Highlanders Stun Defending Champs in Revenge Thriller
9/13/2025by Stephen Farley

Highlanders Stun Defending Champs in Revenge Thriller

By Stephen Farley

Bob Sang Stadium was rocking on Friday night as the Huntington Highlanders delivered the statement they’d been waiting nearly a year to make. Facing off against the defending WV AAAA State Champion Martinsburg Bulldogs—the very team that ended Huntington’s season last year in a heartbreaking 35-34 semifinal loss—the Highlanders flipped the script, grinding out a 22-20 victory that felt like redemption.

First-Half Fireworks

Huntington wasted no time announcing their intentions. Quarterback Teyveon Wilson came out poised, engineering the opening drive with crisp passes and timely runs. His connection with Andreas Reese set the tone, highlighted by a 15-yard touchdown strike that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Reese wasn’t just an offensive weapon—he added an 84-yard kickoff return and multiple tackles, proving himself as a true two-way star.

While Martinsburg answered with a punt return touchdown, Huntington’s defense stiffened, and a safety put the Highlanders back on top. Then it was Trevon Okonkwo’s time to shine. The hard-nosed running back powered in from 8 yards out for his first score, and just before halftime, he bulldozed into the end zone again on a 1-yard plunge, giving Huntington a commanding lead. Okonkwo finished with 87 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, battering the Bulldogs’ defensive front.

Defensive Backbone

As the game tightened in the second half, Huntington’s defense delivered in the clutch. C.J. Quinn was a tackling machine, racking up 5 Solo Tackles to go along with 3 Assists and keeping Martinsburg’s skill players in check. Alongside him, Ilias King in his return to game action in the second half made his presence felt with 6 Total Tackles 4 Solo and 2 assists, proving reliable in the trenches.

Donte Newsome contributed on both sides of the ball accounting for 6 carries for 25 yards & 11 Total Tackles (9 Solo) —picking up first downs in the run game while also stacking up defensive tackles. Newsome responded with grit, grinding out tough yardage late to extend drives.

Wilson, meanwhile, showed composure beyond the stat line. His rushing ability moved the chains on several critical downs, coming through with a clutch 10-yard scramble for a first down in the fourth quarter.

Reese Shines Brightest

If there was one constant sparkplug for Huntington, it was Andreas Reese. The junior wideout and return specialist touched nearly every phase of the game:

  • A Spectacular Touchdown Catch from Wilson in the first quarter

  • Special teams magic, including that electric 84-yard return on the games first play

  • Defensive effort, 3 Solo and 3 Assisted tackles

Every time Martinsburg seemed ready to rally, Reese’s number was called—and he answered.

Revenge Secured

The Bulldogs, true to their championship pedigree, clawed back late with a touchdown run by Brian Dick. But when Martinsburg’s final conversion attempt failed, the scoreboard froze at 22-20 Huntington, sealing a victory that will echo through the State of West Virginia all season long.

 

Looking Ahead: Rivalry Renewed

The celebration can’t last long. Next Friday, the Highlanders host their longtime rivals, the Spring Valley Timberwolves, under the lights at Bob Sang Stadium. Rivalry week always brings out the best—and after Huntington’s emotional revenge win, they’ll need to reset quickly for another battle that promises fireworks.

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