Region 2-4A // Reggie White Field at Red Gaston Stadium, 2500 South Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37408
At the helm
John Starr
(4-7 in one year here; 143-106 overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Hustlin’ Tigers return 5 off., 5 def. starters.
Super powers
There is no shortage of speed, both in the offensive skill positions and defensive backfield. And with a year’s experience in Starr’s system, Howard’s wing-T will be tough to stop.
Possible kryptonite
Although numbers have improved as Starr enters his second season with the program, the overall depth still isn’t where he’d like it, especially when facing a Class 4A schedule.
Spidey sense tingling
Howard won four of its final five regular-season games to earn a playoff spot, and the confidence from that run should carry over with so many starters returning. The Hustlin’ Tigers can match up athletically with any opponent on their schedule, but they’ll need to avoid injuries to key players.
Here I come to save the day!
The senior class has a nice mix of size, speed and experience, led by cat-quick QB Quez Williams (5-8, 155), and RB Dontavious Smiley (5-9, 165), OL Chris Peace (6-0, 295) and Torry McComb (6-0, 290), plus FB Antwan Monfort (6-0, 245). WRs Rico Weaver (6-2, 190) and Markil Fintch (6-4, 215) are also capable playmakers, and Fintch will be counted on to cause havoc from his DE spot as well.
Up, up and away!
The Hustlin’ Tigers proved just how dangerous they can be in Starr’s first season by beating eventual region champ Red Bank on the field. Howard later had to forfeit that win, but the confidence gained from knocking off such a talented opponent made Starr’s message ring louder to his team.
The returning players have fully bought into Starr’s plan, and with the returning experience, along with a talented group of younger players, Howard is quickly becoming one of the toughest public-school teams in the city.
“It took a while to get the guys to understand the type of hard work it takes to be consistently good, but we’re getting there finally,” Starr said.
Although he’s one of the smallest starters, Williams has taken on the role of leader and brings a burst of athleticism to the QB position. He’s quick enough to pick up big chunks of yardage anytime he tucks the ball under his arm, but he’s also surrounded by several other capable playmakers.
They’re in a tough region and don’t have as much depth as some of their league foes, but another trip to the playoffs and possibly advancing deeper is certainly a reachable goal.
2016 Results
Aug. 19 DCA lost, 17-0
Aug. 26 David Crockett lost, 12-0
Sep. 2 Red Bank lost by forfeit
Sep. 9 Baylor lost, 38-6
Sep. 16 Notre Dame lost, 35-7
Sep. 23 Lancaster Christian won, 63-26
Sep. 30 Chatt. Christian won, 14-7
Oct. 7 Loudon won, 46-7
Oct. 14 East Ridge lost, 13-7
Oct. 28 Signal Mountain won, 35-16
Nov. 4 Sequatchie County lost, 42-6
4-7, 2-3 Region 3-3A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern unless noted)
Aug. 25 at Chattanooga Christian, 7
Sept. 8 Tyner
Sep. 15 Anderson County
Sep. 22 at Lancaster Christian
Sep. 29 Central
Oct. 6 at Sequoyah
Oct. 13 at Hixson
Oct. 20 at East Ridge
Oct. 27 East Hamilton
Region 2-4A games in bold