Howell did not clinch a league title with its 54-13 victory over Dearborn Heights Crestwood over the weekend.
Th victory did not come against a bitter rival or a nationally ranked team. It was simply one of eight wins for the Highlanders (8-0) who hope to make a state title push later.
Yet when the team buses snaked along the main street in downtown Howell on the return trip to the high school from Crestwood, dozens of people stood on the curb to greet the team. They clapped, blew car horns and welcomed the boys back with open arms.
This is another example of why Highlanders coach Brian Lewis often says his linemen block for the town of Howell. It is why his running backs score touchdowns for the town of Howell.
Small town America loves and embraces its football teams.
Howell does that and more.
We expect Highlander nation to jam the high school field on Friday nights. That will be the case this Friday when Howell competes in the KLAA championship game for a third straight season.
People in Howell are hot for the red-hot Highlanders football team.
The love began well before the Crestwood game. School children chanted “Let’s go Highlanders and Let’s go Howell” as a sendoff.
What’s it going to be like if Howell makes a deep run in the state playoffs. It is possible because of the devastating Power T offense, the warm embrace from the community and a number 5 state ranking by the Detroit News and Free Press.
Games are a blast at Howell. The team is great. The band is great. The fans are great.
What more could you want?