Howell's Cory Davies Brings Success in Longevity to Rebels

When it comes to long time football coaches in the Shore Conference there are many names that can be brought up in that elite fraternity. Names like Vic Kubu in Manasquan and Warren Wolf the former Brick Township coach come to mind.

While Wolf, the winningest coach in New Jersey high school football history has been making news throughout his career, there has been someone in a neighboring town who has quietly done much of the same.

Cory Davies has been the Howell Rebels football coach for 21 years, and, while he certainly isn't as well-known as the former Dragons leader, Davies has been highly successful, leading the Rebels to their only state championship in 2007.

"When I took the job 21 years ago, I had no idea I would be here this long," Davies said, "I thought I might be here for four or five years at the most."

Although Davies and his Rebels struggled throughout the early part of his tenure, his switch to the spread offense rejuvenated the program, and, as of late, they have been one of the most dangerous offensive teams in New Jersey.

Last season, Davies eldest son, Ryan, set Shore Conference records in passing yards with 2,864, and passing toucdowns with 36, leading the state in both categories.

Davies' also engineered quarterbacks Sean O'Reilly and Tim Lamirande, both of who have lead the Rebels' to state championship appearances. O'Reilly is currently playing at Wagner College, while Lamirande played for Wesley College.

A year before Howell made history with their first sectional title, the Rebels reached the Central Jersey Group IV finals, but fell short against Hunterdon Central.

"After 2006, I knew I was coming back for 2007," Davies said, "Reaching the sectional title, and having a good number of our players returning. There was no question I was coming back."

In 2005, Howell set a school record for wins with eight — including the program's first state play-off win, a 32-31 overtime victory over Sayreville. That year, Davies was selected as the American Division coach of the year, as well as the Monmouth County coach of the year.

Since 2005, Howell has gone 47-26, an astronomical improvement from their days before the spread offense.

The 2007 state championship team went 11-1, and two years later, the Rebels made a bid for a late-season playoff run, but lost in heart-breaking fashion to Brick Memorial in the playoffs. That team finished the season 9-2.

"Communication with the other coaches and the players is the best part," Davies said, "You get to create relationships and I have the ability to do what I love."

In 2008, Davies was selected to serve as the offensive coordinator for the New Jersey all-stars when they took on the New York all-stars in the Governors' Cup. He coached Lamirande, along with wide receiver Chance Carrick in that game.

Davies played quarterback at Ithaca College, where he was named the team captain his senior season. 

"Being a player helps you understand what players are feeling at certain times," he said, "You don't necessarily have to be a player to be a coach but it helps you understand the game better."

Prior to coaching at Howell, Davies was on the coaching staff at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, and was the head football coach at Valley Central High School in New York.

While the accolades have accumulated, Davies said he doesn't consider himself to be one of the best coaches in the history of the Shore Conference.

"We've been too up-and-down while I've been here," he said, "We've had some really good years and some really bad years. We've been too inconsistent."

As for whether or not Davies will be back for a 22nd year on the sidelines, he said his return is a question every year.

"Every year around Christmas time, I take a good hard look at Cory Davies. I always have to see and decide if I want to come back next year," he said.

"I'll always want to coach football. I'll be 80 and still want to coach football."

Davies and Howell will travel to Brick Memorial on Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in an attempt to return to .500, before taking on Colts Neck on Thanksgiving Day.