PREP FOOTBALL Laying it on the line: Tigers looking to run

Howland's senior-led offensive line leads one of the area's best running attacks.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
WARREN -- When it comes to football, Howland High coach Dick Angle only guarantees two things.
"Pain and practice," he said.
When it comes to play calling, you can count on one other thing from Angle -- he will run. A lot.
The Tigers earned their second playoff appearance in school history last season behind all-state lineman Doug Datish and 1,000-yard rusher Mark Rek, who both graduated. The Tigers lost to Berea in the first round of the playoffs in 1986.
Datish is now at Ohio State, but thanks to a senior-led offensive line, Howland's running game is still formidable.
"Our line is the story," Angle said. "They've been doing it for us all year."
The Tigers (8-3) rushed for more than 200 yards in last week's 28-6 Division II regional quarterfinal win over Madison -- their first playoff victory in school history.
"We've been dreaming about the playoffs since ninth grade when we had a pretty good freshman team," senior lineman Ryne Nutt (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) said. "It felt good to win, but we can't be satisfied. We want to play a 15-game season."
Challenge ahead
Howland faces an even bigger test this week when the Tigers play Canfield in Friday's regional semifinal at Bo Rein Stadium in Niles.
Canfield beat Howland 23-8 in Week 5 -- and the Tigers are happy for the rematch.
"That was our goal after we lost to them," senior tight end Chris DiGiovanni (6-1, 210) said. "We've gotten better since then thanks to the games we've played. We want to really show people that we're a good team."
Running back Maurice Smith, who had more than 600 yards last year, has stepped in nicely, leading the team with 225 carries for 1,083 yards and 14 touchdowns. James Justice has 115 carries for 715 yards and three touchdowns and speedy tailback Tony Davis has 60 carries for 403 yards and five touchdowns.
Howland has more rushing attempts than its opponents (504-301), more yards (2,653-1,133) and more touchdowns (24-9). The Tigers have thrown just 61 times (compared to 246 for their opponents) and quarterback Chris Settlemire, who returned from injury last week, has run for 303 yards and thrown for 467.
"We're for real," senior lineman Lance Salters (6-2, 215) said. "We made a lot of mental errors in our first game against Canfield, so it's nice to have another chance to show them what we can do."
scalzo@vindy.com