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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Highlanders hope to improve from disappointing '07
2008 Huntington High School Football team
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- Zach Wilson's arrival last season as the Huntington High head coach was an adjustment period.
But, now the learning curve is done and the Highlanders are eying a playoff berth.
Huntington High went 1-9, losing five games by one touchdown or less. The Highlanders beat Nitro, 28-24, in their final game.
"Our guys have a year in this system under their belts and it's going to make a difference," Wilson said. "We always shoot for the playoffs every year and that is a big goal for us."
Controversy hit the Highlanders when starting quarterback C.J. Crawford, the state's top college prospect according to Rivals.com, transferred to Nitro on the final day of the school year. But, after the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission ruled Crawford might not be eligible, he is back with the Highlanders.
Crawford is in competition with two sophomores, Tyler Hutchison and Steven Thacker.
"It's a real competition between those three guys and right now it's anyone's spot coming into the season," Wilson said. "All three players are talented players that excel in different areas."
Crawford is a dual threat with the biggest arm and quicker feet of the three, Wilson said.
Hutchison is also a capable passer and runner. Thacker is a pocket passer who makes smart, accurate decisions, Wilson said.
Sophomore Gary Felder has locked up the starting running back position. He is a physical back with breakaway speed.
Tim Cook, a senior, will be the fullback and use his combination of power and quickness to plow his way downfield. Hutchison is also getting looks at tailback and senior Johnny Dick will be the backup fullback.
Joey Christian leads the way as Huntington High's top receiving threat. He has explosive speed, is a solid route runner and finds ways to get open. If Crawford loses the battle at quarterback Wilson said Crawford would be converted to receiver.
Other receivers competing for playing time include juniors Christian Eschleman, Brandon Eubank, Travis Cloninger and sophomores Davonte Marable and Kyle Sheffield.
Players in the mix at tight end are Brandon Stanley, Justin Crabtree, and Stratius Fotos.
Junior Joe St. Clair will handle the kicking duties and will be backed by sophomore Chris Lawhon.
The most established group on the team is the offensive line. It starts in the middle with senior center Andrew Senior, who has good size at 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds. Junior Robert Redman is also a force at 6-2, 308 pounds.
Other offensive lineman include seniors John Castillo, Jacob Dempsey and Eric Stanley as well as juniors Connor McComas and Eric Moss.
Senior, Castillo and Stanley will also play on the defensive line. They will be joined by juniors Derek Moss and Caleb Dunkle and sophomore Trey Fitzpatrick.
The linebacking corps is also a deep group. Senior linebackers are Dick, Cook, and Dempsey. Juniors vying for a spot are Justin Crabtree, Anthony Cole, and McComas. Sophomore Brandon Thomas is the youngest linebacker of the group.
Cornerbacks include Hutchison, Christian, and Sheffield. At the safety spots are Crawford, Felder, and Thacker.
