Howell Does It All For Seminoles In Road Win Over Bellaire
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BELLAIRE — It’s a little odd for a football team that hangs its hat on rock-ribbed physicality to look to its quarterback as the tone-setter, but Monroe Central knows just Howell to get it done.
With senior QB Cooper Howell rushing 26 times for 144 yards and a touchdown, the Seminoles defeated Bellaire 29-14 before a large turnout Friday in their first-ever contest at Nelson Field.
Each team came into the fray at 1-0, having captured their respective season-openers last week.
This one was a great match for a half, with the two veteran squads trading jabs and uppercuts to a 14-14 deadlock at the break. Bellaire scored its two TDs on big plays, with senior RB Trevor Dowery breaking a 57-yard run to paydirt midway through the first period, then Raekwon Pettigrew returning an interception with a dazzling 54-yard run to glory midway through the second.
Monroe was more methodical on offense, but had a pick-six of its own for the first score of the game. Bellaire was working without its senior QB Michael Dippel, who was suspended for this bout. His replacement, freshman Gavin Hibbitts, had some nervous moments early. On Bellaire’s first possession, Hibbitts faded to pass and was blasted by MC’s all-time leading sack artist, the relentless Corbin Farnsworth, as he released the ball. It was Howell — who else? — who hauled in the INT and found the end zone 31 yards later.
Monroe Central’s final three scoring drives were built on the ground game, with the occasional downfield toss to Max Demchak to keep Bellaire honest. Demchak, who caught two TD’s last week in the 33-12 win over Liberty Union, snagged five passes last night as Howell finished 9-for-13 for 78 yards and the one INT.
While MC sophomore Jett Kaiser ran 12 times for 48 yards and a score, it was Howell who carried the load on draws up the middle behind linemen Brayden Baker, Drew Landefeld, Bentley Clift, Legend Shaffer and Emory Howard. Monroe held a 19-6 advantage in first downs.
“You saw him getting bruised and banged up, but he kept on going,” said MC Head Coach Jonathan Calder of Howell. “He’s just a great kid, a great athlete.
“Honestly, I’m speechless,” Calder said. “All night, first half, second half, we never quit. I’m very proud of this group.”
He knew the key to beating Bellaire: “I think we were just more physical than them. All summer, we build for this. It’s a physical team and they showed it tonight.”
Bellaire had to play without Dippel, a strong-armed QB who eclipsed 2,100 passing yards a year ago. The Big Reds lined up many times without a QB and would direct snap to Dowery, who would finish with 109 yards on 14 carries.
The lack of an air game — Bellaire had three pass completions and three interceptions — erased star receiver Raekwon Pettigrew from the offense. Pettigrew last week had three TDs — two on punt returns — but caught just two passes last night, both right at the line of scrimmage. The Seminoles also opted to pooch kick on kickoffs rather than risk the wrath of Kwon.
“He’s special: That’s why we don’t kick to him,” said MC Coach Calder. “He’s literally the best player I’ve seen as far as speed and athletic ability. We knew where he was at all times on the field.”
Bellaire will travel to Barnesville next week, while the ‘Noles will visit Edison on Thursday.