HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The 2019 season produced mixed results for the Huntington Highlanders. They qualified for the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. But they were eliminated in the opening round and finished the year at 5-6. Three of their losses were by a touchdown or less.
“We could have easily been 7-3, but we were 5-5 (in the regular season),” head coach Billy Seals said. “It was uncharacteristic of us and our program but you have years like that. I thought our kids played hard. It just seemed like in those close games, we didn’t make the plays necessary to win, where in the previous years we had.”
“Absolutely disappointing,” said Huntington senior wide receiver/defensive back Devin Jackson. “I take it personally. We can’t let that happen again.”
Seals is excited about an experienced group of receivers and defensive backs. 6-foot-4 senior tight end Eli Archer could be the top target in the group.
“He has got to be our number one option, to be honest with you,” Seals said. “With his size and his ability to catch the football, we have to understand it is okay to throw the football five yards. We don’t need to throw it forty. Throw it five yards and get in a 2nd-and-5 situation. That’s where Eli comes in.
“Devin Jackson, Noah Waynick, Amari Felder, they are all starters back from last year.”
A group of young signal callers will look to replace Ta’ Blackwell at the quarterback spot.
“Gavin Lochow, Dakota Dingess and Zion McComas are all battling at that position right now,” Seals said. “We have a really good freshman in Markell Jones. Gavin probably has a little of the edge because of knowledge of the offense. Being the backup last year he got a lot of reps at the quarterback position in practice.”
The Highlanders will be working several new starters onto both lines. Junior and returning starter Max Wentz is one of the veterans of the group.
“This is a kid who started for us last year at left tackle who will be a junior this year,” Seals said. He has gotten bigger, stronger and his footwork has gotten better. On the offensive line, he is kind of the leader there.”
Huntington must replace their leading rusher and their leading tackler from a year ago in Brocton Blair. It will take several players to make up for his departure.
“It has to be by committee, to be honest with you,” Seals said. “He has kind of been the spearhead on defense for two or three years now. You can’t replace what that guy brought to the table.”
Eight of Huntington’s ten opponents this year qualified for postseason play last fall. Seals is curious to see how his team answers back and their first losing season since 2010.
“If we play together, smart and listen to the coaches, we can go to the championship,” said Huntington junior wide receiver/defensive back Noah Waynick. “We want to win.”