When senior quarterback Ty Howell takes the field Friday night against Oak Grove, it’ll be the first time he’ll see live action – well, besides last Friday night’s jamboree – since last October in the second to last game of the regular season.
Even then, Howell missed two games before that due to an injury he suffered against Sumrall 21 days prior. But, he’s back to start the 2017 season with the Tornadoes, as they prepare for the home game with Oak Grove.
“I feel like I’m back into the groove,” Howell said. “I’m just trying to stay positive and keeping on going. (The game is) all hyped up and we’re ready for the it.”
The first time he injured his foot was Sept. 30 in a 42-13 win against Sumrall. Purvis went on to win the next two games over Greene County and Columbia easily, but a critical showdown with Poplarville loomed on Oct. 21. The winner would be in the driver’s seat for the district championship, and Howell dressed to play.
The Purvis offense was stuffed most of the night, losing the game 38-6, but the most significant loss Howell going down late in the game. That would be the last time he saw the field in 2016.
Purvis head coach Perry Wheat told PineBeltSPORTS in July Howell had the same injury Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis had in 2009 – a torn ligament in his mid-foot and a fracture. It required surgery and a long rehab process that forced him to miss baseball season and spring practice.
“When it first happened, it was hard to believe that my whole junior season is gone,” Howell said. “I was just trying to get ready for my senior season and trying to heal it back. I’m back, and it just feels great right now.”
Wheat and Howell both said this week that the foot is fine, and Howell’s doctor said his foot should be the strongest bone in his body now. Wheat is more concerned with all of the time he has missed in the offseason, though.
“He still shows that he’s athletic, but quarterback is a difficult position to play,” Wheat said. “He still has timing to get down and things like that, but he’s working hard at it, so I think he’s going to do a good job.”
Sitting on the sidelines wasn’t fun for Howell, but now that he’s back, he’s focused on being the best he can be. Howell won’t have much time to acclimate back to the football field, because Oak Grove comes to town Friday night for the first game of the regular season. Howell and the offense have a tough test against a strong Warrior defense, but he and his teammates are focusing on themselves.
“They have some college players on there, but if we do our techniques, we should be good,” Howell said.
When asked how big of a game this was for Purvis, Howell said it’s the biggest game in 10 years.
Purvis and Oak Grove are set to kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday.
