Jack Spencer’s job with the Howell football team is to ball hawk and defend the pass. He has not been asked to run the ball for the Highlanders.
But he can.
“We got guys where it is the next guy up,” Spencer said of the stable of running backs that dot the Howell roster.
The big news that came out of Howell’s 45-20 victory over Kalamazoo Central in a Division I semifinal at Howell is how a stable of newcomers and misfits stepped in to replace the trio of junior running backs who usually start.
Even though Howell was missing its top two rushers, the Highlanders pounded out 379 yards and four touchdowns against Central.
Injured Bryce Kish (968 yards and 20 touchdowns) watched from the side lines. Christian Farren (709 yards and 11 touchdowns) missed the game also. Christian Green (348 yards and six touchdowns) played defense.
Now Howell takes its second step in the playoffs with a district home championship game (Saturday 1 p.m.) against East Kentwood (8-2) which thumped Grand Ledge (7-3) 49-15 in the other semi-final.
“Everyone wants it,” Spencer said. “Everyone wants to run.”
So far the Highlanders have not asked Spencer to carry the rock. But if asked he would accept the job.
Instead of turning to Spencer Howell coach Brian Lewis summoned sophomore Jack Gondick (20 carries, 169 yards), Arber Korbat (72 yards on 11 carries) and Palmer VanDeven (52 yards on 12 carries) to carry the load with Howell’s top two rushers out.
This is a testament to the offensive line being the heart and soul of the team. Lewis says he puts his best and toughest athletes on the OL and let’s them run roughshod over the opposition.
Spencer said he’d be proud and honored to run behind this line.
“In a heartbeat,” he said. “Yes sir.”
Spencer didn’t run the ball against Central, but he played a pivotable role on defense. Central turned to the pass to try to slice into a 27-14 deficit. Quarterback Jalin Long completed 15 of 27 passes for 301 yards and had Howell on edge while trying to rally his team. However, Spencer’s third quarter interception played a big role in silencing Central.
“Let’s be honest these guys have really great athletes.” Spencer said. “We buckled down. They showed us some stuff we didn’t see on film. So we had to adapt after the first half, and we got into a groove and made some plays.”