Blue Devils Motor Past
Harborfields, 35-0
On a dark, dreary and overcast afternoon, the Blue Devil varsity football team ran, passed and tackled like champions en route to an impressive 35-0 shutout over cross-town rival Harborfields. The victory evened Huntington's record at 1-1.
The Blue Devil offense was methodical as it mixed a pinpoint passing attack with power running to build a 21-0 halftime lead. "We had a great first half and it really pumped us up," head coach Steve Muller said. "The defense was hitting hard and we were controlling the ball well."
It was a memorable day for Huntington, which was led by running back Calvin Bollar, who scored three touchdowns on runs of 1, 43 and 80 yards. The 5'9, 190 lb. senior ran for 159 yards on 14 carries.
Junior quarterback Dan Plant was also sensational as he completed 10-of-14 passes for 157 yards, including a 50 yard touchdown strike to 6'4, 190 lb. senior Will Coffey. Junior Trayvon Toney turned in a big game, too, scoring a touchdown on a six-yard run, making 10 tackles, forcing one fumble and recovering another.
The Blue Devils received contributions from a large cast of players, including 6'1, 220 lb. sophomore Devon Nelson, who recorded 11 tackles and 6'6, 230 lb. senior Dante Allen, who had seven tackles and a forced fumble. "We expected a lot out of our defense and got it," Muller said.
Plant was efficient and effective as the team's signal caller. One of his favorite receivers was 5'9, 170 lb. junior Tyre Brown, who hauled in four passes for 71 yards. "Dan was dynamite," Muller said. "He took control of the offense just like we wanted him to do."
The Blue Devils are looking to run off a string of victories that they hope will carry the team into the post-season. It won't be easy to pull off in ultra-competitive Suffolk Division III. Muller said it will depend upon how hard Huntington works during the week in practice and how well the squad executes during games.
Huntington will play its first home game of the season this Saturday (Sept. 25) when it hosts Kings Park. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Blue Devil Notes: Former Huntington football great James Paci, who is a M.D. on the staff of Stony Brook Hospital, was on the sidelines . . . The entire game was played under threatening skies, which opened up and produced a deluge shortly after the time ran out . . . Senior placekicker Matt Curley was a perfect five-for-five on extra points.