Rebels Look to Avenge Loss to Eagles

For the Howell Rebels, their game against the Middletown South Eagles tonight comes after what Coach Cory Davies described as an overall good week of practice for the team. 

Coming a week after a win over the visiting squad from where the local team was hardly tested, this A North game figures to be a whole different contest. The Howell coach said this game will be a good early season test for his team. He called the Eagles "very physical with very well coached players that are always very motivated to make plays."

Heading into the fourth week of the season the Rebels find themselves with a 2-1 record which is good enough for an early lead in the always powerful A North division. Coach Davies said the Eagles are a balanced team that can also play defense well. While the squads met on a regular basis in the past, a reshuffling of the divisions a few years ago brought a halt to this series between traditional rivals. 

The two teams returned to the field last year with the Eagles picking up a decisive 38-14 win. "They did quite well against us running the ball, and did some other things well defensively" the Howell coach said. 

With their game against Marlboro postponed a day the Rebels have had a start and stop schedule leading up to today's game. With schools being closed for the holiday on Thursday and Friday the Rebels were off on Thursday with no practice before getting back to work on Friday night. 

Even with the win against the Mustangs last week, Coach Davies said his team know they will have to step up their game against the Eagles this week. He said prior to the opening kick he fully expects his team to rise to the occasion. 

Tonight's game is set for a 7 p.m. start at the home of the Eagles. Check with Howell Patch later tonight for a full recap of the game.