Willand have made an encouraging start after strengthening their squad over the summer, with a 9-0 thumping of AFC Wellington in the FA Cup followed up by a 1-0 win over Falmouth in midweek.
And Howes believes their attacking options will pose a significant challenge for the Magpies when they visit Silver Street today.
He told the Echo: “They’re going to be dangerous. They’re a much-improved side on last year, that’s for sure.
“They’ve recruited well, they’re very well organised this year and they’ve scored a glut of goals already in their first couple of fixtures.
“Their front line is as good as any really in this league. They’ve got some big, strong, powerful boys amongst their ranks, so it’s not going to be easy for sure.”
Dorchester go into the game after returning to winning ways in midweek, a 2-0 win over Paulton Rovers.
Howes praised the players’ reaction after their 5-1 derby defeat to Weymouth last weekend.
“You’re never sure what you’re going to get when you face a defeat of that magnitude,” he said.
“I was exceptionally proud of the players, the way they reacted and the way they dealt with all the adversity that’s come our way.
“I was really pleased. It was a very professional performance.”
Howes said the Magpies would embrace the challenge against Willand as they seek to add to their early-season points tally.
He added: “It’s an opportunity to get some more points on the board and we’ve got to do what we can to bring those points home.”
Dorchester will be without Corby Moore, who is suspended following the Weymouth match, while Tega Agberhiere remains injured and is at least two weeks away from returning. Jack Windsor is also a doubt ahead of the game.
Howes made several changes for the midweek win and indicated that rotation will remain a feature of his team selection this season.
“We’ve got a competitive squad and I have full intention of using the quality of that squad,” he said.
“There might be some frustrations with rotation, but when players come in and do well and they perform to their levels, then they deserve to keep that shirt.
“That will be our approach throughout the season.
“It won’t change.”
Howes believes the strength in depth available to him can help Dorchester cope with absences and competition for places.
He added: “When a player misses out, there’s an opportunity for another player to give a good account of themselves and claim that shirt.”