Highlanders wearing a target on visit to Parkersburg

• Larry Butcher/For The Herald-Dispatch

Huntington High head football coach Billy Seals says his Highlanders need to step up their level of play Friday in Parkersburg against the Big Reds.

The Highlanders come to Stadium Field 3-0 and share the top spot in Class AAA with Martinsburg in the first WVSSAC ratings for 2016.

"It kind of puts a target on you," Huntington High coach Billy Seals said Wednesday prior to practice. "We've been in that position quite often the last five years. The kids understand that. It's a business trip. We've got to handle the situation."

On the flip side, Parkersburg has provided Huntington with extra incentive courtesy of scheduling. It's homecoming and in addition to all those festivities, the school will induct former football greats Dennis Rexroad, Howard Cunningham and Jim Scott into the Football Hall of Fame prior to the kickoff. Game time is 7 p.m.

"Anytime you throw a little wrench into a kid like that it tends to get them focused a little quicker," Seals said.

Regardless of ranking or scheduling, Seals know the Highlanders must raise their level of play. They needed a fourth-quarter touchdown to get past George Washington, 24-18, last Friday at Bob Sang Stadium. Patriots quarterback Grant Wells throw for 310 yards and two scores.

"They're kids. They see it," Seals said of the ranking. "I think they look at it as they'd much rather be No. 1 on Dec. 4 (Sunday after the Class AAA title game) than Sept. 14. We played really well the first two games. We didn't play that well last week. Some of that had to be GW has a good football team. The things we saw on film, we didn't execute what we were coached to do."

Injuries have been an issues, especially on offense. Receiver Brett Christian, quarterback Luke Zban and receiver Mikal Dawson have been sidelined. That means backups and younger players have to step up. Brandt Adkins calls signals now.

"Brandt ran the offense well. He's OK with what we've put in scheme wise," Seals said. "He's taken a lot of snaps. The kids we've expected to play well have."

Two newcomers who could contribute are freshmen receiver Kris Brown (6-foot-2) and quarterback Tajan Blackwell, who backs up Adkins.

"That's a kid we have to get in," Seals said of Brown. "A lot of young kids are getting reps, getting better. That helps us in the future."

Defense and special teams continue to be a strong point for the Highlanders. Kicker Cason Kessinger has a 53-yard field goal to his credit and his kickoffs often go out of the end zone. As a punter, he averaged 41.3 yards on seven punts and pinned George Washington inside the 20 five times. Overall, the Patriots started 10 of 12 possession on or inside their 20.

"We understand where the injuries are right now and we have to raise our level of play a little bit to help out," Seals said. "We've been taking care of the football. We're winning the turnover battle. We're about even in time of possession. Our special teams have been the difference. He (Kessinger) was huge in change of field position. When you start at or inside the 20, that's a long way to go."

Parkersburg opened with a win over St. Albans. The Big Reds have since lost to Hurricane and Capital. Against Capital, the Big Reds had 316 yards passing. Quarterbacks Ethan Airhart and Bradley Craig were a combined 22 of 35 with one interception. Wingback Karson Snyder had seven catches for 92 yards. He's the team's top scorer (30 points).

"Our kids got a little wakeup call Friday night," Seals said. "When they watched the film Monday, they were disappointed the way we played. We didn't do the things we're coached to do. There was a little lack of effort at times and that's a no-no for any program. Their quarterback throws the ball well, he puts up numbers. On defense they're aggressive like always and physical."

The 316 passing yards is No. 2 all-time in Parkersburg High football. The record is 343 against Parkersburg South in 1988. Another Big Reds receiverr the Highlanders must watch is Rylan Hamilton, who had six catches for 118 yards against Capital.