HUNTINGTON HIGHLANDER FOOTBALL 2025

2013, 2017, 2021, 2022 -  MSAC CHAMPIONS

2013 & 2021 -  AAA STATE RUNNER UP
97, 98, 99, 03, 11,12,15,17,21,22,23,24 - QUARTER FINALS

2014, 2017, 2021 , 2022, 2023, 2024  -  FINAL FOUR 

 

2022-STATE CHAMPIONS

 

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Highlanders Hammer Hedgesville in Playoff Opener, 48–14 Wilson Shines as MVP; Huntington Advances to Quarterfinal Clash with University

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — When the lights came on at Bob Sang Stadium for the opening round of the 2025 WV AAAA State Playoffs, the No. 2 seed Huntington Highlanders showed exactly why they hold one of the most dangerous rosters in West Virginia. In a complete performance—fast, physical, and ruthlessly efficient—the Highlanders dismantled the 15-seed Hedgesville Eagles 48–14, punching their ticket to the quarterfinals.

The night belonged to MVP quarterback Tayveon Wilson, but Huntington’s dominance was the work of a full unit firing on all cylinders.

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MVP Tayveon Wilson: Efficiency, Explosion, and Total Control

Wilson delivered a masterclass in playoff poise, showcasing command through the air and danger on the ground.

Passing:

• 6/6 passing

• 60 yards, 2 TDs

Rushing:

• 6 carries

• 72 yards, 1 TD

He didn’t miss a throw, didn’t take a sack, and controlled the pace of the offense like a veteran champion. His 30-yard strike to Braxton Mount and a powerful 13-yard touchdown run set the tone early, giving Huntington a two-score cushion before Hedgesville could even settle in.

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Ground-and-Pound: Okonkwo, Johnson, Long, and the Run Game Steamroll

Huntington’s run game overwhelmed the Eagles with depth and variety.

RB MayShaun Okonkwo

• 7 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD
  The senior found seams with ease, lowering his shoulder on a bruising goal-line score.

RB Esua Johnson (Freshman)

• 5 carries, 57 yards
  Johnson ripped off chunk plays all night, proving the future of the Highlanders’ backfield is alive and well.

RB Tyler Long (Freshman)

• 2 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD
  Long’s speed stunned Hedgesville, highlighted by a breakaway touchdown that blew the game open.

Team Rushing Total:

• 27 carries, 260 yards, 3 TDs

When you run for nearly 10 yards per carry in a playoff game… you’re winning.

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Air Attack: Rife Headlines Freshman Surge

Even with a run-heavy script, Huntington’s receivers made their touches count.

WR Kellen Rife (Freshman)

• 3 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
  Rife flashed big-play ability, torching Hedgesville on a deep route for a touchdown from freshman QB Marek Midkiff.

TE Braxton Mount

• 1 catch, 30 yards, 1 TD
  Mount hauled in a beautifully placed ball from Wilson for a highlight-reel score.

QB Marek Midkiff (Freshman)

• 7/9 passing, 95 yards, 1 TD
  The youngster played with confidence beyond his years, orchestrating two scoring drives and giving Huntington the luxury of dual-QB threat.

WR Kyran Chandler (Freshman)

• 2 cathes, 15 yards, 1 TD
  Chandler's talent was on full display.

Total Team Passing:

• 13/15, 155 yards, 3 TDs

Balanced. Efficient. Dangerous.

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Freshman Impact: The Future Arrives Early

Few teams in West Virginia can lean on an entire freshman group in the playoffs—Huntington can.

Freshman Contributors:

• QB Marek Midkiff: 95 passing yards, TD

• WR Kellen Rife: 3 rec, 58 yards, TD

• RB Esua Johnson: 57 rushing yards

• RB Tyler Long: 41 rushing yards, TD

• WR Kyran Chandler: 2 rec, 15 yards, TD

The next generation isn’t waiting. They’re already producing.

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Defense Dominates: King Leads Ferocious Effort

Shutting out any playoff opponent is a statement. Huntington made it emphatic.

LB Ilias King — 10 tackles (6 solo)

The defensive captain was everywhere—plugging gaps and setting the tone physically.

LB Bryce Winkfield — 9 tackles (5 solo)

A sideline-to-sideline machine, Winkfield erased Hedgesville’s outside run game.

DE Braxton Mount — 7 tackles

Mount followed his offensive touchdown with a punishing defensive showing, winning his edge matchups all night.

Other Defensive Standouts:

• DE Max Bohren — 6 tackles

• LB C.J. Quinn — 5 tackles

• DB Dreydon Barber — 5 tackles

• DL Jeremiah Sellers — 6 tackles

• DE Antonio Paschual — 6 tackles

The Eagles simply had no answers against Huntington’s depth, speed, and relentless pressure.

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On to Round Two: The University Hawks Await

With the win, the No. 2 seed Highlanders advance to the Quarterfinals, where they’ll host the No. 7 seed University Hawks, fresh off their own strong First Round performance.

The matchup promises fireworks—University’s high-powered passing attack vs. Huntington’s suffocating defense and balanced offense. With Wilson rolling, the freshmen blooming, and the defense peaking at the perfect time, the Highlanders now stand just two wins away from a return to Laidley Field for another shot a State Title.

Kickoff next week at Bob Sang Stadium is set to be electric. The road to the state championship continues.

 

 

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2022 PHOTOS

MEDIA DAY-FOOTBALL          MEDIA DAY - CHEERLEADERS

 

 

 

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