Smith guides Howland over JFK

By Chuck Housteau

WARREN — Howland coach Dick Angle watched nervously as freshman running back Deveon Smith was being interviewed by radio, television and print media following the Tigers final regular season game with Warren JFK.

It wasn’t clear if this was Smith’s first postgame interview but it won’t likely be his last.

Angle seemed pleased with how Smith handled himself in the interviews and on the football field.

Smith rushed for 151 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead Howland past the Eagles 21-12 in the weekend’s final rivalry matchup.

The win propelled the Tigers (9-1) to the second spot in the Division II, Region 5 rankings and a home game Friday night.

Kennedy (7-3) had already clinched a spot in the Division VI, Region 17 playoffs prior to the contest and will play on the road next Saturday.

“Deveon had a great game offensively,” said Angle who coached Smith’s two older brothers, Maurice and Lance previously at Howland. “[Mike] Mangiarelli had a lot of two-way duty and it was Deveon’s day to do the running.

“He’s a great player and he’s going to get better but we are all about the team at Howland and everyone stepped up tonight.”

Smith broke open a tight 14-6 contest when he ripped up the middle, broke several tackles and outraced the Kennedy defenders 39 yards to the end zone with 2:37 left in the game.

Kennedy came roaring back and marched 63 yards behind the arm of quarterback Anthony Angelo.

The senior completed 4 of 5 passes in the drive and finally found Carl Broadbent for a diving 4-yard touchdown catch with 1:06 left.

Kennedy failed on the two-point conversion attempt and misfired on the ensuing onside kick.

Howland was able to run out the final minute off the clock to turn back the Eagles in what could be the final matchup between the two neighboring schools.

For now, this was the final scheduled contest between the Division II Tigers and the Division VI Eagles.

“I’m proud of the kids,” said JFK coach Tony Napolet. “We couldn’t match up with [Howland] but yet we did match up with them.

“That number 4 [Smith] isn’t too bad for a freshman. He almost single-handedly beat us. We made some adjustments at halftime but it was just a great high school football game.”

Howland scored first early in the second quarter when Smith broke free on a 57-yard run to the Kennedy 2. Brandon Neilan covered the final yards for the touchdown and Howland led 7-0.

The Tigers opened up a 14-point lead with 4:10 left before halftime when Smith tallied on a 14-yard run.

Kennedy had two great scoring opportunities in the third and fourth quarters but could only cash in on one.

In the third quarter, JFK drove to the Howland 2-yard line but were stuffed on a fourth down play on a great tackle by Matt Preston.

Kennedy did score on its next drive when Angelo connected with Mark Ringold for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 8:18 left in the game.

Angelo finished with 154 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 15 of 24 passes.

Smith said he likes his role with the Tigers.

“Mangiarelli is a senior and I know I am going to have my turns,” said Smith. “When the time is right I’m going to do my thing and Mike is going to do his thing because he is a good running back.

“I know I have to earn my time.”