HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — In the sixth meeting between Class AAAA powers Huntington and Martinsburg over the last five years, the Highlanders mulched a sizable portion of the fourth quarter clock and batted down a Hail Mary pass as time expired to defeat the Bulldogs, 22-20.
Huntington (1-1) avenged a one-point loss to the Bulldogs (0-2) in the state semifinal round last December.
The Highlanders built a 22-7 lead before a lightning delay halted play for 80 minutes. When play resumed with 4:14 left in the second quarter, Martinsburg cut into the deficit with a 26-yard touchdown tote from Brian Dick. The Bulldogs also forced a turnover in the final minute of the half, giving them momentum heading into the locker room despite trailing 22-14.
“We were really concerned having that layoff because we felt like we had some momentum at that point in the game. They have a great team and a great coaching staff. I knew they were going to respond. That’s what champions do,” said Huntington head coach Billy Seals.
“But I’ll give our kids credit. We hung in there and made some adjustments on defense. It was good to get some guys back there. Ilias King hadn’t played yet this year. It was good to get him out there and get him some snaps.”
Neither team scored in the third quarter. With 5:30 to play, Dick scored his second rushing touchdown on an 11-yard run. However, a two-point conversion pass attempt fell incomplete, keeping the Highlanders in front, 22-20.
Huntington was able to melt 5:23 off the clock by grinding out three first downs (one by penalty).
“That drive really reminded me of the 2022 (Class AAA semifinal) game here when we got the ball with 4 minutes and 52 seconds left, I think, and we kept the ball the rest of the game to win. Gavin Lochow made a great play that night. Fortunately for us, they jumped offsides and that gave us a first down. Tayveon [Wilson] is getting more comfortable. We saw what Tayveon can do with the ball in his hands. We really wanted to rely on our offensive line. That is the strength of our football team.”
With 14 seconds left, Huntington faced fourth down near midfield. The Bulldogs blocked a punt, giving them possession and seven seconds to work with. However, the Highlanders batted away a pass attempt to the end zone as the clock reached triple zeroes.
Huntington needed less than three minutes to get on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Andreas Reese returned the opening kickoff to the Bulldogs’ 16-yard line. Five plays later, Wilson connected with Reese on a 15-yard touchdown toss.
“Dre didn’t have a great Week 1. We had a little heart-to-heart about that. He responded. That’s what great players do.”
Martinsburg evened the score midway through the first quarter when Boston Todd returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown.
Huntington built a 15-point lead in the second quarter on a pair of touchdown runs (8 yards and 1 yard) from Trevon Okonkwo.
The Highlanders avoided their first 0-2 start since 2020. Martinsburg is 0-2 for the first time since 2015.
“That’s a great football program. We’re a great football program. We’re going to enjoy this tonight. Then it is back to work on Saturday for Spring Valley.”