Howell shocks Belleville in thrilling regular season finale (Full Story)

The Highlanders did the unthinkable; they defeated nationally-ranked Belleville in a statement regular season finale.

Howell (9-0) defeated Belleville (8-1) 30-29 with a clutch touchdown with only two seconds remaining on the clock.

Highlanders quarterback Preston Barb completed a pass to Justin Jones for a five-yard score to beat the defending state runners-up and top 125-ranked team in the nation. This was Belleville’s first regular season loss since 2021.

Jones also opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown run, giving Howell an early 7-0 lead.

Belleville answered early in the second quarter with a Raymond Smith touchdown run. Both teams were locked in on defense, but offensive talent was starting to win out.

Howell immediately followed by capping a long drive with another touchdown run, grabbing a 14-7 lead.

Nationally ranked quarterback, and LSU commit, Bryce Underwood answered with a short touchdown run to tie the game just before halftime.

Coming out of the break, Belleville pounced on the chance to take their first lead, cruising to a touchdown and claiming a 21-14 advantage.

Howell, however, remained unperturbed, quickly scoring a matching touchdown by Jones to tie the game entering the fourth quarter.

Belleville’s Andre Thomas Jr. rushed home for a touchdown - which ended in a two-point conversion - to give the Tigers a 29-21 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining. It was the last time Belleville scored in the game.

A few minutes later, Howell sacked Underwood in the Tigers’ own end zone for a safety. The Highlanders trailed by just six points with 5:30 remaining in the game.

Howell eventually reclaimed the ball and led a game-winning drive with just seconds on the clock to secure a huge upset and an undefeated regular season.