It’s hard to believe it’s been 28 years ago to the day that the 1988 Howe Bulldogs made history with one of the most memorable wins in the program’s history. To put things into perspective on how long ago that was – it was Ricky Ake’s fourth game on the sidelines for Howe as the trainer. It was the 14th Friday night that Steve Simmons was on the sidelines for Howe. Since 1935, Howe has played in 735 games and in those games are some memorable ones. But sitting somewhere in the top 10 and one of the best non-playoff games in history is game number 435.
It was September 23, 1988 and Howe had been to the playoffs in 1984, 85, 86 and back when they only took the top two teams to the playoffs, Howe went 8-2 in 1987 and did not get to see post-season action. The last playoff game Howe had was in 1986 when they were punched in the mouth by Pilot Point. Having that bitter taste in their mouths, Howe Head Coach Jim Fryar, in a bold move, scheduled Pilot Point as their homecoming game. Very very few gave Howe much of a chance to win that game except for the players, coaches and a few die-hard optimistic fans.
Howe shocked Pilot Point in 435 with a last-second touchdown from Adam Coffey that was set up by a Jamie Engle to David Cannaday miraculous 34-yard pass and catch in the pouring rain. The 17-14 Howe homecoming win over Pilot Point is still, 28 years later, one of the best games in school history.
