Howell High School quarterback Ryan Davies runs through a tackle during the Rebels’ scrimmage against Matawan Regional High School on Aug. 26 in Matawan. Howell will open the 2011 football season on Sept. 10 at Toms River North. For more photos of this scrimmage, see the Photo Galleries at www.gmnews.com. JEFF GRANIT Coach Cory Davies’ Howell High School Rebels have qualified for the state football playoffs in every year but one since 2005 and the Rebels won the Central Jersey Group IV title in 2007.
As the 2011 season gets under way this weekend, Howell finds itself in the same position it was in a year ago: replacing most of its starters from the previous year with seniors who have not had a lot of varsity playing time. It worked out well in 2010 with the Rebels going 6-4 and reaching the state playoffs.
Howell will open the season at Toms River North at 7 p.m. Sept. 10.
Davies believes his 2011 team has the potential to at least match what was accomplished in 2010. Success, he said, will be determined by how quickly the seniors play and lead like seniors.
The center of attention is senior quarterback Ryan Davies, the son of the coach, who is coming off an incredible performance in 2010. Davies led the state in passing yards (2,864) and touchdowns (36). Both of those marks are Shore Conference records.
Davies will have a new set of receivers to throw to this fall. Brandon Yaegel (11 catches, 1 TD) is the only receiver with significant varsity experience. Seniors Nick Craig and Pat Devine saw some action last year, and junior Tory Robinson could the newcomer who makes the biggest impact.
“This group is more than capable,” the coach said.
While Davies opened eyes with his strong arm, his legs kept many drives going. His mobility will be in play as the Rebels run some option this season. “I don’t mind it,” the quarterback said of the option attack. “It gives us a new dimension. Last year we were too one-dimensional at times.”
Howell expects to use several running backs, with Jon Oeftering starting. Nick Carelli, Jermaine Flournoy and Dave Jimerson will also see playing time.
The protectors on the offensive line are led by 6-5, 305-pound Tim Donahue. Robbie Leaks moves from fullback to the line. Tom Crimeni and Kenny Welsh, who were starters on the JV team in 2010, and senior Kyle Kutz complete the starting unit. Ryan Kunze, Dakohta Witte, Branford Rogers and Luis Gallo will see playing time.
Apriority for Howell is on the defensive side of the ball where the Rebels have to shore up their run defense. The Rebels have gone from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-4 look in an effort to stop the run more effectively.
At defensive end, Kutz, who missed last season with an injury, will be a key addition. Donahue will solidify the middle of the defensive line at tackle, much as he does for the offensive line. Leaks will start at defensive end, and Davies expects him to have an immediate impact. Crimeni, Welsh and Rogers will also see time at tackle.
Robinson and Oeftering are the inside linebackers, with Evan Pinney and Khalill Blue as the backups. J.P. Rodriguez, Ryan Leonard, Jimerson and Walter DeCanio will split time at outside linebacker.
Yaegel, Devine and Craig will split time at cornerback, while the free safety is Davies.
Howell has had very capable place-kickers over the years, and Cody Hubbs has that job this season.