By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

HOWLAND

You would think that Dominic Menendez would feel the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Menendez has the unenviable task of replacing Dick Angle, who stepped down after 15 seasons in which he guided Howland to eight conference titles and nine playoff appearances.

However, Menendez had been an assistant under Angle throughout his tenure. He believes the experience gained from his former mentor will pay dividends for himself and the Tigers.

“I know there is no way to ever truly replace a guy like Dick Angle,” Menendez said. “He is a coaching legend. But I feel like he prepared me well for this moment. I like to think that I had a role in the transformation of Howland football.

“I know the kids, and they know me. We’re on the same page, so I look for a smooth transition.”

OFFENSE

Speaking of replacing legends, the Tigers must fill the void left by the graduation of running back De’Veon Smith. Now at Michigan, Smith was a four-year starter and graduated as Trumbull County’s all-time leading rusher.

“We don’t have one single back who will carry the load,” Menendez said. “Fortunately, we do have a number of backs who are very capable of contributing.”

Jaquore Marrs, T.K. Fortson and R.J. Robinson all played a year ago, and all three should get their share of touches.

The Tigers must also replace 1,000-yard passer Eric Lockney. Senior Ross Griffin, a wideout last year, has the edge.

The line returns just one letterman in junior Mike Bell. But Menendez believes his blockers will prove to be a bright spot for the offense.

“Up front, we’re going to be bigger, stronger and faster than we were last year,” Menendez said.

DEFENSE

Fortson (20 sacks, 110 tackles) and junior Jordan Radich (100 tackles) led the Tigers in tackles a year ago. Their return as linebackers highlight a defense which brings back six starters.

“We’re very strong up front,” Menendez said. “Our biggest concern right now is a lack of experience and depth in the secondary. We need that unit to gel quickly. If they do, we can have the makings of a very strong defense.”

The unit will also benefit from the return of Eric Ungaro, who will serve as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. Ungaro held the same position under Angle for a number of years before stepping aside in 2012.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Menendez describes this unit as “young and inexperienced” and says he and his staff will work to mold the group throughout the season.

“The youth is a concern, because special teams is a huge part of the game,” Menendez said. “We have two sophomore kickers who have to deal with the pressures of varsity football, and that’s no easy task.”

OUTLOOK

Both on the field and sidelines, Howland will have a different look this year. But Menendez is confident in the system, and believes that tradition will help the Tigers as they begin a new era.

“This group, they’ve been around success,” Menendez said. “More importantly, they’ve seen what it takes to achieve that success. They’ve learned from a pretty good group before them who helped set a high standard.

“The passion is there to succeed. So is the talent. How quickly we gel will determine how far we can go.”