With “Champions Play Here” proudly emblazoned on the top of the stands at the Cougar Dome, greatness is the expectation at Quince Orchard, a program looking to win its 6th state title. This season, nobody has embodied the Cougar way more than senior star running back Iverson Howard.
Spearheading a rushing attack that went for 289 yards against a very stout Broadneck defense Friday, Howard added three touchdowns as the Cougars beat the Bruins 48-13 to earn a trip to the state championship game.
Howard’s big night was nothing new for the senior tailback. He has turned his 134 carries into 1,124 yards on the year, good for an average of 8.4 yards per rush. He has also found the end zone 22 times. His performances this season have earned him MCM’s High School Athlete of the Week and have landed him a spot on the University of Maryland’s roster next season, where he will take handoffs from quarterback and fellow in-state standout Malik Washington of Archbishop Spalding.
Quince Orchard has been dominant all year, outscoring opponents 493-75, good for an average final score of 41-6 per game. In the playoffs, the Cougars have kicked it into overdrive, outscoring opponents 135-16 in their three games so far. Coach John Kelley and his squad are just one win away from their 4th state title since 2018.
On Friday, Quince Orchard (12-0) will face Wise (11-1) in a heavyweight showdown of public schools at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis for the 4A state title.
Photo Courtesy of Phil Fabrizio.
