Highlanders Finish the Regular Season With Authority: Huntington Rolls Past Linsly Behind MVP Wilson, Defense, and a Statement Run Game
11/19/2025by Steve Farley

Highlanders Finish the Regular Season With Authority:
Huntington Rolls Past Linsly Behind MVP Wilson, Defense, and a Statement Run Game

WHEELING, WV — The Huntington Highlanders boarded the buses for their longest instate road trip of the season and returned home with a win that sent a message to the rest of the state: the 2025 playoffs are coming through Huntington. In their Week 11 regular-season finale at Linsly, the No. 2–ranked Highlanders delivered a physical and explosive performance in a 28–14 victory, closing the season at 8–2 and locking in the No. 2 seed in the WVSSAC Class AAAA Playoffs.

MVP Tayveon Wilson Puts on a Show

Quarterback Tayveon Wilson ended his regular season with the type of MVP performance that has defined his Senior campaign—dynamic, efficient, and unshakably clutch.

Wilson commanded the offense with poise, finishing:

  • 10 of 16 Passing for 108 yards and 1 TD

  • 10 Rushes for 76 yards and 2 TDs

  • 6 Tackles on Defense, including 5 solo

Wilson scored twice on the ground—first on a 15-yard keeper and later on a backbreaking 23-yard sprint where he broke contain and outran the Cadets secondary. His passing touchdown came on a gorgeous strike to Donte Newsome on a 33-yard catch-and-run that blew open the game in the third quarter.

He wasn’t just the best offensive player on the field—he was also one of Huntington’s most active defensive contributors. The MVP made sure his presence was felt in every possible phase.

Okonkwo Powers the Ground Game

Running back MayShaun Okonkwo continues to be the steady engine behind Huntington’s offense. Against a disciplined Linsly front, Okonkwo produced:

  • 11 Carries for 84 yards

Okonkwo’s blend of vision and power helped Huntington control the clock, especially during a crucial second-half stretch when the Highlanders took the air out of the game. Whenever they needed positive yardage, No. 7 delivered.

Newsome: A True Dual Threat

The versatile Donte Newsome showed once again why he’s one of the most electric two-way players in the state.

Offensively, Newsome tallied:

  • 6 Rushes for 24 yards

  • 5 Receptions for 59 yards and 1 TD

His 33-yard touchdown reception from Wilson was the game’s highlight—a perfectly timed route, a step of separation, and acceleration down the right sideline.

He also contributed in special situations and played meaningful snaps on defense, demonstrating why Huntington trusts him in every situation.

The Linebacker Corps Dominates Again

Few teams in West Virginia boast a linebacker trio as complete, as physical, and as consistent as Ilias King, Bryce Winkfield, and C.J. Quinn. Against Linsly, all three delivered standout performances.

 

Ilias King — The Hammer

  • 10 Tackles (5 Solo, 5 Assists)

King’s instincts were on full display. He read counters, shot gaps, and delivered tone-setting hits throughout the night.

 

Bryce Winkfield — The Sparkplug

  • 10 Tackles (6 Solo, 4 Assists)

  • 1 Rushing TD on Offense

Not only was he all over the field defensively, Winkfield punched in a critical 1-yard touchdown on offense in the third quarter. His versatility continues to be one of Huntington’s biggest advantages.

 

C.J. Quinn — The Enforcer

  • 8 Tackles (4 Solo, 4 Assists)

Quinn was a problem for Linsly’s interior run game. His discipline and strength helped keep the Cadets behind the chains all evening.

Together, the trio combined for 28 tackles, anchoring a Highlander defense that shut down Linsly’s momentum outside of two isolated scoring drives.

A Complete Team Win To Close the Regular Season

Huntington finished with:

  • 215 Rushing Yards

  • 108 Passing Yards

  • 323 Total Yards of Offense

  • A swarming defensive effort led by its linebackers and a strong night from Wilson

Coach Seals’ team looks polished, confident, and playoff-ready.

Next Up: The Road to Charleston Begins

With the Week 11 win, Huntington officially locks in the No. 2 seed in the Class AAAA State Playoffs. Their postseason journey begins next week at home at Bob Sang Stadium against the No. 15 seed Hedgesville Eagles.

The Highlanders enter the playoffs with momentum, health, and a roster full of veterans who have been here before. The mission is clear:

Survive. Advance. And fight for a return trip to Charleston.

If their performance at Linsly is any indication, Huntington is hitting its stride at exactly the right moment.

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