Excitement at the Town’s Army vs. Navy Game

The town’s annual Army vs. Navy football game last Saturday at Blue Devil Stadium resulted in a fierce battle between host Huntington and visiting Northport that wasn’t decided until the final play with the Tigers holding on for a 16-14 victory.

Dozens of veterans turned out for the affair, which included a color guard unit, stirring words from Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy, Town Supervisor Ed Smyth and US Representative and US Naval Academy graduate Nicholas LaLota.

Huntington senior Lily Wasoski performed an over-the-top version of the national anthem that resulted in a huge ovation. The Blue Devil marching band performed at halftime as did the Huntington Highsteppers dance team.

Huntington jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but Northport repelled any further scoring attempts. The loss dropped the Blue Devils to 4-2 while the Tigers improved to 6-0.

Huntington quarterback Jacob Guzik completed 11-of-20 passes for 73 yards. Guzik fired a 13 yard touchdown pass to Gevonne Henderson to put Huntington ahead in the first quarter. Yasir Jones scored on a one yard run a short time later to give the Blue Devils a commanding lead. But Northport rallied for the game’s final 16 points.

Jones rushed 16 times for 54 yards and caught five passes for 35 yards. Henderson also had five receptions for 33 yards. Guzik’s favorite target, Jack Kamenstein, caught one pass for six yards. Placekicker Max Carino successfully converted both extra point attempts.

Huntington fell victim to several big plays by Northport, including touchdown passes covering 28 yards and 55 yards, respectively.

Huntington’s Ethan Lawless had two quarterback sacks and recovered a fumble. Titan Elysee also had a quarterback sack. Despite making a long list of mistakes, the Blue Devils were still in a position late in the game to potentially win, but Northport picked off a Guzik pass to end the final Blue Devil drive. This mark’s Northport’s first 6-0 start in 16 yards.

Supervisor Smyth presented Northport with the annual Veteran’s Trophy at the end of the game. Huntington represented Army in the game with Northport representing Navy.

Huntington hosts Bellport in the final regular season home game on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Blue Devil Stadium.