Steve Boyle, Howland alum, takes over for Dominic Menendez as the leader of the Tiger football program in 2018. Boyle served as an assistant at Thiel, Maine and at his alma mater just last year. “The transition (to head coach) has had its ups and downs,” Boyle says. “Overall, I feel the program is starting to move in the correct direction. We’re continuing to focus on the process and grow as a team.”
2018 Howland Tigers’ Football Preview
Head Coach: Steve Boyle, 1st season
Record: 6-4 (2-2), 3rd place in AAC Red Tier
What you need to know about the Howland Offense
Despite the fact that Howland has averaged 20-points per game in 8 of their last 9 years – the Tigers haven’t had a season where they’ve averaged 30-points or more since 2011 (36.8). Howland also hasn’t had a season where the offense has averaged 280-yards of total offense since De’Veon Smith’s senior year of 2012 (355.4). The offense must replace their quarterback (Samari Dean) and leading rusher (Jackson Deemer) along with a pair of All-League linemen upfront (Noah Bell & Jack Lambert). Senior Nathan Barrett led the team in receptions (19), yards receiving (302) and touchdown grabs (5) a year ago.
Key to the Howland Offense
Coach Boyle says, “We need to take great care of the ball, establish a run game and utilize our personnel (on offense).”
What you need to know about the Howland Defense
Here’s an amazing stat – since 2006 – Howland’s defense has not permitted their opposition to average 20-points per game during that 12-year span. Within that time period, Howland’s defense has shutout 25 opponents while allowing 17 to score 30 points or more. The Tigers must replace Brandon Matlock (DL), Chris Julian (LB), Samari Dean (S), and the team’s punter Michael Schwartz.
Key to the Howland Defense
“(Play) smart, swarm (to the ball), tackling and takeaways will be our tradition defensively,” indicates Boyle.
Offensive player(s) to watch for
Offensive line
…The loss of All-League stalwarts such as Noah Bell and Jack Lambert is a huge hit for any team. At Howland, “our offensive line is working extremely hard,” Boyle states. “We’re cutting the fat.”
Defensive player(s) to watch for
Defensive unit
…Boyle says all players must work together, “There won’t be one player that we’ll rely on more than the others. All eleven players need to do their job for our defense to be successful.”
2018 Schedule
Aug. 24 – at Lakeview, 7
Aug. 31 – Boardman, 7
Sept. 7 – Padua Franciscan, 7
Sept. 14 – at Poland, 7
Sept. 21 – Hubbard, 7
Sept. 28 – East, 7
Oct. 5 – Perry Traditional Academy, 7
Oct. 11 – Niles, 7
Oct. 19 – at Canfield, 7
Oct. 26 – Harding, 7
Key Game
One could pinpoint a number of games on the Tigers’ schedule and say this is a big game with 5 of their opponents having qualified for the post-season a year ago. The season opener, especially with a new head coach, is going to be special. The eyes in Howland will be focused in on their matchup with Lakeview on the 24th.
2017 Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 22.3
Total Offense: 268.4
Passing Offense: 60.1
Rushing Offense: 208.3
Scoring Defense: 17.4
2017 Statistical Leaders
Passing: Samari Dean – 575 yards, 53.1% (43-81), 7 TDs*
Rushing: Jackson Deemer – 996 yards, 7.0 avg, 11 TDs*
Receiving: Nathan Barrett – 19 catches, 302 yards, 5 TDs
*-Graduated
Big 22 Recipients
2016: Stephen Baugh & Victor Williams (2)
2015: Victor Williams
2012: De’Veon Smith (3)
2011: De’Veon Smith (2) & Anthony Stanko
2010: Cody Reesman & De’Veon Smith
2009: Mike Mangiarelli
2008: Tyler Scott
2007: Eric Jones
