Can Howard carry Hoover against Louisville?

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository

Graduation hit few high school football teams harder than the Hoover Vikings.

They enter tonight’s early season showdown with visiting Louisville looking

for several new playmakers at key positions.

“But they still have one ... the one they need, ” Louisville head coach Paul

Farrah said of the Vikings.

That one is tailback Erick Howard. The junior rushed for 185 yards last week

after gaining 1,330 last year for the Vikings.

“He’s a manchild,” Farrah said. “He’s the best back we’ve seen in awhile.

He has strength, power and the ability to break it deep on you. He’s also a

great (middle) linebacker.”

But Howard alone will not be enough.

“Football is not a one-man game, that’s for sure,” Hoover head coach Don Hertler Jr. said. “We have got to get better all the way around.”

The Vikings and Leopards both won their openers last week. Each coach liked some things about their team’s performance, but they want to see significant improvement tonight, especially Hertler.

“After watching our tape (from the opener) we’re a pretty average football team,” Hertler said. “We can’t be average (tonight) if we hope to compete in this game. We have to play a lot harder, a lot more disciplined.”

When Hertler looks at Louisville’s offense, he can’t help but be concerned.

“They have so many weapons,” he said. “You can’t focus on one thing. Everyone has to do their job and play great team defense.”

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