NJN Player of the Week: Howell emerges for Gardendale
On a night when Gardendale wide receiver Conner Howell took the field against what many believe is the best pass catcher in the state, the junior didn’t shy away.
While Clay-Chalkville wideout Nico Collins wouldn’t run dry of big plays, Howell made some noise of his own. His eighth and final grab of the night went 16 yards to the end zone, updating the scoreboard to 23-20 in favor of the Cougars with 2:45 remaining in the Class 6A, Region 6 contest.
Clay-Chalkville held on for the road win, but Howell came away with eight receptions for 82 yards and a tasteful, sliding touchdown grab in the closing minutes of the game.
He easily leads the team in receiving with 36 catches for 522 yards and two scores on the year. Gardendale’s second-leading receiver is senior Kevin Howard, who has 11 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Howell and the Rockets (4-3) visit Walker this Friday for another region contest.
Here’s a look back at previous North Jefferson News Player of the Week award winners:
Week 0: Pinson Valley defense
Week 1: Gardendale linebacker Steven Crowder
Week 2: Fultondale freshman Jayson Jones
Week 3: Mortimer Jordan running back Spencer Brown
Week 4: Fultondale running back Walter Blair
Week 5: Tabernacle Christian running back Josh Florence.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.