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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Warriors use big second half to derail Highlanders
Huntington's Tyler Hutchinson shifts through the Riverside defense in the first half of the Highlanders' 26-23 loss in the team's home opener at Bob Sang Stadium.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- For a half, the Huntington Highlanders appeared to answer all the questions that surrounded a disappointing opening game, as strong performances on both sides of the ball lead to a 10-0 advantage at halftime.
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However, all that good mojo was quickly dissolved as the Highlanders allowed 256 yards and 26 points over the final 24 minutes in a 26-23 loss to Riverside.
Riverside scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, including the game-winner by Marvin Belcher from five yards out with just over two minutes left to clinch the win for the Warriors.
The second half played out like a heavyweight boxing match, as both offenses traded blows.
Despite the first-half deficit, Ralph Hensley's club responded immediately on its initial possession of the second half with a six-play drive that covered 60 yards. Brian Blankenship gave Riverside its first points on a two-yard plunge off left guard.
Any momentum Huntington appeared to have in the first half was dissolved on the ensuing kickoff as Felder botched the return to put Huntington in poor field position at its own 14. After forcing a three-and-out, the Warriors got the ball back in excellent field position at the Highlander 31. Two plays later, Belcher found the end zone on a 24-yard jaunt to give the Warriors their first lead of the 2008 season.
Huntington quarterback C.J. Crawford answered with a 5-play, 65-yard drive in which he had rushes of 27 and 26 yards to give Huntington the lead right back.
Trailing 18-16, the Warriors finally caught a break early in the fourth quarter when Blankenship scooped up a Crawford fumble and returned it 14 yards to put Riverside back up 18-16 just eight seconds into the final stanza.
However, Felder once again put Huntington up 23-18 with an 18-yard run of his own to set up the exciting finish.
Huntington (0-2) drew first blood on its initial possession with an impressive 10-play, 89-yard scoring drive that was composed entirely of running plays. C.J. Crawford and Gary Felder accounted for 71 yards on the drive. Felder capped it off with a 3-yard plunge off right guard to put the Highlanders up 7-0 at the 6:18 mark of the opening quarter.
In the process, Felder proved he is no fluke. The sophomore rushed for 60 yards on just three carries a week ago- an average of 20 yards per carry. Felder finished with 51 yards on 10 carries. Crawford led all rushers with 169 yards on 21 totes.
RIVERSIDE 0 0 12 14 -- 26
HUNTINGTON 7 3 6 7 -- 23
H -- Felder 3 run (St. Clair kick)
H -- St. Clair 37 FG
R -- Blankenship 2 run (kick failed)
R -- Belcher 24 run (run failed)
H -- Hutchison 3 run (pass failed)
R -- Blankenship 14 fumble recovery (run failed)
H -- Felder 18 run (St. Claire kick)
R -- Belcher 5 run (Robinson run)
TEAM STATS
Hunt R'side
First Downs 1 6 18
Rushes-Yds. 45-256 39-251
Pass Yds. 64 72
Comp-Att-Int 5-13-1 5-10-2
Fumbles-lost 1-1 2-1
Penalties-Yds. 5-40 4-25
Punts-avg 2-34 3-41
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Riverside -- Shanklin 5-21, Belcher 15-109, Robinson 10-62, Crews 1-3, Blankenship 10-42. Huntington -- Crawford 21-169, Felder 10-51, Hutchison 13-38, Arreola 2-(-4).
PASSING: Riverside -- Shanklin 5-10-2, 72 yards. Huntington -- Crawford 5-12-1, 64; Hutchison 0-1-0, 0.
RECEIVING: Riverside -- Waiters 3-61, Belcher 1-1, Mills 1-10. Huntington -- Eubank 1-18, Christian 3-18, Marable 1-18.
