By Tim cleveland

sports @vindy.com

HOWLAND

It was far from a masterpiece, but Howland was able to do just enough against Lakeview on Friday night, taking advantage of six turnovers (plus two other drives the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs) for a 16-6 victory.

“Defense has done a great job,” Howland coach Dominic Menendez said. “We preach and we knew we were going to be a little young on offense, so the defensive guys had to step up.”

On an attempted punt late in the first half on its own 32, the ball was snapped over the head of Lakeview punter John Estlack. He recovered on the 14. Howland took advantage with a 25-yard field goal by Jacob Lowe for a 3-0 lead with 41.5 seconds remaining.

“It was a rivalry football game,” Lakeview coach Tom Pavlansky said. “It was a hard-hitting contest. That’s what we expected.

“Our kids were jazzed up. They were excited. We certainly didn’t help our cause a whole lot both coaching-wise and playing-wise, but if you had told me we’d have five turnovers in the first half and only be down three points, I’d have taken it.”

Beginning the second half, Howland played with determination to extend its lead. The Tigers went 63 yards on 12 plays in 6:05 for what ended up being the winning score.

Jaquore Marrs carried eight times for 39 yards on the drive, which ended with a 7-yard scoring pass from David Flack to Jamie Williams for a 9-0 advantage.

“We preached at halftime, we’ve got to take the ball and drive it down the field and put it in the end zone,” Menendez said. “That’s been our downfall, finishing drives. It was great to see us go on a nice march and get the ball in.”

Marrs led the attack for the Tigers (2-1) with 159 yards rushing on 34 carries. His 19-yard run gave Howland a 16-0 lead with 2:37 to play.

“I owe it all to my line working their butts off all week in practice,” Marrs said. “We get better as the game goes on and they proved it. They blocked and I did all the rest.”

Down by two scores, Lakeview quarterback Angelo Marino did his best to bring the Bulldogs (0-3) back. He threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Sean Rein with 1:54 to play. Marino attempted to run for the 2-point conversion but was stopped short.

Marino rushed for 37 yards on 15 carries, but was only 12 of 28 passing for 122 yards and three interceptions (two by Tre Bryarly). He was also charged with a fumble on a snap high over his head in the first quarter.

“Angelo’s special. He’s a special quarterback,” Pavlansky said. “We’re fortunate to have him. We’re all going to keep on getting better. He’s got some ability.”

Menendez said he had no doubts Marrs would return to peak form after last week’s 21-16 loss at Warren Harding.

“Jaquore’s a great back,” Menendez said. “You can slow him down a little bit, but eventually he’s going to pop one. He’s a great kid, works hard and he’s a great runner. I’m glad he’s playing for us.”