The Howell Highlanders want to become the Howell Homeboys this season.
Last season they were not always buddy, buddy and some players believe it prevented them from reaching their true potential. They went their separate ways after games, failing to celebrate together or mourn together.
This year’s senior class that may have been the difference in a so-so season turning stellar. Howell lost three games because of second half collapses. Now they feel if they are closer as friends that will translate to better second half football.
Now they get pizza after practice, hold practices without coaches and gab more on the phone.
Those three losses prevented the Highlanders from advancing to the MHSAA state playoffs for a third consecutive season. Instead Howell placed 35th, just missing the 32-team field.
Howell (2-5) finished fifth in the eight-team KLAA West Division two games behind fourth place Hartland. It was a team that hung tough in most of its games but lacked the punch to punch through to more wins.
League coaches picked Howell to finish third in the KLAA West Division behind Brighton and Northville.
“I just think it was individuals focused on themselves (last season),” said senior running back/linebacker Levi Curtin. “It might have had something to do with the senior class. I think with this 2024 class we really want it. The 2025 class really wants it. We are going to make that the new norm for our program. Everybody hangs out together and get along.”
Howell has already received bad news. University of Michigan commit Bobby Kanka has been suspended the first two games of the season by the MHSAA because the organization said he transferred from Pinckney to Howell without changing his residence.
That makes it tougher for Howell to make the playoffs because Kanka will miss the season-opener at Hudsonville and next week’s game against Canton.