In 1946, a WWII Navy Veteran enrolled at Maryville College. The football team had great expectations and a crafty freshman from Blount County provided this experienced club with outstanding play as an offensive and defensive end. The Highland Echo referred to him as “Hard Davis.” This could be a reference to how he played – hard. He gave it his all on every play. Or it could have been a reference to the East Tennessee dialect in pronouncing his first name Hard Davis rather than Howard Davis. Regardless of the pronunciation, the Fighting Scots football fans would love the spirited play of Howard Davis. As a passing fullback in high school at Porter in their single-wing attack, Howard was often the passer. As a freshman on the ‘46 team, he was often the pass receiver. Leon Berrong and Bobby Neff often looked for Davis as one of their favorite targets. As a blocker, from his end position, along beside big Mitch Mitchell and Cotton Easter, he would create gaping holes for the fleet-footed running backs. Howard also starred on defense – recovering a fumble versus Carson-Newman and blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown versus Tusculum. With 9 victories over the likes of Centre, Emory and Henry, Middle Tennessee State, East Tennessee State, Carson-Newman, and Tusculum, the ’46 team was undefeated and played in the Tangerine Bowl on New Year’s Day. Howard continued his stellar performances for the next 3 years. The ’47 team finished the year 7-1-1, including a 34-0 victory over previously unscored upon Sewanee. Howard was hampered with a nagging shoulder injury, which bothered him throughout the season, but the high-powered offense continued to roll. They outscored their opponents for the season – 196 points to only 39 points.
To begin the ’48 season the school newspaper describes Davis “. . . . as a lanky 195 pound rugged player who excels at pass catching. He is also a veteran flank defender.” Along with fellow linemen, Roy Kramer, Alan Rock, and Fred Kluth, Davis would pave the way for the running backs, Berrong, Neff, Hershell Merriman, and Bill Fogarty as they scored T.D. after T.D. By the end of the season, head coach Lombe Honaker was looking for some down field blocking and he moved Davis to tackle. The Scots finished the year with 4 wins and 4 losses. For his senior year, the ’49 season, Davis was elected captain. He continued his consistent play, at end and tackle on offense and end on defense. Once again, he blocked a punt against Emory and Henry. As the Highland Echo reads: “Captain Howard Davis blocked a Miller punt. He grabbed the bouncing pigskin and scooted 34 yards to the double stripes.”
Davis concluded an outstanding career and embarked upon a life dedicated to coaching and teaching. As Porter High School’s head football coach, he directed his team to the Blount County Championship in 1950 and 1952. He moved on to Hiwassee College for two years and served as the head football and basketball coach. He returned to Blount County and coached at Everett High School from 1955 to 1964. He then moved to the U.S. Job Corps and worked as a counselor, placement officer and supervisor of vocational training until he retired in 1984. Davis and his wife, Doris, currently reside in Blount County where he enjoys playing golf. Join me in congratulating a young man who gave it his all on every play – Football legend . . . . HOWARD DAVIS.
