MARLBORO
Howell’s Connor McGlynn was pass happy Saturday.
The senior quarterback completed 23 of 31 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns, powering the Rebels past Marlboro, 28-14, in Shore Conference Class A Central.
McGlynn connected on 14 of 21 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the first half in which the Rebels took a 14-9 lead.
“We know our offense is hard to stop,” he said. “Teams definitely have to prepare for everything that comes at them.”
McGlynn spread the wealth, completing passes to six receivers. He connected with five receivers in the first half. McGlynn’s favorite target was junior running back Jarvis Leaks, who caught nine passes for 151 yards and one touchdown on the day, often burning the Mustangs on the bubble screen.
“We practice the screen all of the time,” Leaks said. “We feel good about it. We like to use it in the games.”
“Teams can’t key on one receiver,” McGlynn said. “We have everything we need.”
“What makes Connor effective is his mentality,” Leaks said. “He works hard and keeps us together.”
McGlynn said he enjoys playing quarterback.
“I am the center of attention,” he said, “and I also respect my line as it blocks. I love having the ball in my hands. We have to make the plays and that’s what we did.”
Howell has managed to move the ball through the air this season despite being best known for its aerial attack.
“Most of the time, we pass,” McGlynn said, “but you also have to respect our running game.”
Howell’s passing game is a key reason the Rebels are 2-0 after enduring last season’s 1-9 record.
“We’re still working on some things,” McGlynn said. “It feels good to be 2-0. It’s definitely a steppingstone, but we have to get better each week.”
The Rebels took a 6-0 lead with 1:56 left in the first quarter. Operating on third and goal, McGlynn flipped an 8-yard scoring pass over the middle to senior wide receiver Dontrell Jones, capping a 5-play, 40-yard drive.
McGlynn showed his running ability on the march, rushing for 10 yards to the Marlboro 30-yard line. A Marlboro personal foul penalty on the play put the ball at the 15. Leaks muscled for five yards to the 10. An offsides penalty moved the Rebels to the 5. Leaks was stopped for no gain and thrown for a 3-yard loss on a screen, putting Howell at the 8. The Rebels scored on the following play.
Leaks, playing defensive back, intercepted a pass in the end zone, giving Howell the ball at its 20 with 2:07 left in the first half and setting up a 10-play, 80-yard drive. McGlynn capped the series with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jones with 1.9 seconds remaining. McGlynn swept right end for a 14-0 lead.
McGlynn keyed the drive, completing six of seven passes for 68 yards, including a 13-yarder on fourth and seven to senior wide receiver Joey Schultz, moving Howell to the Marlboro 14 with 23.9 to go. McGlynn evaded a heavy rush and sped up the middle for 12 yards to the 2, setting up the touchdown.
An 11-yard scoring pass from McGlynn to Schultz pushed the lead to 20-0 with 8:24 remaining in the third quarter. McGlynn ran for the two-pointer. McGlynn capped the Rebels’ scoring with a 75-yard pass-run up the left sideline to Leaks with 2:23 to play in the third quarter.
Marlboro’s Dustin Jensen scored on a 58-yard return of a fumble recovery with 6:38 left in the game. Teammate Mohammed Omar scored on a 5-yard run with 2:08 remaining in the game.
