Howe-lloween Festival

(Continued from page 1) the combining of the First United Methodist Church moving their Trunk ’R Treat and partnering with the chamber. Since then, Community Bible Fellowship and the Howe church of Christ have followed suit in becoming a big part of the festival.

The festival had numerous games for kids from cornhole to prize fishing and all in between.

“I’m surprised how quickly this has taken off. At some point in the near future, the attendance will overtake our Founders Day,” said Howe Chamber Board Member Monte Walker.

Walker says the chamber serves to build support for local businesses, but also feels the organization needs to host events for the community such as these. “We have a lot of new citizens and these are great events to welcome them and get them involved in all things Howe.” the ‘Dogs could have punched their ticket for the postseason for the first time since late October 2016. But Howe (3-6; 2-3) now need a lot of things to happen in order to reach the playoffs. First things first, Howe would have to beat Van Alstyne (4-4; 3-1) Friday night in the 57th Silver Spike rivalry game between the two schools. Howe has not beaten Van Alstyne since a 14-10 win in 2000 and currently have lost 12 in a row. Van Alstyne was not on the schedule during some of Howe’s championship teams of 2010, 2014, and 2015.

The chamber sold caramel apples at the event which were homemade by Susan Garcia and Sarah Whitt, both board members. The three dozen apples were a hit as the $4 treats were sold out in the first 45 minutes.

Keep Howe Beautiful hosted a chili cook-off. Bringing home first place was “Team Mess Hall” with Herb Bearden placing second and the Hendrickson family placing third.

The chamber’s next event is the annual Christmas Parade which will take place on Dec. 14 at 4:30 pm. After the parade, Santa Claus will visit with children at Summit Gardens.

Commerce (3-6; 2-2) now hold the tie-breaker over Howe with the 20-14 come-from-behind win where Howe led until the first play of the fourth quarter and never trailed in the 48-minute game until the final 3:10. Unfortunately, the elements played a big factor in the game as both teams had problems handling the wet ball. The winning score came on a fumbled wet ball by Jalen Thornton in the endzone which was recovered by Commerce freshman Kendrick Greer. The elements work against Commerce early in the game as their first four of five possessions ended in a turnover. The first turnover was a fumble that went through the hands of Commerce quarterback J’Den Wilson which was recovered by Steven Waldrip after Howe linebacker Brandon Williams made sure Wilson was unable to recover his own fumble. Later, linebacker J.C. Helpenstell recovered a bad exchange between Wilson and running back Xzay Basham. Thornton recovered a fumble midway through the second quarter. Howe was unable to capitalize on any of te gifts given by Commerce with the exception of an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior Layton Elvington with 1:32 left in the first quarter. Howe’s 7-0 lead would stand up until the first play of the second half.

Howe’s first three of four possessions ended in punts and the other a turnover on downs after freshman quarterback Austin Haley was sacked by Commerce end Henry Serrano.

Howe’s coaching staff had a tough decision facing a 4th and 1 at the Commerce 35 yard line. After fullback Layton Elvington was unable to pick up the one yard needed for the first down, the Bulldogs ran Thornton on a sweep who then punted on the run to try and pin the Tigers deep in their own territory. The punt was partially blocked which resulted in a 14-yard punt give Commerce the ball at the 21. The Tigers only possession that didn’t result in a turnover or punt took place late in the first quarter and into the second quarter when they began their drive at the Tiger 39 yard line and marched to the

Freshman quarterback Austin Haley is corralled by Commerce defensive end Henry Serrano. Michelle Carney/Howe Enterprise.

Bulldog 12 before being forced to attempt a 27-yard field goal by Rueben Castendeda. The attempt in the elements failed and Howclung to the 7-0 lead with 8:20 left in the second.

Commerce’s scoring drought ended on the first play of the second half as the shotgun snap went over the head of quarterback Wilson who was able to go back and pick it up. His speed and elusiveness made him even more dangerous in space as he was able to scamper for a 70-yard touchdown. A high snap on the PAT attempt left Howe with a 7-6 lead with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter.

Howe’s offense finally was able to get in the endzone after going 6 -plays covering 43-yards and being finalized by a highlight 10yard run by Thornton, who spun out of several would-be tacklers on his way to pay dirt. Howe led 14-6 after Kevin Flores’ PAT with 9:26 left in the third.

Both teams then traded punts before Commerce put together a 9play, 69-yard drive ending on a 20-yard run by Greer. The successful 2-point conversion run by Brad Caldwell tied the game at 14 with 11:54 remaining in the game.

The next four possessions of the game resulted in punts and the final one may have decided the game as Commerce, facing a 4thand-6, punted to the Howe 31, however, the ball rolled 25 yards and trapped Howe inside the five yard line. That’s where disaster struck as the wet ball went through Thornton’s hands as he took the snap from the wildcat formation. The fumble, recovered by Geer in the endzone, gave Commerce a 20-14 lead. The wet ball slipped through the hands of Wilson who was the holder for the PAT which resulted in him being tackled leaving Howe a chance to score and win the game.

The Bulldogs’ final drive went (Continued on page 15)