HUNTINGTON, W.Va.
Under the bright lights of Bob Sang Stadium, the Huntington Highlanders delivered a statement win on Homecoming Night, storming past the Parkersburg Big Reds 35–3 to remain undefeated in WV on 2025 campaign. Quarterback Tayveon Wilson led the charge with a commanding dual-threat performance that solidified his growing reputation as one of West Virginia’s premier playmakers.
After a quiet first quarter, the Highlanders’ offense erupted in the second. Senior Tight End Antonio Paschall opened the scoring with a bruising 2-yard touchdown run behind the BEST LINE IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA. Moments later, Wilson electrified the home crowd with a breathtaking 69-yard touchdown run, slicing through Parkersburg’s defense to make it 14–0 after Bennett Weimer’s extra point.
From there, Huntington never looked back—its mix of ground power and passing precision proved too much for the visiting Big Reds.
The Senior Clemson Commit put on a clinic both through the air and on the ground. Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for 170 yards and a TD, averaging an impressive 21.3 yards per completion, and added 7 carries for 88 yards and a rushing TD, including the 69-yard highlight run that broke the game open. His poise and playmaking earned him MVP honors for the second straight week.
The Highlanders’ backfield once again proved lethal behind a Dominant Offensive Line led by Mason Ramsey, Caleb Parlier, Collin Gadd, Aryn McPherson, and Tyler Avery.
Trevon Okonkwo: 18 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, grinding out tough yards inside.
MeShawn Okonkwo: 4 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, including a dazzling 33-yard burst.
Donte Newsome: 5 carries, 26 yards, providing steady balance.
In total, Huntington’s rushing attack piled up over 260 yards and four scores.
Wilson’s chemistry with his receivers was on full display:
Donte Newsome: 4 catches, 90 yards, including a 53-yard bomb that set up a score.
Andreas Reese: 3 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD, showcasing his speed on the edge.
Defensively, Huntington was suffocating. The Highlanders’ front seven collapsed Parkersburg’s pocket all night and allowed only a single field goal.
Linebacker Ilias King anchored the defense with 13 Tackles and steady sideline-to-sideline pursuit.
Linebacker Bryce Winkfield added key stops and pressure while tallying 8 Tackles.
Defensive Lineman Max Bohren plugged gaps and controlled the line of scrimmage, 5 Tackles 2 TFLs 1 SCK.
Defensive Lineman Braxton Mount helped set the tone up front, contributing in both run defense and quarterback containment. Mount finished the game with 10 Tackles.
Donte Newsome (5 Tackles, 3 Solo, 1 INT) also made big plays in the secondary, with Newsome’s interception sealing the Big Reds’ fate late in the fourth.
The Highlanders’ next test comes on the road as they travel to Charleston to face the George Washington Patriots, led by dynamic freshman running back Jaden Black. Huntington’s defense will look to bottle up the young standout as the Highlanders aim to continue their persuit of a perfect season in WV and tighten their grip on the top seed in Class AAAA.
Kickoff is set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Steve Edwards Sr. Field.