Don’t look now, but St. Paul Central football coach SCOTT HOWELL has quietly built a dynasty at his alma mater.
Howell, a 1984 Central alum who was an all-metro fullback his senior season before accepting a scholarship to St. Cloud State University, recently led the Minutemen to their fourth consecutive St. Paul City Conference title and third consecutive Twin City championship.
Central’s success can be attributed to the outstanding play and leadership of quarterback SEAMUS WALSH, who has led the offensive attack by combining his passing and running ability. The backfield trio of GABRIEL WALKER, DAVION JOHNSON and LADRA KILGORE-HODGES is good enough to keep opposing defenses wondering. THEO HASLOW and MONTRELL WILLIAMS have proven to be dependable receiving targets for Walsh.
Central, who boasted some quality teams during the 1980s, last won back-to-back titles in 1987 and ’88 under the leadership of legendary coach FLOYD SMALLER. Many who played during that decade went on to outstanding collegiate, pro and coaching careers.
STACY ROBINSON, who played quarterback for Smaller before graduating in 1980, went on to play wide receiver at North Dakota State University before capturing two Super Bowl rings for the New York Giants in the NFL. VON SHEPPARD was an outstanding running back who, after graduating in 1983, went on to an outstanding football and track and field career at the University of Nebraska.
Howell had a great career at Central and St. Cloud State before returning to his alma mater to pick up where his mentor (Smaller) left off. He is also head coach of the boys’ basketball team.
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