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| Recognition continues for 2008 Varsity Football Team |
The pads have been put away and all of the jerseys have been washed and the 2008
football season has been put to rest.
However, the 2008 Highlanders have continued to receive great recognition
for their efforts. The Howell Varsity
Football had a great season on the field, but this recognition is for what they
have done off the field. The 2008
Highlanders have been honored to receive several awards for their community
service efforts. Those events included
volunteering in the Big Brother/Big Sister Bowl-a-thon, helping with the Howell
Melonfest run, putting on the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick competition in
partnership with the Howell Parks and Recreation Department, working with Howell
Youth Football Program, participating in a reading program at Southwest
Elementary, helping with the American Red Cross Flood efforts, and finally
fundraising to sponsor a lane at the Mackenzie Watts Swim Classic. The program is proud to announce that they
are the recipients of the
2008 Howell Parks & Recreation Youth Volunteer
Organization Award,
2008 MHSFCA Steve Spicer Leadership Award, and
2008 Livingston County United
Way
Youth Volunteer Organization of the Year.
It has been a humbling experience to receive
these awards and something that the entire program takes great pride in. Go Highlanders!
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| Howell Finishes Season KLAA Lakes Champion |
Championship Banquet Awards Great Season
The Howell Varsity Championship Banquet found great fun and a great opportunity to reflect on a record breaking season. Many team records were set by this 2008 KLAA Lakes Championship team. The team scored 286 points which was two points shy of an all time record. A 9-2 record ties Howell's record for wins in a season. Individual Awards were granted to the following Athletes:
Blue Chip Award Winners - Senior: Robin Witjes; Junior: Bryce Lindberg;
Sophomore: Jimmy Dobson
Scholar Athlete - David Hurley
Special Teams
Player of the Year - Nate Riffle
Most Improved Player - John
Turke
Defensive Player of the Year - Rock Williams
Offensive Player of the
Year - Bryce Lindberg
Drew Baker "Courage" Award - Adam Park
Most Valuable
Player of the Year - Robin Witjes
Local Players make College Commitments
See article in Livingston Daily
All Region Honors Given to Highlanders
Howell players received Regional Recognition on a great Season.
Rock Williams, was named "Livingston Community News" All County Defensive Player of the Year, KLAA All Conference 1st Team, "Press & Argus" All County 1st Team Defense, "Ann Arbor News" All Area 2nd Team Defense. Nate Riffle, was named "Livingston Community News" All County Newcomer of the year, "Press & Argus" All-County 1st Team Offense, KLAA All Conference 1st Team. Robin Witjes received KLAA West Division Offensive Player of the Year, KLAA All Conference 1st Team,"Press & Argus" Player of the Year & All County 1st Team Defense, "Livingston Community News" HM, All County Offensive Player of the year, "Ann Arbor News" Athlete Award. Bryce Lindberg "Press & Argus" All County 1st Team Offense, KLAA All Conference 1st Team, "Ann Arbor News" All Area 3rd Team Offense. Hunter Robertson was named Press & Argus All County 1st Team Defense, KLAA All Conference 1st Team, Honorable Mention "Ann Arbor News" All Area Team. Brad Morrison was named "Press & Argus" All County 1st Team Defense. Ronnie Heslip was named "Press & Argus" All County 1st Team. Alex Guimmi was named "Ann Arbor News" All Area 3rd Team Defense, and "Press & Argus" 2nd Team Offense. 2nd Team "Press & Argus" All County Selections include DJ Brigham, Mike Wendel and Ryan Rohatynski on Defense; Joey Holton, Brian Smith and Justin Svatora on Offense. Coach Metz (HM, "Livingston Community News" All County Coach of the year). The All County Game of the year (Howell vs Hartland, playoff), and Honorable Mention Game of the year (Howell OT win against Milford), both went to games played by the Highlanders. Howell was the team to watch in Livingston County this year. Here is the complete list of All County Awards, and links to other recognitions.
"Livingston Community News" All County Accolades
"Ann Arbor News" All Area Team
"Livingston Daily" Witjes a Double Threat
 Howell Has Incredible Season!
Click here for Highlight film order form/information
Howell turns in an incredible season, going 9-2 and winning the Kensington Lakes Athletic Association (KLAA) West Division, the KLAA Lakes Conference Championship and hosting two rounds in the playoffs.This was the inaugural year of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association, Howell is its first Lakes Conference Champion. Howell also finished the season ranked 8th (103.778) in the State of Michigan in the MHSAA Playoff points system that ranks all schools in Michigan according to wins and strength of schedule. Howell places 15 players on the KLAA All conference team, and Robin Witjes is named West Division Offensive Player of the year.
Offensively, Howell racked up 3,236 yds of total offense while the Howell Defense only yielded 2,653 yards of offense on the season. The powerful offense was led by Robin Witjes (Rushing: 636 yds; Passing 420 yds; with a 151.9 College QBR; 17 receptions for 273 yds; scoring 122 points, 44 of this with his foot, 9 for 147 yds on Punt returns, one for a TD, 1,783 Career All purpose yds), Bryce Lindberg (Rushing: 929 yds; 17 receptions for 197; scoring 84 points), Tom Bovee (Rushing: 365 yds; 8 receptions for 103 yds) and Justin Svatora (Passing 692 yds; with a 121.4 QBR). Addtional offense added on by receivers Nate Riffle (17 for 171 yds, 2 TD's, 71 yds rushing, 17 for 425 yds on kickoff returns and an additional TD), Alex Giummi (11 for 170, 3 TD's), Hunter Robertson (11 for 162, 1 TD) and Shane Hall (5 for 47 yds, 1 TD). Season Record Statistics include: 48 points against WLN; 69 plays against Hartland playoff, 483 yds vs WLN, 219 yds passing vs. Hartland playoff, TOP 30:47 vs Pinckney. Individual Season Highs include: Rushing 243 yds by Lindberg vs. Brighton; 170 yds passing by Svatora vs.Milford; 113 yds receiving by Witjes vs. Milford. All this made possible by the offensive line Joe Holton, Rock Williams, Sean Sabin, Ronnie Heslip and Brian Smith.
Howell's defense was stellar this season as well, holding opponents to just 183 points (compared to 286 points scored by Howell's offense). As a team Howell recorded 13 sacks, 62 tackles for a loss (for a total of -378 yds), broke up 34 passes, forced 9 fumbles, blocked 3 kicks, intercepted 19 passes, returning them for 215 yds, one for a TD (while Howell only yielded 9 INT's of their own) and finishing +11 in turnover ratio (yielding 16 turnovers while taking the football from opponents a recent record of 27 times). The team concept of defense was the key to Howell's success. Individually, Rock Williams led the conference in tackles (95 tackles {62 solo/33 asst of 573 total team tackles / 17%}; 3 sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss {TFL} both for -86 yds; 1 INT; 3 Passes broken up {PBU}; 1 blocked punt; 5 Rushed passers {RP}; 3 forced fumbles {FF}, recovering 1). The defense also had plenty of other standouts, namely Nate Riffle (55 tackles; 3 TFL; 3 PBU; team leading 6 INT's), Alex Giummi (48 tackles; 3 TFL; 9 PBU; 1 FF; 1 INT; 2 blocked field goals), Mike Wendel (53 tackles, 4 TFL for -9 yds; 2 PBU; 1 INT; 1 FF), Robin Witjes (44 tackles; 1 TFL; 2 PBU; 1 FF; 5 INT) Hunter Robertson (43 tackles; 2 sacks, 9.5 TFL both for -90 yds; 5 RP; 1 FF), DJ Brigham (43 tackles; 2.5 sacks, 9.5 TFL both for -73 yds; 3 PBU; 4 RP), John Turke (32 tackles; 4 TFL for -9 yds; 1 PBU; 1 RP; 1 INT; 1 FF), Ryan Rohatynski (27 tackles; 2 PBU; 3 INT), Tom Bovee (21 tackles; 2 PBU; 1 INT), Joey Holton (21 tackles; .5 sack; 1 TFL), Brad Morrison (14 tackles; 1 sack; 2TFL; 1 PBU).
Complete 2008 Team and Season Statistics
 KLAA All Conference Team
Howell Highlanders, who finished first place in the KLAA Lakes Conference, have a host of players named to the KLAA All Conference team. In addition, Robin Witjes is named the KLAA West Division, offensive player of the year! Players named to the first team All-Conference squad are Robin Witjes, Bryce Lindberg, Rock Williams, Joey Holton, Alex Giummi, Tom Bovee, Hunter Robertson, DJ Brigham, John Turke, Nate Riffle and Justin Svatora. Honorable Mention players, Mike Wendel, Brad Morrison, Ronnie Heslip and Shane Hall. Congratulations!
 Howell Rallies in the 4th Quarter in Close Playoff loss
HOWELL - When the first quarter ended, Howell was behind for the first time all season in the first quarter. In fact, behind by the greatest margin of the season having trailed only 29 of 480 minutes all season, until Friday night. Behind 21-0 after 12 minutes, Howell began a long battle back into the game going 23-14 for the final three quarters. While this fell short, it looked like Howell had the makings of an exciting comeback. With 7:37 in the 4th quarter, Howell scored a safety, then took the ball 58 yards in just over one minute, then recovered an onside kick. Then once again, Howell drove 58 yards just using :35 seconds of the game clock. Then, after Howell did not recover their second attempt at an onside kick, Howell's defense held Hartland again. Hartland went for it on fourth and short, the Howell defense stuffed it short, gave the ball back to the offense, and the stage was set. The players and fans were at the pitch of excitement with just 3:10 left in the fourth quarter, Howell had rallied back, behind 23-28, had the ball at mid-field and looked as though they would drive again to win the game. However, the drive stalled, 4th and short, 1:50 left in the game, and a questionable spot, found Howell's dreams of extending the season yet another week, dashed. Good luck to the Hartland Eagles as they advance to play @ Rockford in the next round of the playoffs. Click here for Game Statistics
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| Howell is Victorious, Round One of Playoffs! |
 Howell plays tough defense in playoff win against Milford.
Howell 16 - Milford 6
Howell, MI - Howell met a familiar foe Friday night in the first round of the Division 1 MHSAA playoffs. Familiar too was the game, as it was a defensive battle just like game three of the regular season when the two teams battled into overtime. Again, the total offense from both teams was under 400 yards, but Howell managed a few more points on offense this round. Howell's defense held Milford to just 143 yards of total offense forcing 5 punts, three interceptions (by Robin Witjes, Nate Riffle and Mike Wendel) and a turnover on downs. Rock Williams, Jimmy Dobson, Robin Witjes and DJ Brigham led the way on tackles, while almost every member of the defense recorded tackles for this all out defensive team effort. Howell allowed Milford only one trip to the end zone, which was aided by a roughing the passer penalty that would have put Milford at 4th and 15, their only substantial drive of the night. Robin Witjes intercepted Milford on their opening drive, then Howell took their opening drive, ten plays and almost 6 minutes the length of the field to go ahead for the night. Howell will face another familiar foe Friday night for the Division 1, Region 1, District 2 Championship. Game Statistics.
 Howell finishes regular season 8-1 with win against Jackson.
Howell 27 - Jackson 12
Jackson, MI - Howell travels to Jackson to play a very tough Jackson team that was just 17 points from being undefeated this season. Howell took the first drive 52 yards in the drizzling rain for a touchdown to go ahead for the night. Robin Witjes and Justin Svatora connected with seven different receivers and two touchdowns for a solid air attack. The balance on the ground with 170 rushing yards on the night. Howell's defense held a patient Wing-T style offense that Jackson runs, to just two touchdowns on the night. Jackson scored late in the fourth quarter with 5:45 on the clock to make it 20-12. Howell then set up a patient game clinching drive, going 46 yards, eating up all but :50 seconds to seal the game 27-12. Howell will find out their first round play-off opponent Sunday night, but most likely will play it at home on Friday night. Game Statistics.
 Howell is KLAA Lakes Conference Champions with win against Lakeland.
Howell 28 - Lakeland 26
Howell, MI - The first ever, Lakes Conference Championship game
is won by Howell (7-1 West Division Champion) in a tough offensive
battle against Lakeland (6-2, North Division Champion). Howell jumps
to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, before yielding 20 unanswered
points, one off a turnover on the ensuing kickoff. The momentum
quickly swayed into Lakeland's favor, in front of a huge Senior night
Highlander crowd. Half-time found Howell behind, 20-14. Howell found
new life and came out for the second half scoring twice to go up
28-20. Lakeland scored again, missing their 2 point conversion try.
Howell then took the ball with eight minutes left in the game, and
drove the field, eating up over six minutes before giving the ball to
Lakeland, backed up on their own one yard line with just two minutes
left. Ryan Rohatynski wrapped up the night with his second
interception of the night, allowing Howell to run out the clock. Robin
Witjes passed for 132 yards, finding five different receivers,
completing 12 on 21 attempts and two touchdowns. Witjes, Tom Bovee and
Bryce Lindberg combine for 116 yards on the ground. The defense held
back a strong Lakeland offense who averaged over 33 points per game on
the season coming in to the night. Senior night found Seniors Rock
Williams, DJ Brigham, John Turke, Mike Wendel, Hunter Robertson, Brad
Morrison, and Alex Giummi combining for over 25 tackles. Clinching a
playoff birth, Howell will travel to Jackson to finish the regular
season. Game Statistics.
 Howell KLAA West Champs, winning against Brighton.
Howell 17 - Brighton 14
Howell, MI - This game came down to the end, a tough one on the
score board..., Howell generates 366 yards of offense but stalls four
drives with four consecutive interceptions. Bryce Lindberg turns in a
season high, 243 yards on the ground, and two touchdowns on the night
to lead the Highlanders to a Championship for the second consecutive
year. The defense held a tough Brighton offense to just seven first
downs and 170 yards of total offense. Hunter Robertson and Rock
Williams combine for 13 tackles while Nate Riffle and Alex Giummi
combine for 8 tackles and an interception each. The Highlanders stiff
defense carves out the victory. The traditional "Brown Jug," that goes
to this heated rival winner, remains in Howell another year. Next
Friday, Howell plays host to Lakeland for the KLAA, Lakes Conference
Championship Game. Game Statistics.
Game Photos from Aaron A. Pictures of the Game (Livingston Daily)
Game photos by Richard Lim Photography
Livingston Daily Story, Video and Audio Replay
Livingston County Pre-Game News
Michigan Associated Press Prep Poll
 Howell wins Homecoming game vs Hartland.
Howell 30 - Hartland 20
Howell, MI - Homecoming night, only 1:30 into the game,
including a 49 yd TD run by Bryce Lindberg, Howell took the lead and
never trailed again. Stopping Hartland 3 and out, Howell's Robin
Witjes, returned the Hartland punt 72 yards for a TD to make it 14-0.
Midway through the 3rd quarter, Howell had the game in control, ahead
30-7. Hartland added two late TD's off of Howell turnovers, but the
game was dominated Homecoming style, by the Highlanders. Bryce
Lindberg ran for 128 yds on the night, while Rock Williams, Nate Riffle
and Hunter Robertson led the way on defense. Next Friday night is the
KLAA West Division Championship Game vs Brighton. With a win Friday
against Brighton, Howell secures the KLAA West Divsion Championship
over Milford. Fridays games will set up the KLAA Lakes Conference
Championship "Crossover" pairings, pitting the best in the North
Division against the best in the West Division on October 17. For
compete stats of the game, click the following link: Game Statistics
"State Champs" Game of the Week: Details to view show on line
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| Howell is 4-1 @ mid season |
 Howell wins big against Pinckney.
Howell 35 - Pinckney 6
Pickney, MI - Howell travels to KLAA match-up against Pinckney and gets back to playing the way Howell is capable. Howell put together 17 first downs, with over 300 yards of offense out doing Pinckney in every statistical category, scoring 28 points in the first half and making it 35-0 after Howell's first drive of the second half. Howell held the ball over 11 minutes of the 4th quarter as the clock ran out. For complete statistics of the game, click the following link: Game Statistics
Pictures of the game Slide show Livingston Daily Report
 Howell loses 2nd half @ AA Pioneer.
Pioneer 17 - Howell 14
Ann Arbor, MI - Howell dominated the first half in Ann Arbor Friday night, scoring on their first two possessions and just missing a field goal before the half. With 174 yards of offense in the first half and Robin Witjes averaging 6 yards per carry, yet it still seemed that Howell had not totally kicked into gear. Ann Arbor tied the game in the second half on their first possession 14-14. Howell fumbled the ball on thier own 14 yard line after Pioneer downed a punt on the 2 yard line towards the end of the third quarter. Howell's defense held strong, yielding only a field goal. In the second half, Howell could not get field position, beginning every drive inside or on their own 20 and an unusual 43 yards of total offense. Howell found inspiration when Rock Williams blocked a punt with just 3:40 left in the game, putting Howell in good field possession for the first time in the second half. Howell drove 24 yards to the Pioneer 17 yard line where it looked like Howell would seal the game... two passes fell narrowly incomplete in the endzone, with time running out. Howell dropped their first game of the season to the largest High School in Michigan, AA Pioneer. Next up, Howell resumes league play @ Pinckney. For complete statistics of the game, click the following link: Game Statistics.
NFL Punt Pass & Kick Pictures Game Photos from Bill Hamway
 Howell is victorious again!
Howell 13 - Milford 10
MILFORD, MI - Howell went on the road for the first time this season to play undefeated Milford. A hard fought first half found Howell going into half time ahead 7-0 after Justin Svatora hooked up with Robin Witjes for a 69 yard touchdown pass with just :42 ticks on the clock. On a wet night, Howell fumbled the ball twice inside Milford's 20 yard line, one on the 4 yard line that would both have been certain additional points. Therefore, the game went into the last minute where Milford tied the game at 7 sending the game into Overtime. Howell won the toss, and chose to go on defense first. Howell held Milford to a field goal, then on Howell's first OT play, Svatora hooked up again with Witjes for the winning Touchdown pass. With just under 400 yards of total offense on the night from both teams, a very hard fought game gives Howell a 3-0 mark going into next weeks game as Howell travels to Ann Arbor to face the largest school in the state of Michigan, Ann Arbor-Pioneer. For complete statistics of the win, click the following link: Game Statistics.
 Howell wins vs Livonia Stevenson!
Howell 35 - Livonia Stevenson 21
Howell, MI - Howell takes down the 2007 State Championship runner-up Spartans in four quarters of solid play. Howell's defense stuffed Livonia Stevenson on their first series on a fourth down play at mid-field. Howell then took their first possession 60 yards in four plays to take the lead and never trailed the rest of the night. The Spartan offense managed to tie the game three times during the night, but Howell responded every time, then dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points to seal the game. The Howell defense took four interceptions, two sacks and the special teams took an 86 yard kick-off return for a touchdown to shut down the Spartans. Howell running backs, Robin Witjes, Bryce Lindberg and Tom Bovee all out-rushed the leading rusher for the Spartans who was slated to be a 2008 Michigan Mr. Football contender. Next week, Howell travels to Milford to play the undefeated Mavericks.
 Howell opens season with win at home!
Howell 48 - Walled Lake Northern 17
Howell, MI - Howell stopped the Knights on their first possession then took eight plays, 65 yards for a touchdown. Then seven out of their next nine possessions ended in the same way. Howell put together almost 500 yards of total offense while holding the Knights to just 106 yards. Scoring 35 points in the first half, Howell got their 2008 season off to a great start. Bryce Lindberg racked up199 yards on the ground and Robin Witjes added another 148 yards of combinded rushing/receiving yards. Thirteen Highlander running backs touched the ball and twenty-two players recorded defensive statistics as Howell tested it's entire team in the season opener. Next Friday night, Howell plays host to the 2007 Michigan Championship runner-up and KLAA Central Division, Livonia Stevenson, Knights.
Game Photos by Billy Hamway Livingston Daily News and Photos
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If you are interested in playing football at any level for Howell High School next season please click the link above and complete the profile information
.
| Date |
Opponent |
Box Score |
| 08/29 |
@SH Stevenson |
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| 09/06 |
Liv. Franklin |
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| 09/13 |
@Hartland* |
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| 09/20 |
Pinckney* |
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| 09/27 |
@Grand Blanc* |
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| 10/04 |
Milford* |
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| 10/11 |
@Brighton* |
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| 10/18 |
@KLAA Crossover |
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| 10/25 |
Lumen Christi |
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