Newberry Bounces Back Strong After Hurricane Helene

Newberry Bounces Back Strong After Hurricane Helene

NEWBERRY — The community of Newberry is slowly but surely getting back to normal following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. With clear skies and mild weather, residents are feeling a sense of hope as they clean up and rebuild. The local football team, the Newberry Bulldogs, is no exception. Junior tight end Jamel Howse has been a beacon of positivity through it all, showing remarkable resilience that reflects his team’s spirit.

A Star Player’s Journey

On October 5, Howse, a highly-rated four-star recruit, made a significant announcement about his future in football. He decided to commit to playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks under head coach Shane Beamer. This choice came despite heavy competition from powerhouses like Virginia Tech and Louisville. Last season, Howse had a standout performance with 36 receptions for 701 yards and nine touchdowns, which certainly caught the eyes of many college scouts.

This season has certainly been an unusual one for the Bulldogs. On September 27, the hurricane hit South Carolina, deeply impacting the local area, especially Newberry where many homes suffered damage, and power outages were widespread. Sadly, the storm also led to several fatalities in the community. Even now, the signs of the hurricane linger, with debris still being cleared from homes and yards.

Staying Focused Amid Adversity

Due to the storm, the football season faced significant interruptions, including the postponement of a crucial match against Silver Bluff, now rescheduled for November 8. Yet, Jamel Howse and his teammates have remained committed to honing their skills and improving on last year’s 5-5 record that included a playoff victory. Howse earned the prestigious Donnie Shell Player of the Year award last season, but he knows there’s always room for improvement.

“It has been tough, but we have grown even stronger as a team during this time,” Howse said reflectively. “We really just helped each other out.” The extra time away from the field has given the Bulldogs a renewed sense of team chemistry, with players bonding over shared challenges. They are all eager to return to the field and reinforce their dedication to enhancing their performance this year.

Head Coach’s Mindset

Newberry’s head coach, Cedrick Jeter, emphasized that while improvement is essential, complacency is their enemy. “We won’t shy away from competition. We will be prepared for anyone,” he stated firmly. These wise words have resonated with Howse, pushing him to keep striving for greatness. “Knowing last season could have been better motivates us a lot,” Howse shared. “We’re just going to keep working hard.”

Exciting Future Ahead

Looking ahead, Jamel Howse is excited to transition to college football after high school. His decision to join South Carolina was influenced not only by the coaching staff’s reputation but also by the proximity to his home. “It feels right because my family is close by,” he explained. “If I ever need anything, I can head over to my grandma’s place in Columbia.”

He’s thrilled to bring his leadership skills to a new level at the SEC, which is known for its high standards of college football. “I want to show that I can do it all,” he declared with enthusiasm. In his current role, Howse benefits from the guidance of Derrick Hamilton, a former Clemson standout and NFL player who shares invaluable lessons with the team.

Staying Grounded

After making his college choice, Howse plans to refocus on honing his skills instead of getting wrapped up in the spotlight. “Stay humble,” he advises. “A lot of people are going to say a lot of things, but just ignore it.” With this mindset, the future certainly looks bright for Jamel Howse and the Newberry Bulldogs as they work to rebound from the storm and take their game to new heights.