The signs of disrespect were on full display in the Howell student section.
“Little brother.”
“Puppy chow.”
The signs were all meant to torment the Brighton Bulldogs, a team Howell demolished, 36-14, three weeks ago. The fans may have expected an easy victory. Howell lineman Bobby Kanka did not.
He has about 10 friends on Brighton’s football team. He knows their talent. He knows their tenacity. He knows about their pride. He got the battle he expected Friday night as Howell (11-0) edged Brighton (8-3) 35-33 in a Division I district championship game at Howell High School.
It was Howell's second district title and first since 2010.
Three weeks ago, Howell pounded Brighton to win the KLAA West title. On Friday the Highlanders survived a heart pounding win.
“We knew coming in they were a good football team,” Kanka said. “Their record shows it. We took every practice seriously this week knowing they would be amped up and wanted revenge. So, we were not surprised, but we had faith in our team. We knew we could get it done.”
Howell faces OK Red champion Hudsonville (10-1) a team it beat at home to begin the season. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Howell High School.
Howell led Brighton for much of the game but could not put the Bulldogs away until the end. After Brighton quarterback Lawrence Wells hit Sebastian Boyea with 1:47 remaining, the Highlanders clinched the game when tight end Jackson Pahl recovered the onside kick allowing the Highlanders to take a couple knees to run out the clock.
Justin Jones led the Highlanders attack, as usual, with 205 yards on 27 carries and four touchdowns.
“It makes the game a little extra for me,” Kanka said. “You always go out and play 120 percent, but I get more amped up playing them.”