Huntington 101 Eyes Season Opener at Northport

With a week to go in before the first game of the season, the Huntington varsity football team is going through its final preparations. The Blue Devils will play at Northport next Saturday (September 14) at 2 p.m. The contest has been designated as the Town of Huntington Dept. of Veteran Affairs’ annual Army vs. Navy game. A special trophy will be presented to the winner.

This marks the Huntington football program’s 101st season. The Blue Devils are led by head coach Ronald E. Wilson and assistant coaches Kevin Graham, Darius Smith, Antoine Swain and Chris Taylor and JV coach Jim Byrnes and James Byrnes. Malcom Eugene is the team’s strength coach and a volunteer assistant. Anthony McDonald is also a volunteer assistant.

Huntington is captained by junior Titan Elysee and seniors Keegan Malone, Timothy McDonald and Thomas Smith. The Blue Devils’ home opener is Saturday, September 21 against Newfield. The Homecoming Day game is the following week (Saturday, September 28) against North Babylon.

Smith (RB/LB), McDonald (RB/LB) and Malone (TE/LB) are all key players along with Thomas Kline (WR/DB), Jordan Thorbourne (WR/DE) and quarterback Jacob Guzik. Elysee is expected to use his above average speed to gain yardage out of the backfield.

Sophomore soccer player Robbie Campbell is Huntington’s game day kicker. An assortment of other players who are most likely unknown to opponents are expected to come forward and make their presence felt and talents known as the Blue Devils strive to secure a playoff berth for the first time in several years.

Wilson is happy with how the team has looked during the past three weeks. “We are working hard and we’re hungry,” he said. “Players are learning what Huntington football is all about. They are learning our traditions and setting their goals very high.”