Rodrick Taylor, at 6-1 and 245 pounds, certainly is big enough to play football.

Only one problem:

He'd much prefer knocking over tenpins than teenagers.

"Really, bowling is the only sport I've tried or had any interest in," said the 15-year-old, Highland Springs High sophomore.

This past winter, Taylor was high roller in the Saturday morning Junior League at Bowl America Eastern on Williamsburg Road.

Leading his coed squad, Destiny, to the top-division team title, Taylor posted the highest game (300), set (792) and average (212) for the three-month season.

It marked the third straight year Taylor has carded the highest average in the U-18 league.

"Actually, I did better last year -- 218; I struggled a little this season," said the right-hander who prefers his 15-pound Morich 'N Sane LevRG ball.

The unassuming Taylor makes it clear he didn't do it alone. His Destiny teammates included Rex Leigh, Jorjio Wright, James Wrigglesworth and Jessica Overton.

Next up for Taylor will be the state junior event next month in Virginia Beach.

Taylor never was interested in working up a sweat until his older brother, Kendrick, talked him into signing up for Eastern's Have-a-Ball clinic five years ago.

In no time, he found his niche. In a blink, he turned from couch potato to lord of the lanes.

"Rodrick's just a natural," said Michelle Hallman, who was Eastern's promotions director at the time. "You know how some kids are natural ballplayers? He's a natural bowler. It came easier for him than other people. His approach and follow through are so smooth."

Football and basketball (Capital District champions) are the most popular sports at Highland Springs. Taylor admits he rarely has anyone to talk bowling with in the school hallways.

While he may be an unknown, athletically, at school, he's a well-respected figure at Eastern, where he'll go "over there early in the morning -- and I'll stay all day," he said. "I'll do league, then keep practicing after that, all day."