baseball umpire in the community. After high school, he plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and become a traveling nurse.