Senior leadership shows in Bulldogs first scrimmage

One fan that showed up for the Howe Bulldogs opening scrimmage at Valley View remarked that he came to see the Bulldogs and saw some other team He was referring to the dramatic change in offensive philosophy displayed as Howe attempted many passes and most of them were deep bombs from freshman quarterback Austin Haley The 14-year-old signal caller was a bit amped up as his first several attempts were overthrown by a few steps to wide open receivers But as the night progressed, Haley calmed down and found a rhythm and connected on several outstanding throws.

“You better look out for four years because that 14-year-old can play He’s got ice in his veins," said Howe’s offensive coordinator Nate Lynch

Haley is joined by two other freshmen teammates in Carson Daniels (fullback) and Matthew Bearden (offensive line) With young players on the team, the leadership element from the senior class is crucial and was evident in the actions of senior leaders such as Layton Elvington who was the starting quarterback a year ago and has moved over to starting safety this year with a good attitude

"Leadership is a big thing because we didn't have much of it last year," Elvington said following the

scrimmage against Valley View

Howe's third play of the scrimmage saw senior running back Caiden Harmon scamper 33 yards out of the backfield The next three out of four plays saw an anxious freshman overthrow three wide open receivers that each would have been scores

"I was on varsity my junior year and I was honestly very nervous then As a freshman, I can't describe how nervous he must have been," said senior receiver Arturo Lowder "We have faith in him, and we know what he can do throwing the football He just has to relax and we're trying really hard to help him "

Haley's first big connection was with Lowder for 49 yards on the 12th play from scrimmage and 48 yards later in the live quarter Jordan Jones and Harmon each hauled in 38 yard receptions as well

Howe's score came on a 12-yard pass from Haley to Lowder The final score was Valley View 20, Howe 6

"We learned really quick that we've got to get in better shape because we have a lot of guys going both ways," said Howe Head Coach Bill Jehling "I'm not displeased, but we've got some things to work on "