Rebels to feature several new faces on the gridiron
Howell will host Brick on Friday to kick off season
By tim morris
Staff Writer

VERONICA YANKOWSKI Howell High School head football coach Corey Davies gives instructions during Monday’s practice.

Howell High School will be looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointing 1-9 campaign with an unusual combination. The Rebels will be senior-dominated, but young at the same time.

"We’re young but old," noted head coach Cory Davies, starting his 12th year at Howell. "We have seniors without a lot of experience. The confidence level isn’t there. We’re working to get better.

"The seniors have been together and are accustomed to play with each other," he added. "They have improved every year."

Howell’s offense, according to Davies, will feature a little bit of everything that he had done in his 12 years at the school. There will be option, single-back, no-back and drop-back passing from the quarterback.

VERONICA YANKOWSKI Howell’s Sandro Farduchi returns a kick-off during a drill at Monday’s practice.

The strength of Howell’s offense will be its receiving corps, where the Rebels have their most experience. Dan Loughlin, the tight end, and wide outs Mike Russell and Matt Maniscalco are all returning. There is no single standout in the group. Their strength is as a unit.

"As a full group, position by position, it is as good as we’ve had," Davies pointed out. "We don’t have a downfield threat. They are all good possession receivers who will move the chains. We’re looking to throw the ball more."

Who will throw the ball to this trio is still up for grabs. Senior Dan Irvin and junior Rich Morello have been vying for start at quarterback. Both saw action last year, which gives them something to draw on.

"They are much different players, but alike in a lot of ways," said Davies. "Dan is the more mobile and athletic of the two. Both are good passers. It will come down to which one is more productive."

Howell’s more pass-minded offense won’t abandon the running game.

Terrence Tatum ran behind 1,000-yard rusher Ramel Nolan last fall, which limited his carries. However, he was very effective when called on and the Rebels are looking for him to provide the running attack that will complement the passing game. Anthony Reda is the back-up tailback to Tatum.

Steve Moody and Ivan Gotay are the fullbacks.

Like the rest of the team, Howell’s offensive line will feature mostly seniors. However, none were starters last year. Rich Robertiello is the center. Bob Ware will start at one guard while Chris Vicari and Lou Sorrentino are vying for the other starter spot. Tom Papia will start at one tackle with Mike Savoye and Ryan Barnhard possibly splitting time at the other tackle.

This group doesn’t have a lot of size, but is very quick. Their mobility will be a big part of the offense. Most important for them will be how well they can protect the passer.

Loughlin is the team’s place-kicker. He gives the team another weapon when it is in scoring position.

Defensively, the strength is in the secondary where the free safety Moody and cornerbacks Irvin and Maniscalco are all returning starters. Shannon Hill will spell each of the them, keeping the unit fresh.

Howell is changing its look up front to a 4-4 to be more effective stopping the run.

Ryan Puccio and Mike Heiser will start at inside at the tackle position, spelled by Sorrentino and Barnhard. Outside at the end the Rebels have Mike Meller and Loughlin. Chris Baliatico and Savoye are the backups. The ends are quick and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Russell, who started in the secondary last year, has moved to outside linebacker. Rob Smith, Ryan Romano and John Clayton are the other outside backers. Inside, Tatum is the catalyst with Gary Zappi, Ware and Tom Papia working alongside him.

"Our first priority is to stop the run," said Davies.

The experienced backfield helps here because with the ability of the secondary to cover, it can free up the linebackers to concentrate more on the run.

With lower expectations coming off a one-win season, the Rebels are going to sneak up on teams this year. The seniors did have success at the junior varsity level and they can bring that with them to the varsity. Getting off to a good start will be important to Howell, as will be finding a way to win the close games, something they haven’t been able to do the last couple of years.

Howell jumps right into the fire opening night hosting Brick High School and legendary coach Warren Wolf (the football coach with the most wins for all-time, statewide). The kickoff time is 7 p.m. With road games at Central Regional (Sept. 20) and Middletown North (Sept. 27 at the Middletown South field), Howell does not play at home again until October, when the Rebels welcome Lakewood on Oct. 4 (7 p.m.).

Howell plays in the Constitution Division of the Shore Conference.