The Howell Highlanders won a dramatic 35-33 district playoff game against rival Brighton, securing their second district title and setting a Livingston County milestone as the first team to start a season 11-0. 

Running back Justin Jones led Howell’s offense, rushing 27 times for 225 yards and scoring four touchdowns. With this performance, Jones broke Howell’s single-season records for both rushing yards (1,700) and touchdowns (25). 

Junior tight end Jackson Pahl’s clutch onside kick recovery in the final minutes sealed the win after Brighton narrowed the gap with a late touchdown. Key defensive plays, including a blocked extra point, a key fumble recovery late in the game by Gavigan Walraven and an interception AND a two-point conversion break-up by Aiden Horvath, preserved Howell’s lead.

The Highlanders advance to the MHSAA Regional championship game for a rematch against Hudsonville, set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Howell.

Information for the article was supplied by Bill Khan, LivingstonDaily - FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE