Highlanders Storm Past Hurricane in Week 4 Showdown
10/7/2025by Steve Farley

Highlanders Storm Past Hurricane in Week 4 Showdown

by Steve Farley

 

The Huntington Highlanders made a loud statement under the Friday night lights, dismantling the Hurricane Redskins in a dominant Week 4 performance. With explosive plays, punishing defense, and a quarterback performance for the ages, Huntington flexed its muscle as one of West Virginia’s most dangerous squads.

Offensive Firepower

 

MeShawn Okonkwo got the Highlanders rolling early, breaking loose for a 25-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter while also chipping in defensively with multiple solo tackles.

 

Andreas Reese's skills were on full display jumpstarting the passing game. Reese hauled in 2 TDs (77 yrds & 32 yrds) on 2 receptions for 109 yards.

 

Veteran back Donte Newsome reminded everyone of his big-play ability, ripping off touchdowns from 15 yards and 59 yards out. Newsome tallied 2 rushes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns, added a 10-yard reception for a first down, and even contributed on special teams with an 8-yard kick return.

 

The night also showcased the future of the Highlander backfield. Freshman sensations Esau Johnson and Kellen Rife shined. Johnson electrified the crowd with a 7-yard touchdown rush followed later by a breathtaking 40-yard TD burst, finishing with 4 carries for 54 yards and 2 scores.

On the perimeter, Rife was a two-way force. Offensively, he hauled in a 33-yard reception to set up a score, while defensively he filled the stat sheet with 7 total tackles, including 0.5 TFL, proving his versatility as a lockdown defender and chain-mover.

The MVP: Tayveon Wilson

 

When the Highlanders needed a leader, quarterback Tayveon Wilson delivered one of the finest games of his career. Wilson was spectacular through the air and on the ground:

 

  • Passing: Connected on a 32-yard strike to Andreas Reese, then later found Reese again for a 77-yard bomb.

  • Rushing: Plowed in for two short-yardage touchdowns (2 yards, 1 yard), but also showed his breakaway speed with a dazzling 74-yard TD run.

Wilson finished with 3 total rushing touchdowns, 2 passing touchdowns, and well over 200 yards of combined offense, earning him the clear MVP of the game. His ability to both punish defenses with his legs and burn them with deep accuracy kept Hurricane completely off balance.

Defensive Wall

 

Huntington’s defense smothered Hurricane all night, with multiple standouts across the front seven.

 

  • Ilias King: Posted 8 total tackles (5 solo, 3 assisted) and notched a sack, setting the tone with relentless pressure.

  • C.J. Quinn: Stuffed the run and lived in the backfield, tallying 11 total tackles (6 solo, 5 assists) and 5.5 tackles for loss.

  • Jeremiah Lyles: Clamped down the trenches, holding Hurricane’s inside running lanes in check including a fine tip drill Big Man INT.

  • Max Bohren: Put together a disruptive night with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 TFLs and a forced fumble, anchoring the defensive front.

  • Antonyo Paschall: Added muscle in the trenches with 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 3 TFLs, keeping the Redskins’ quarterback under constant duress.

This defense not only bent but broke Hurricane’s will, forcing punts and capitalizing on every mistake.

Looking Ahead: The Battle for the Bell

 

With this emphatic win in the books, Huntington now sets its sights on one of the most anticipated rivalries in the Mountain State: Week 6, The Battle for the Bell. The Highlanders will square off against the Capital Cougars at UC Stadium at Laidley Field, a game dripping with tradition, emotion, and bragging rights.

If Wilson and the Highlanders keep up this level of play, the Bell might be ringing loud and proud in green and gold by the end of the night.

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