Highlanders Dominate on Senior Night to Keep the Shield
HUNTINGTON, WV — Under the bright lights of Bob Sang Stadium, the Huntington Highlanders capped off Senior Night in storybook fashion, defeating their arch-rival Cabell Midland Knights in the annual Battle for the Shield. It was a night filled with emotion, big plays, and a defense that set the tone from the first snap. When the dust settled, the Highlanders stood tall — resilient, relentless, and ready for November football.
Co-MVPs: MayShaun Okonkwo and Ilias King Set the Tone
Running Back MayShaun Okonkwo was electric every time he touched the ball. The sophemore tailback delivered one of his best performances of the season, gashing the Knights’ defense with a blend of patience and speed. Okonkwo piled up 232 Rushing Yards on just 10 Carries, including 2 Touchdown runs, and consistently moved the chains on critical downs. His ability to bounce off tacklers and accelerate through the second level made him the heartbeat of the Highlander offense.
On the other side of the ball, Linebacker Ilias King was a force of nature — a sideline-to-sideline disruptor who seemed to be in on every tackle. King finished with 18 Total Tackles, including 4 TFLs halting every Midland drive. His physicality and leadership anchored a defensive unit that smothered the Knights’ ground game all night.
Offensive Firepower: Wilson’s Command, Newsome’s Burst, Reese’s Clutch Plays
Quarterback Tayveon Wilson orchestrated the offense with veteran composure, throwing for 237 Yards and 2 Touchdowns. His connection with his receivers was sharp, threading passes through tight windows and extending plays when the pocket collapsed.
Donte Newsome, playing both wide receiver and running back, showcased his trademark versatility. He racked up 158 total yards and 2 Touchdowns, highlighted by a spectacular 43-yard touchdown catch that brought the Huntington crowd to its feet. With his 114 Yard performance Newsome extended his 90+ Receiving Yard streak to 4 games.
Andreas Reese came up big in crucial moments, starting the scoring with a 43 Yard TD. Reese finished the game with 4 Catches for 70 Yards. His crisp routes and sure hands helped keep the Midland defense off balance.
The Wall of Green and Gold: Highlander Defense Dominates
If there was any doubt about which side of the ball defined this win, the defense erased it early. Huntington’s front seven suffocated the Knights, holding them to under 150 total yards and just one trip into the red zone.
Linebacker C.J. Quinn played with relentless energy, tallying 10 Total Tackles (2 TFLs) , while Bryce Winkfield added 9 Total Tackles (1.5 TFLs). Up front, Defensive End Max Bohren controlled the line of scrimmage, logging 9 Total Tackles (1 TFL).
Together, the Highlander defense turned Bob Sang Stadium into a fortress — fast, physical, and fearless.
Looking Ahead: Highlanders Head North to Close Out the Regular Season
With the Shield safely back on the Mountain, the Highlanders will now hit the road for their regular-season finale in Wheeling against the Linsly Cadets. It’s the final tune-up before the postseason, and Huntington will aim to carry the same momentum, energy, and balanced attack that powered them past their rival on Senior Night.
