Facing a challenging schedule, Howell struggled to find its footing in 2025, finishing with a 3-7 record. Five of the Rebels’ seven losses came against high-level competition, including four teams that finished in the final Shore Sports Insider Top 12 rankings in Middletown North, Wall, Point Boro, and Donovan Catholic, along with Group 5 state champion Washington Township.

The good news for the Rebels is they return 18 starters who will be stronger than before and more experienced after a season of competing against a difficult schedule and another offseason of development in the weight room.

Howell was reclassified into Class C North this season, where the Rebels will compete against Marlboro, Neptune, Ocean, Raritan, and Red Bank.

Offense

The Rebels return eight starters from an offense that averaged 9.5 points per game last season, rushed for 465 yards and passed for 1,347 yards.

Senior Connor Acker (6-0, 175) returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,347 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while adding 147 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Junior Tim O’Rourke (5-10, 200) is back at running back after rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown last year. Senior Connor Halvorson (5-10, 165) and junior Lucas Grandinetti (5-10, 175) will also be in the mix for carries out of the backfield.

Senior Jackson Behn (5-10, 165) returns at wide receiver after hauling in nine passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns last season. Senior John Bertan (6-4, 195) is projected to start opposite Behn at the other wide receiver spot.

Senior Ivan Padilla (6-3, 235) returns at tight end after catching six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown last season. Senior Quinn Flaherty (6-4, 215) and junior Ahjir Washington (6-2, 185) will also be part of the rotation at tight end.

Seniors Maddox Marks (6-1, 215) and Aiden Mendes (6-0, 245) return as starters at left tackle and left guard, respectively. Juniors Donovan Steo (6-0, 245) and Joe Bilotti (5-11, 260) are back at right tackle and right guard, while junior Jared Spiegel steps in at center.

O’Rourke will handle the kicking duties, while junior Nick Olsen takes over as the punter.

Defense

The Rebels return eight starters from a defense that allowed 21 points per game last season.

Padilla headlines the defensive line after recording 43 tackles and a team-high 13.5 sacks last season. Mendes returns after totaling 50 tackles and 5.5 sacks, while senior Connor Kubasek (6-4, 360) steps in at nose guard. Bilotti rounds out the unit at defensive tackle.

O’Rourke returns at one outside linebacker spot after recording 20 tackles last season, while Halvorsen is back on the opposite side after totaling 44 tackles. Senior Nick LaForge returns at inside linebacker after making 21 tackles, with senior Chris DeParma (6-1, 165) also in the mix.

 

Howell at a glance 

Head coach: Bill Hill, 6th season (10th overall)

Career record: 25-63

2025 record: 3-7

Offense: Multiple I and Spread

Defense: 30 and 40 front

 

Coaching Staff

Defensive Coordinator/OLB/WR: Bill Hill Jr.

OL: Keith Anderson

QB: TJ Moriarty

ILB/RB: Nick Cerulli

Freshman/DL/OL: Joe Colleton

Freshman/WR/DB: Joe Foti

 

Circle the Date: Oct. 16 vs. Freehold Township

The Rebels defeated their district rivals 24-20 last season in a game that came down to the fourth quarter. The matchup has produced plenty of excitement over the past two seasons, and another competitive battle could be in store this year.

Newcomer to Watch: John Bertan, Sr., WR

A standout in Howell’s baseball program, Bertan joined the football team this summer and immediately turned heads during 7-on-7 tournaments. At 6-foot-4, the senior gives Acker a big target with a sizable catch radius in the passing game.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
9/3	Central
9/10	at Raritan
9/18	Neptune
9/25	at Red Bank
10/2	at Jackson
10/9	Marlboro
10/16	Freehold Township
10/23	at Ocean