Howard lifts Hubbard past Mather

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:26PM

Give Mather a lot of credit for taking the field against No. 23 Hubbard with just 18 dressed players, but give Hubbard credit for not letting it change their approach to the game as they prevailed on homecoming 51-8 Thursday at Rockne Stadium in Prairie State Conference action.

The Greyhounds (7-0, 4-0) did all their damage in the first half as they scored 44 of their 51 points before half time, led by running back Larry Howard who scored four touchdowns on runs of one, three, four yards and ripped off a 70-yard punt return.

Tobias Diggs scored on a two-yard run and Anthony Johnson scored on a 10-yard run.

The defense cashed in on a safety when Ivan Mendez tackled Mather quarterback in the end zone.

Quarterback Quincy Skanes finished the scoring for Hubbard with a 60-yard run early in the third quarter.

The Rangers (1-6, 0-4) scored in the fourth quarter on a 33-yard run by Kendrick Watkins.

The defense was anchored by defensive tackle Kevin Agee (11 tackles) while middle lineback Robert McMiller had eight tackles and one sack limiting the Rangers to just three first downs in the entire game.

Hubbard coach Elton Harris said he likes the fact his team is under the radar.

"I'm not saying we are the best team. But I will say we play hard all the time. It's been a total team effort to get us where we are right now. Skanes has given us great leadership on both sides of the ball."

Despite the score Mather coach Yanko Jordanoff said he sees progress in his team. "We have had two tough games back to back. But I'm more pleased with the effort this week than I was last week. We are getting better, but it's tough to play with the numbers we have."

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