By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

HOWLAND

Howland has made the playoffs nine times since 2001, including a string of six consecutive appearances from 2007-2012.

However, the Tigers stumbled through an uncharacteristic 4-6 season two years ago. Last year, the Tigers raced out to a 5-0 start before losing three of five. The result was a 7-3 record and a ninth-place finish in Division III, region 7.

“Our top goal is always to win a league title and hope that is enough to carry us to the playoffs,” said Howland coach Dominic Menendez. “This year is no different, and the kids are especially hungry because of our recent misses.

“Our off-season work ethic was outstanding, and that’s where it all starts. Our attitude this summer is tremendous. Our kids expect big things, and more importantly they understand what it takes to achieve their goals.”

OFFENSE

Howland fielded a youthful but talented group of skilled players in 2014, and with the group now a year older, the Tigers should possess plenty of offensive firepower.

Junior Tyriq Ellis led the team with a 6.1 yard per carry average (812 yards) and nine touchdowns last season. Junior Victor Williams made an impact as both a rusher and quarterback.

Senior tight end Tommy Carnifax (6-4, 250), a three-year letter winner and a Northwestern commit, will give the Tigers strength and experience up front. Senior Nick Bell (6-2, 250) and junior Ryan Jones (6-3, 265) will help make Howland’s offensive line one of the more experienced in the area.

Menendez describes the quarterback position as “a work in progress” and says that four individuals have been vying for the position throughout the summer.

“Victor is our insurance policy — he can handle the duties — but right now we’re looking at all our options,” Menendez said.

DEFENSE

“We always hang our hat on defense, and this year is no different,” Menendez said. “We feel good about our group of linebackers and our secondary. They’ve got talent and experience. We have some playmakers.”

Williams, Steven Baugh (69 tackles, two sacks) and Elijah Thompkins (71 tackles, two sacks) will lead the corps of linebackers. Ellis and Austin Baker (35 tackles) will give the Tigers experience in the secondary.

Carnifax will anchor a defensive line which is otherwise inexperienced.

“Defensively we have a nice combination of a talented junior class and an experienced senior group that provides great leadership,” Menendez said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior kicker Jacob Lowe returns, while Williams and sophomore Jon Elliot vie for the punting duties. The deep group of skilled players should provide the Tigers with a strong kickoff and punt return game.

OUTLOOK

Howland was oh-so-close to making the playoffs a year ago, and with 19 seniors and 18 returning lettermen, there is reason to believe the Tigers can end their two-year postseason drought.

“We’re excited about our skilled players on both sides of the ball,” Menendez said. “Our inexperience at quarterback is a concern. How quickly we find someone to settle in at that spot will go a long way in determining our success.”

Howland plays Hubbard and Poland in back-to-back weeks in September. They close the season against backyard rival Warren Harding.

“I know it’s a cliche, but there are no weeks off with our schedule,” Menendez said. “We have to stay focused and above all we have to stay healthy if we’re going to compete week-in and week-out against some very tough competition.”