Howard seals playoff berth, eliminates Pioneers

Howard running back Davontay Smith (22) makes a second effort during the first half of Howard's game against East Ridge on October 19, 2018. (Photo by Troy Stolt)
Howard running back Davontay Smith (22) makes a second effort during the first half of Howard's game against East Ridge on October 19, 2018. (Photo by Troy Stolt)

Howard clinches playoff berth, eliminates East Ridge 46-22

As the temperatures steadily dropped, tempers on both sidelines of Reggie White Field rapidly flared.

The Howard Hustlin' Tigers burned a bit brighter Friday night, securing their spot in the Class 4A state playoffs with a 46-22 victory over Region 2 opponent East Ridge. It was an elimination game for both teams, who needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The stakes at risk were evident through the passion each team showed. By the game's end, a player on each team had been ejected. Howard (4-4, 3-2) and East Ridge (2-7, 2-3) combined for a total of 225 yards on 20 penalties, many of which were personal fouls.

"We stuck to what we do," Howard coach John Starr said on channeling the Tigers' passion into production. "We're going to run the football hard every night, and we were able to continue to do that."

Running back Davontay Smith was a work horse for the Hustlin' Tigers on the ground. He scored Howard's first touchdown of the night on a 1-yard toss and dash. Though he left the game early, Smith finished with 109 yards on 22 carries.

The Tigers finished with 49 carries for 204 yards, their team speed helping them to get to the edge against the East Ridge defense.

Howard played with energy on defense and special teams as well. Ellis Robinson returned an East Ridge kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put his team ahead 12-0. Later in the game, Howard linebacker Ivan Hardwick scooped up a second East Ridge fumble and returned the ball 35 yards.

Jumaane Johnson also fell on a bad punt snap in the end zone for a second special-teams score.

Howard plays at East Hamilton next week for the No. 3 spot in Region 2-4A.

Contact Justin Dempsey at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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