Highlanders Fall in Season Opener, Eyes Already on Martinsburg Rematch
By Stephen Farley
The 2025 season kicked off Friday night as the Huntington Highlanders traveled to George Rodgers Clark High School to take on the Oakland Patriots. Under the lights, the Highlanders fought hard but ultimately came up short, falling to the Patriots in a tough opener.
Offensive Standouts
Tayveon Wilson carried much of the offensive load, showing grit and leadership despite a relentless Oakland defense. On the ground, Wilson logged 11 carries for 34 yards, while through the air he completed 5 of 12 passes for 47 yards. Although he didn’t find the endzone, Wilson set the tone as the Highlanders’ offensive spark.
MeShawn Okonkwo provided balance in the run game, picking up 32 yards on 5 carries, grinding out tough yardage between the tackles. His physical style gave Huntington flashes of momentum.
In the passing game, Deuce Olden made the biggest splash, hauling in 2 receptions for 40 yards, including a key catch that flipped field position. Donte Newsome added 2 receptions for 17 yards, showing his reliability as a possession target. Together, Olden and Newsome gave Wilson outlets against an aggressive Patriot secondary.
Defensive Grit
While Oakland’s high-powered offense struck early and often, Huntington’s defense had moments of resilience. Bryce Winkfield notched a 6 Solo Tackles (8 Total Tackles), keeping the Patriots from breaking a long run. Donte Newsome contributed defensively as well, recording 8 Total Tackles (5 Solo) in addition to his receiving work.
C.J. Quinn was active in the second half, racking up 7 Total Tackles including 4 Solos, helping Huntington stiffen in the trenches after halftime. His motor was a bright spot for a unit that never stopped competing.
Newsome Named M.V.P.
Donte Newsome was named Huntington's M.V.P. by the Clark County Hall of Fame Bowl. Newsome has 2 Catches for 17 Yards to go with his Steller Defensive night (8 Total Tackles / 5 Solo).
Looking Ahead: The Martinsburg Rematch
The Highlanders will waste no time dwelling on the loss — because Week 2 brings a marquee matchup. Huntington will square off against the defending WV AAAA State Champions, the Martinsburg Bulldogs, in what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated early-season clashes in the state.
It’s not just another game: it’s a rematch of last year’s WV AAAA Semi-Final, where Huntington fell heartbreakingly short, 35–34, after a missed two-point conversion in the game’s final seconds. That narrow defeat has fueled the Highlanders’ offseason, and the chance to face Martinsburg again this early gives Huntington an opportunity for redemption.
Expect intensity, emotion, and playoff-like energy when the Bulldogs come to town. For the Highlanders, Week 2 is more than just the next game on the schedule — it’s a chance to show they belong at the top of West Virginia football.
