Huntington Football Holds Off Connetquot, 21-14

After quickly putting the first points on the scoreboard at Connetquot last Friday night, the Huntington football team had to work hard for every yard on its way to turning back a stiff challenge by the T-Birds, 21-14.

The victory improved the Blue Devils’ record to 4-1 as they prepare to host undefeated Northport (5-0) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The contest will mark the town’s Army vs. Navy game.

Huntington struck first last Friday night, effectively moving the ball to set up a 15 yard touchdown pass from Jacob Guzik to Jack Kamenstein. Max Carino followed with the point after to make it 7-0. The Blue Devils never trailed in the game, but when the defense faltered, Connetquot was ready to pounce.

A late game touchdown by Connetquot brought the T-Birds within a touchdown. An onside kick followed but Huntington recovered it and ran out the clock.

Guzik completed 12-of-15 passes for 131 yards. Running back Yasir Jones rushed 15 times for 84 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for another 68 yards. Kamenstein had four receptions for 39 yards.

Defensively, Zayvion McCoy recorded eight tackles. Titan Elysee had seven tackles, including one for a loss and three quarterback sacks. Ethan Lawless had six tackles, including one for a loss and a quarterback sack. Shates Miller had five tackles, including two that went for a loss. Chase Northrop also had five tackles and a quarterback sack.

Huntington was bedeviled by penalties, frustrating both the coaches and players. Elysee was effective on special teams, returning two kicks for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also made two tackles on Connetquot kick returns.

Henry Gerberg and Frank Algieri both had interceptions and both recorded three tackles. Will Peters sacked the quarterback and had four tackles, including one for a loss.

“A win is a win and we’ll surely take it, but we have so much to work on this week before we play Northport,” head coach Ronald E. Wilson said. “We certainly need to reduce our mistakes and get back to playing our brand of football.”