Huntington, Brooke have something to prove in opener

• Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch
  The Herald-Dispatch

Huntington High head coach Billy Seals yells instructions from the sideline as the Highlanders take on Winfield in a high school football game on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at Huntington High School.

HUNTINGTON - Questions about the running game will be answered Friday night and whether Huntington High or Brooke likes the results could determine which football team leaves the field as the victor.

The Highlanders play host to the Bruins at 7 p.m. in the season-opening game for both teams. HHS comes in seeking improvement on the ground, while Brooke is trying to shore up a rush defense that gave up 451 yards in its final game of 2015, falling 30-7 to Cabell Midland in the Class AAA playoffs.

No Highlander ran for more than 600 yards last season. HHS coach Billy Seals said that can't happen again.

"We have to get back to establishing the run game," Seals said. "We have to get better running the football and taking care of the football."

Effectively running the ball or stopping the run means winning the battle on the line of scrimmage. The Highlanders likely feel good about their chances. Their offensive front is led by senior tackle Billy Ross (6-foot-5, 300), who has committed to the University of North Carolina. He is joined up front by impressive youngster Darnell Wright (6-3, 270) and sophomore Noah Smith (6-2, 195).

Brooke counters with seniors on the front eight of its 4-4 defense. Nic Tomassilli (6-1, 195), Roman Hart (6-3, 350), Vincent Pederson (5-11, 255) and Christopher Turner (5-9, 255) man the defensive line. Derek Jenkins (6-foot, 195), Alexander Edgell (5-11, 230), Austin Kemp (5-7, 165) and Colten Zombeck (6-foot, 190) are the linebackers. Their jobs will be to slow HHS running backs Jadon Hayes and Seth Finnegan.

Bruins third-year coach Mac McLean said his team must rise to a serious challenge in Huntington High.

"We have to grow up quickly," McLean said, noting that the Bruins return just four starters on offense and three on defense from last season's 8-4 team.

While Seals wants to establish the run, he figures to take advantage of the considerable talent his team possesses in the passing game. Senior Lenny Jackson and junior Brett Christian are experienced wide receivers joined by Mikal Dawson, an athletic 6-4 wide out known for his prowess in basketball. They'll catch passes either from senior Brandt Adkins or junior Luke Zban.

Huntington High doesn't necessarily have to move the ball far to score. Kicker Cason Kessinger is accurate on field goals from 45 yards or longer.

Last year, despite making the playoffs, Brooke gave up 262 points and scored 226. Still, the Bruins were dangerous and proved it by defeating eventual state champion Wheeling Park 21-18 on Sept. 25 and knocking off Morgantown 27-14 in the first round of the playoffs. They also lost just 17-13 to Huntington High in the opening game.

Brooke at Huntington High

7 p.m. Friday

Radio: ESPN 94.1-FM, 930-AM