WILDCATS ROLL OVER HODGSON 38-6

GAME SUMMARY:
It was a total team effort on both sides of the ball as the Howard Wildcats defeated Hodgson 38-6 on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in their Mid Atlantic Pigskin Classic matchup.
Hodgson received the opening kickoff and began driving down the field, but the Wildcats’ defense came up with a huge fourth-down stop, led by a sack from senior Corey Williams. Immediately after the turnover on downs, the Wildcats showed the explosiveness of their offense. On the very next play, junior quarterback Jameson Bryant connected with senior Korey Manley for a 52-yard touchdown strike. Bryant then converted the two-point attempt with a quarterback scramble, putting the Wildcats ahead 8-0 with 5:25 remaining in the first quarter.
The Wildcats’ defense continued to make big plays in the second quarter, repeatedly stalling Hodgson’s drives. Senior Ahreem Neal came up with an interception and a huge return to flip the field for the Wildcats. Later in the quarter, the team defense forced another turnover when Hodgson’s attempted trick play on fourth down fell short.
With just 1:11 remaining before halftime, the Wildcats drove down the field and found the end zone again. Bryant connected with Manley for their second touchdown of the night. Bryant followed it up with another successful two-point conversion on a quarterback run, sending the Wildcats into halftime with a 16-0 lead.
Early in the second half, the Silver Eagles threatened to get on the scoreboard, reaching first-and-goal. The Wildcats’ defense, however, refused to break. Senior Jy’Sirr Jones made a huge tackle for loss, followed by Corey Williams forcing an intentional-grounding penalty. On fourth down, sophomore Nathaniel Hayles and Williams combined for a critical sack to end the threat.
After the turnover, Bryant delivered another big play through the air, firing a dart over the middle to Manley. Manley hauled in the pass and raced 30 yards to the end zone for his third touchdown of the night with 3:59 remaining in the third quarter. The Wildcats converted the two-point attempt on an incredible catch by senior Ellijah Mancinelli. Following a big sack by junior O’Mar Saunders, the third quarter came to an end with Howard holding a commanding 24-0 lead.
The fourth quarter opened with more defensive fireworks from the Wildcats. Sophomore BJ Matthews delivered a big hit that forced a fumble, which was scooped up by senior Willie Williams. Williams turned the turnover into points, racing more than 50 yards to the end zone for a defensive touchdown. Freshman running back Mason Sawyer then converted the two-point attempt, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 32-0.
Hodgson answered on the ensuing kickoff, returning it for a touchdown to get on the scoreboard for the first and only time of the night. The Wildcats responded immediately. Sawyer provided a big kickoff return of his own, setting up another scoring opportunity that was capped by a powerful touchdown run from Williams with 10:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.
From there, Howard’s defense continued to control the game, with seniors LaBron Pender and Sy’Mir Perkins adding big sacks to keep Hodgson’s offense in check. Perkins and Sawyer helped close out the game on the ground, ripping off several big runs and allowing the Wildcats to bleed the clock.
When the final whistle sounded, the Wildcats had secured a 38-6 victory over Hodgson.
Korey Manley and Jameson Bryant were named the Mid Atlantic Pigskin Classic Game MVPs for their outstanding performances.
The Wildcats will be back in action on Friday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m., when they travel to face Thomas McKean.
PHYSICALS / RANKONE
Here is a link to the REGISTRATION instructions for Rank One: Please ONLY complete the steps required by Howard High School. DIAA Forms will NOT be accepted if they are submitted in RANK ONE!
Howard High School of Technology
Rank One Registration for DIAA Sports Participation:
In accordance with DIAA Regulations, all Parents/Guardians are required to register their student athlete in the new RANK ONE System using the steps below. HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY FAMILIES WILL NOT BE SUBMITTING THEIR DIAA FORMS THROUGH RankOne. We will continue to TURN IN PAPER COPIES (Pages 2,3,4 and 5) for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.
I took the time to register a fake student athlete first so I could provide you with a step-by-step guide.
Our students and parents will ONLY be completing the steps below.
Step 1: Visit the following link and select “PARENTS CLICK HERE”

Step 2: Select “Online Forms”

Step 3: Select “Delaware” and then search “NEW CASTLE COUNTY VO-TECH SCHOOL DISTRICT”

Step 4: Once you are on the New Castle County Page, you can create an account by either selection to login with a variety of options or Click “Create an Account”. I used the Continue with Google option as I was already logged into that account on my phone when I accessed the page. ??

Step 5: Once you have created and account or logged in using your email address, you will be asked to type in your student’s DATE OF BIRTH, Student ID#. This will allow you to access your student athlete and then you have ONLY one more step to complete.
Step 6: Congratulations! You have created your account and now (as an Howard High School Parent) you are only required to COMPLETE one more step: The NEW DIAA ELIGIBILITY TRACKING FORM.
PLEASE DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR DIAA Physical Forms to RankOne. DIAA Physical Paper copies (pages 2,3,4 and 5) are to be turned into the Athletic Director.
Once your screen looks like the image below, you have completed all of the required steps for Howard HIgh School and you can LOGOUT Of RankOne.

PLEASE NOTE: You may see the words “Not in Compliance” or “Out of compliance” under your student’s name even after you have completed the steps above. As long as your “DIAA Transfer Eligibility” shows “Complete” you can LOGOUT of the system.
Soccer Tryouts
Tryouts have been moved to August 26th and August 27th at Eden Park. Tryouts will run 3:30 – 6:00.
All participants must have the following:
- A current (dated after 1 April 2026) DIAA physical
- Proper attire
- Proper athletic clothing
- Cleats
- Sneakers (to run in)
- NOCSAE certified shin guards
- Mouth Guard if you wear braces
- Water bottle
Please go to the Wildcatssports.com website and follow the instructions for creating a RANK ONE account.
BAND APP
Be sure to create a BAND account to get the latest update for Howard Soccer. This is the APP I use to communicate with athletes and parents. Use the following link to join: https://band.us/n/abacb099Tf10M
Please email me if you have any questions (Mark.dougherty@nccvt.k12.de.us) .
Mark Dougherty
Howard High School of Technology
Boys’ Soccer Head Coach
Football Practice Schedule
The football season is fast approaching. I hope this newsletter finds everyone healthy and well.
Here are just a few reminders about the upcoming season.
Workouts: Workouts are being held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3 pm – 6:00 pm currently and ending August 4th. Workouts are held in the Howard Weight Room. All those interested in trying out for Football should be attending workouts.
Physicals/Rank One: Everyone must have a completed physical on a DIAA form (www.wildcatssports.com – bottom left). Physicals must be completed by Aug 11th in order to receive equipment that evening. Players also need to complete Rank One forms – (www.wildcatssports.com – pinned to the top of home page). Practice will begin on August 13th. Here is a list of possible Medical Offices:
Newark Emergency 738-4300
Glasgow Medical Aid 836-8350
Medical Express (Too many locations)
Wellness Center (Howard HS) 576-8080
Equipment: According to your scheduled class time, Helmets/Shoulder Pads/Jerseys will be distributed on Aug 11th in the Howard Gym. Please be prompt. Players must purchase their own hip/thigh girdle and knee pads. Girdles and knee pads will not be provided.
Here is the CAMP SCHEDULE (All players and managers are expected to attend):
Aug 11th Equipment (Physical must be turned in) 5 pm Seniors/Juniors,
5:30 pm Sophmores/Freshmen
Aug 13th 1st day of practice (Helmets only) 8 am to 3:30pm
14-15th Practice (Helmets/Shoulder Pads) 8 am to 3:30 pm
16th Off Off
17th 1st Day of Hitting (Full Pads) 8 am to 3:30 pm
18th Practice (Teacher PD) 3 pm to 8:30 pm
19-20th Practice (Teacher PD) 3 pm to 6 pm
21st Scrimmage @ Smyrna (starts at 10 am) 8 am to TBD
22nd – 23rd Off Off
24th Practice (Seniors Only in School & Buses Start) 3 pm to 6 pm – Buses start
25th Practice (Juniors Only) 3 to 6 pm
26th Practice (Sophmores Only) 3 to 6 pm
27th Practice (Frreshmen Only) 3 to 6 pm
28th Scrimmage @ DMA (Starts at 6 pm) 3 pm to TBD
Sept 3rd GAME VS HODGSON 3:45 PM
Miscellaneous: Players are not allowed to leave campus during practice hours. Practice will be held at Howard HS of Technology. Players are to bring lunch and drinks every day. Players will need pencils/pens, paper, notebooks, shorts, t-shirts, football cleats, and a pair of sneakers as well.
See you on the Field,
Dan Ritter
Howard HS of Technology
Head Football Coach
Any questions, please feel free to call me on my cell: 302-598-9726.
Cross Country Preseason
Welcome to the 2026 XC Season!
Preseason
-
Preseason XC practice begins on Monday, Aug. 17th. Stay tuned for times and locations.
You must have a DIAA physical on file with the school nurse to practice! The form can be obtained from the Main Office at Howard or printed from www.howardwildcatssports.com. -
You will need a water bottle with plenty of water and running shoes at practice. It will be helpful to have a watch with a timer too.
Band App
Be sure to follow Howard XC on Band to get the latest updates. It is the app used to communicate with athletes and parents. Scan the QR below to access team information.

Additional Team Info
Select the Cross Country link on the LEFT side of this page and go to Team Info for additional team information, such as the schedule.
I look forward to seeing everyone at practice. If there are any questions, please reach out to me via Band, Schoology (Mr Falls), or email (matthew.falls@nccvt.k12.de.us).
Matt Falls
Howard High School of Technology
Cross Country Head Coach
Volleyball Tryouts
Tryouts will be held August 18th–20th from 3:30 PM–5:30 PM in the gymnasium.
To participate, you must have:
1. Proper athletic attire and sneakers
2. A water bottle
3. A current sports physical dated after April 1, 2026
Please make sure your physical is completed and turned in before tryouts begin.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a Schoology message or email.
I hope to see you at tryouts!
2026 BOYS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
1st Rd WIN - NCCVT Girls Hammer & Nail Tournament!

The Lady Wildcats win in the 1st Rd of NCCVT Hammer & Nail Tourney
with help from Kaila Lewis 66-46 over Delcastle
Freshmen Boys Basketball: Howard 44 Odessa 7

Tawfiq taking it to the rack during Howard's victory over Odessa!
1ST PIN OF THE WRESTLING SEASON!

Congratulations Pedro on the 1st Pin of the Howard Wrestling Season!
Devon Still
Howard Soccer Tryout Update
Cheer Try-Outs!
Dear Incoming Student,
Howard High School of Technology wil begin our cheerleading tryouts in August! We are looking for cheerleaders who are willing to dedicate their time, energy, and positive attitude towards our team goals. The summer tryout will determine the cheerleading squad for Fall 2025 (football season). The cheerleaders will participate in football games and all other mandatory events announced by the coaches.
In order to tryout to for the squad, you must have a DIAA physical on file with the Athletic Trainer. The school has very specific physical requirements, so please make sure that al correct paperwork isi filled out and returned to the Howard Athletic Trainer. The school must have a record of your DIAA physical in order to participate in tryouts. Sports physicals must be completed AFTER April 1, 2025. This form can be found at the school or on our athletics website: www.howardwildcatssports.com
Howard cheerleading has high standards for grade point averages, students must maintain a 2.50 GPA to remain on the squad. If at any point during the marking period your grades drop, you will be required to attend study sessions. As an incoming student, GPA will not impact your ability to tryout, but if you are selected it will impact your ability to remain on the squad.
The dates for tryouts are August 4th - August 7th from 2:00PM -5:30PM. You must attend each day, and we will teach you everything you need to know for tryouts! If you make the squad, our first practices will be held August 11th - 15th from 9AM-3PM. Athletes are expected to attend all practices.
Required materials for tryouts are as follows:
Shorts of appropriate length or leggings
T-shirt (must have sleeves and cover your midriff)
Sneakers (that you can run in)
Water bottle
Failure to meet the dress code policy or DIAA Sports Physical requirements will result in inability to participate.
Our cheerleaders are expected to embody the attitude of a Howard Wildcat both inside and outside of school. If you think you have what it takes to become a Wildcat cheerleader, please have your parent/guardian email Coach Seltzer by July 30th to secure your spot at tryouts. Failure to contact the coaches by this date could result in your inability to participate in tryouts.
Please reach out with any questions. We look forward ot seeing you in August!
Coach Seltzer: kelly.seltzer@nccvt.k12.de.us
Soccer Tryouts
Tryouts have been moved to August 26th and August 27th at Eden Park. Tryouts will run 3:30 – 6:00.
All participants must have the following:
- A current (dated after 1 April 2026) DIAA physical
- Proper attire
- Proper athletic clothing
- Cleats
- Sneakers (to run in)
- NOCSAE certified shin guards
- Mouth Guard if you wear braces
- Water bottle
Please go to the Wildcatssports.com website and follow the instructions for creating a RANK ONE account.
BAND APP
Be sure to create a BAND account to get the latest update for Howard Soccer. This is the APP I use to communicate with athletes and parents. Use the following link to join: https://band.us/n/abacb099Tf10M
Please email me if you have any questions (Mark.dougherty@nccvt.k12.de.us) .
Mark Dougherty
Howard High School of Technology
Boys’ Soccer Head Coach
Boys Basketball Game Protocols/Policy
- Tickets required for entry.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance online via ticket spicket.
- No weapons of any kind
- No alcohol, tobacco, vape products, or other illegal substances
- No outside food or drink
- Clear bags or no bags for all spectators other than Howard students.
- All bags will be subject to search
- No re-entry at any time
- No entry after halftime
- No ski masks worn while in the building
1. The cost to enter V/JV Boys’ Basketball games is $5.00 for everyone.
A. Ticket sales end at 12:00 pm the day of the game.
B. Tickets will NOT be sold at the gate. (We will not accept any cash at the door.)
C. Tickets must be pre-purchased on Ticket Spicket. The link can be found on the Basketball
schedules online or https://spicket.events/howard-wildcats
2. Gates will open at 3:00pm and no entry after half-time of the Varsity game. No re-entry at any time.
3. Clear bags or no bags for all spectators other than the host school's students. All bags will be subject to search.
4. Only students from the participating schools may enter the game.
5. You must show your ID or Schoology schedule to redeem ticket and enter the gym.
6. If concessions are available, they will be sold right outside the gym and we ask fans to eat and drink first and do not bring those into the gym. No outside food or drinks allowed.
Message from the Athletic Director
Welcome to WildcatsSports.com!
I think you will find the information on this site helpful as a player, parent, student and especially as a member of our community. Each sport gives you information that should be helpful to you - check throughout the season for rosters, scores, stats, and other info. Be a part of Howard Athletics!!!
Dan Ritter, Athletic Director
E-mail address: daniel.ritter@nccvt.k12.de.us
