After tough 2013, Howland has something to prove

August 24, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

HOWLAND

The 2013 football season was one of transition for the Howland High football program.

For starters, the Tigers were under new leadership as Dick Angle stepped aside following a 15-year reign. First-year coach Dominic Menendez also inherited a team that was hit hard by graduation.

The result was a 4-6 finish which included four straight losses to end the season. For the first time in six years, the Tigers failed to make the playoffs.

“Last year was a learning experience for everyone in the program, and maybe especially me,” Menendez said. “I would like to think that we learned from it, and that we’ll come back strong.

“One thing about these kids, they are used to seeing Howland succeed, and they weren’t happy with last year. They feel like they have something to prove.”

OFFENSE

The strength of the Tigers’ offense will revolve around the offensive line, which returns four starters. Two-year letterwinner Michael Bell (6-foot-4, 265) will anchor a line which will also include Nick Bell, Jacob Hocevar and Nate McNees.

Senior Vernon Cesta missed the 2013 season due to an injury, but he is healthy and is expected to start at quarterback. Sophomore Victor William, who was a jack-of-all-trades a year ago, will get plenty of touches and could even find himself taking snaps from center. The Tigers also return senior running back Jaquore Marrs, who as a junior rushed for 1,309 yards.

Two-year junior letterman Tommy Carnifax (6-foot-5, 230) returns at tight end.

SDLqWe’re a bit inexperienced at the wide receiver position, but other than that we like where we’re at on offense,” Menendez said.

DEFENSE

The defense will be anchored by senior linebacker Jordan Radich, a two-year letterman who Menendez refers to as “a great leader and a smart player.”

Carnifax, Hocevar and Christian Neilan provide experience up front. Meanwhile, Marrs and Williams will provide experience in the defensive backfield.

Last year, Howland held seven of its opponents to three or fewer touchdowns.

“We lack experience at the perimeters, but other than that we have a solid nucleus of talented veterans,” Menendez said. “We’re happy with where we’re at defensively, and we’re also satisfied overall with our depth.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Jacob Lowe returns to handle most of the kicking duties. Menendez said the Tigers search for a punter “will probably continue until the very start of the season.” Marrs and William will be returning kickoffs and punts.

“We pride ourselves on special teams,” Menendez said. “You can’t win football games unless you have a solid special teams. It takes great teamwork, from the long-snapper to the holder and everyone else. It’s just a huge part of the game.”

OUTLOOK

There is plenty of optimism within the Howland camp, and with good reason. The Tigers return 19 lettermen, including six starters on both offense and defense. A large senior class of 23 will supply plenty of leadership.

The 70-man roster ranks as one of the largest in school history.

“Our schedule is filled with tough league opponents and fierce rivalry games,” Menendez said. “We know we’re going to be in for a battle week after week, but we’re eager to face the challenge.”

ROSTER

1Jacob LoweK6-3175Jr.

2Jordan RadichMLB-FB5-10185Sr.

4Jaquore MarrsRB-SS5-11185Sr.

5Ameer WilliamsonCB-WR5-9160Sr.

6Kordell BuschWR-FS6-0165Sr.

7Kevin CarboneWR-OLB5-10170Sr.

9Jacob SmithQB-SS5-9160Sr.

10Jacob LesterQB-CB5-8160So.

11Tyriq EllisRB-CB5-11180So.

12Matt O’MalleyWR-CB5-11158Jr.

16Vernon CestaQB6-0168Sr.