Blue Devil JV Topples Hills West, 24-8
The Huntington junior varsity football team won its fifth game of the season last week in a hard fought battle, toppling Half Hollow Hills West at Blue Devils Stadium, 24-8.
Under sometimes dark skies, Huntington played a gritty game from the opening kick-off. The Colts took possession of the ball on the 37 yard line but the Blue Devil defense was in a smothering mode, forcing Hills West to punt. It was a harbinger of things to come.
A series of runs by John Patron, Devon Nelson and Javon Robinson and an air attack featuring passing and receiving by John Mallouk, Josh Long, Conor Reilly, Jared Thorbourne and Jack Cutrone took Huntington 79 yards, culminating with Nelson’s four-yard touchdown scamper. Reilly then connected with Thomas Mulligan for a two-point conversion, producing an 8-0 lead for the Blue Devils.
Huntington followed that up with a surprise on-side kick and freshman John Cogan recovered the ball. But, penalties quickly dashed hopes for any points on that possession.
The second quarter was essentially a defensive struggle as neither team could gain traction offensively. “Our offense stalled a couple of times due to penalties and broken plays,” said Ron Wilson, who coaches the team along with Todd Jamison.
The Blue Devil defense continued to dominate the game in the second half. Mulligan and Dan McQuade made numerous tackles, including several for large losses. Huntington’s offense also picked up. A couple of slick runs by Cutrone climaxed when he found the end zone and he topped off the display by scooting three more yards for a two-point conversion, giving the team a 16-0 advantage.
Hills West scored late in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on broken coverage by Huntington’s defensive backs. The Blue Devils countered with several running plays by Patron and Thorbourne for their third touchdown of the morning. Tyler Greenhill ran three yards for a successful two-point conversion to make the score 24-8. Cornerback Brad Dwyer sealed the win when he pulled down an interception with a minute left in the game.
Huntington (5-1-1) will close out its season at home this Saturday against Miller Place. Kick-off is set for 9 a.m.
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