Despite Davies' Big Day, Rebels Fall

If there is something Ryan Davies cannot do, it was not shown Saturday night in Toms River.

The 6’3” senior quarterback added an impressive game to his already outstanding resume, and kept the Howell Rebels (0-1) in the game for as long as he possibly could.

It was only a matter of time before time had to run out.

Davies was 28-36 for 286 yards, threw two touchdowns and ran for another, but it still was not enough as Howell fell to Toms River North 28-21, Saturday night at Toms River North high school.

In the final minute, Davies threw a perfectly placed home-run ball to senior wide-out Brandon Yaegel, but the ball bounced off his hands, and with it, went the Rebels’ chances on 4th and 22.

“Anytime you lose a game, it’s tough when it’s close,” Howell head coach Cory Davies said, “It’s tough when you’re in it and you have a chance to win it, but sometimes it turns out that way.”

Davies found seven different receivers on the night, all who contributed in big ways in Howell’s pass-heavy offense.

The Rebels opened the scoring with an impressive first drive. Davies went 7-9 for 66 yards and eventually scampered into the end zone on his own for a 5-yard run.

After the Mariners answered, Howell found themselves on the short end of the stick, trailing 14-7. Davies then executed a 79-yard drive, which was capped off with back-to-back passes to senior Tory Robinson of 18 and 21 yards respectively, to tie the teams at 14 with 1:35 remaining in the first half.

“I didn’t know how it was going to go coming into the game,” Coach Davies said, “I was very happy with the way we played.”

With Toms River North gaining a one-touchdown advantage in the second half, Davies answered the bell once again, delivering a perfect 40-yard strike to receiver Pat Devine, knotting the game at 21.

The Mariners took the lead again, this time with 1:44 remaining in the third quarter. This time, when they got their chance the Rebels struggled offensively and were not be able to tie it up.

Robinson fumbled after a six-yard catch on their next drive, but the Rebels defense came up with a big stop to get the ball back.

After gaining one first down, Howell was forced to punt. On the ensuing possession, Dave Jimerson came up with an interception to give the Rebels life with 3:41 remaining in the game.

After a sack and a completion to Yaegel for negative yardage, Howell was forced into 4th and 22 from their own 44, and the ball to Yaegel fell incomplete.

Devine lead all Howell receivers with seven catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, along with Yaegel, who had an impressive day with seven catches for 37 yards.

Nick Craig was a big asset for Davies, pulling in five catches for 60 yards and Robinson made three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Nick Carelli had 22 yards rushing for Howell on five carries.

Davies was sacked five times on the night and was hit hard by the Mariners all game long.

Howell will look to earn their first win of the season when they take on Freehold Township on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.