Category: Howard County News

Breakdown of Lions' schedule

Devin Dawkins (4) will look to continue eluding opposing defenders for Howard football this fall. He rushed for 1,404 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, earning the Howard County league's Offensive Player of the Year honors.

by Derek Toney

With practice for the 2018 high school football season underway, Varsity Sports Network’s Derek Toney takes a look at the regular season itinerary for select area teams.

Howard Lions 

2017 record: 12-1 (Class 4A state semifinalist)

2017 review: The Lions won a fourth straight Howard County crown last season (co-champ with River Hill) and reached the 4A state semifinals for the fourth straight year. The Ellicott City school will be the favorite this season, led by last season's league Player of the Year Devin Dawkins and all-league defenders Ben Stephanos (linebacker) and Jake Wrisk (line).

2018 opponents’ win/loss record (from 2017): 45-47 (.455)

Toughest 2018 opponent: Long Reach. The Lightning gave Howard its toughest league match last fall and won their first region championship (3A East). The Lightning have all-league performers Mayowa Ajimatanrareje (offensive line) and Jeremy Huffman (linebacker) back along with senior wide receiver/defensive back Luis Gooden.

Most intriguing 2018 opponent: River Hill. The Hawks shared the Howard County crown with Howard last season (teams did not play) with a perfect regular season (9-0) before falling in the 2A South semifinals. Beau Brade, an all-league selection at defensive back as a sophomore last fall, highlight 14 returning letter winners.

By a number: 48. Victories by Howard over the last four seasons, most by an area public program.

2018 schedule

Aug. 31 vs. Oakland Mills (3-7)

Sept. 7 at Glenelg (8-4)

Sept. 14 at Mount Hebron (1-9)

Sept. 21 vs. Marriotts Ridge (4-5)

Sept. 28 vs. River Hill (9-1)

Oct. 5 at Long Reach (8-4)

Oct. 12 at Centennial (0-0)

Oct. 19 vs. Hammond (1-8)

Oct. 26 vs. Reservoir (4-5)

Nov. 2 at Atholton (7-4)