Blue Devils Prep for Friday Night Game

New week, new challenge for the Huntington football team, which dropped a frustrating 20-14 verdict in two overtimes at heavily favored North Babylon last Saturday in the rain. The Blue Devils seek to right their ship on Friday night when they host Smithtown East. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Huntington trailed early at North Babylon, but stormed back to take the lead on touchdowns by David Dax and Thomas Smith. The Blue Devils were ahead 14-7 halfway through the fourth quarter when North Babylon tied the game on a 15 yard run by Chris Stumpf.

The Bulldogs finally broke the deadlock in the second overtime to eke out a 20-14 victory. Huntington head coach Ron Wilson gathered his players after the two teams exchanged post-game handshakes and told the Blue Devils they should hold their heads high for battling hard against an undefeated team.

“You’ve come a long way in just a week,” Wilson told his players. “Think of how far we can go if you keep working hard. This season has a lot left in it. Let’s get it done.”

Against North Babylon, David Dax led the Blue Devil ground game, rushing 17 times for 67 yards. Quarterback Jacob Guzik completed nine-of-13 passes for 120 yards. Jahmar Francis had four receptions for 35 yards and Keishan Miller caught three passes for 60 yards.

Huntington’s defense saw Timmy McDonald, Navado Petro and Tommy Kline all record seven tackles. Petro also recovered two fumbles and deflected a pass. Smith had six tackles and Keegan Malone had five.

Huntington’s offense including 40 rushes for 156 yards and 10 receptions for 134 yards. The Blue Devil defense had 48 solo tackles, six assists, six for a loss, two caused fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two pass deflections.

A big crowd is expected at Friday night’s game, the second such night game of the season. The two teams will begin warming up at 4:30 p.m.