Nowhere but up for the 2-win Howard Huskies in 2014

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Barney Hester has had 324 career wins as a head football coach, and two of those wins came on the sidelines of the Howard Huskies in 2013, their first W’s in three years. For 2014, in Coach Hester’s second season with the school, he believes his team is well on their way to gaining a few more victories once the games start late next month.

Despite winning only twice, Hester feels his squad could’ve possibly won as many as five games, and was proud of how they competed against quality opponents, specifically a game against the Perry Panthers in which they were edged by only 2 points.

“I promise you,” Coach Hester said, “We’re a better football team. I think it’s because of what we tried to do last year with the program… our kids buying in.”

Howard struggled offensively in 2013, scoring less than 10 points in 6 of their games. Coach Hester believes his skilled players will be better after gaining more experience on the field, including his junior quarterback Courvosier King. Also returning will be fullback Jaquan Stinson, who rushed for over 800 yards last season. The offensive line will also be more experienced heading into 2014.

“Defensively,” Coach Hester continued, “is a place we really had to improve… I think we’re better, I think we’re faster, got a little more athletic.”

Hester went on to say he believes his defense, while not being as big in size last year, will compensate by being more aggressive and better prepared.

The Howard Huskies play their first game on August 22nd, against Lamar County.