CHILLICOTHE — The Huntington Huntsmen are determined to move forward after their recent 28-7 loss to Portsmouth West on Friday night, September 4. The defeat highlighted the challenges the team faced against a formidable Senators squad, particularly due to the explosive performance of their running backs, Anthony Bishop and Westyn Ratcliff.
In this matchup, Bishop and Ratcliff combined for an impressive 366 rushing yards and four touchdowns, showcasing their prowess on the field. Huntington struggled to contain this dynamic duo, which proved to be a decisive factor in the game. Despite the setback, the Huntsmen are looking ahead, focusing on their next challenge rather than dwelling on the past.
“All of our goals are ahead of us. I know tonight didn’t go our way, but our kids will learn from the mistakes,” said Huntington head coach Clay Beeler. His optimism reflects the team's resilience, as they prepare to face Zane Trace in their upcoming game. “We’re still a great football team and we’re still healthy. We just have to put some things together to play with teams like Portsmouth West.”
The game began with Portsmouth West (3-0) taking control early, as Bishop scored a five-yard touchdown run at the 6:17 mark of the first quarter, establishing a 7-0 lead. Huntington (1-2) responded with a touchdown of their own, as quarterback Frankie Hirsch connected with Junior McDonald for a 30-yard scoring pass with 5:01 left in the second quarter. However, Bishop quickly answered back, scoring again just before halftime to give the Senators a 14-7 advantage.
Coach Beeler noted that tackling issues and penalties hindered the Huntsmen's performance in the first half. “We didn’t tackle well, and I thought penalties killed us in the first half,” he remarked. Despite making adjustments and securing a few stops in the second half, Huntington struggled to contain the Senators’ potent offense.
Bishop added to his tally with a third touchdown in the third quarter, and Ratcliff sealed the game with an explosive 85-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Though Huntington fought hard to regain momentum, their efforts were ultimately in vain. “We didn’t quit. Our kids battled,” Beeler stated, acknowledging the determination of his players even when facing a significant deficit.
Statistically, Hirsch led the Huntsmen's offense, completing 8 of 17 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 40 yards on 11 carries. McDonald was a key target, catching five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Carson McNeal and Wes Hamilton each recorded nine tackles, attempting to keep the Senators at bay.
Looking ahead, Huntington has a challenging matchup against Zane Trace on September 11. The Pioneers are currently undefeated and possess a strong running game that has been central to their success this season. Beeler expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating, “We played West because we felt like they would prepare us for Zane Trace. Now, we’ve played a big, physical offensive line with great running backs. We’ll be ready next week.”
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