Exciting Showdown: Parkersburg Prepares for Huntington Clash

Parkersburg — High school football fans are gearing up for a big matchup as the Parkersburg Big Reds get ready to take on the Huntington Highlanders this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Stadium Field. This will be the 29th meeting between the two teams, marking a significant moment as both programs are now competing in Class AAAA of the Mountain State Athletic Conference.

The Highlanders, coached by Billy Seals, are entering the game with a strong record of 7 wins and 1 loss, riding high on a six-game winning streak. On the other hand, the Big Reds are striving to turn their season around, currently sitting at 3 wins and 5 losses and ranked 16th in the state.

Parkersburg’s coach, Matt Kimes, expressed respect for his opponents, stating, “It’s a great challenge. A really good football team, really well coached.” He acknowledged that while Huntington has a range of offensive and defensive talents, his team is eager for the challenge and ready to seize the opportunity for a much-needed win.

The last time the Big Reds tasted victory against Huntington was back in 2020, winning 25-14. With both teams even at 14 wins each in the series history, this encounter is anticipated to be competitive.

One of the key players for Parkersburg is linebacker Zane Lewis, who made a significant impact last week with a pick-6 against St. Albans, contributing to the team’s victory. Lewis, along with team leader Devin Widman, who has recorded 69 tackles, will be vital in the defensive strategies against Huntington’s diverse offenses.

On offense, the Big Reds will rely on running back Jakel Shelton, who has amassed 684 rushing yards and scored 8 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Cooper Cancade has been solid, completing nearly 64% of his passes for over 1,200 yards and five touchdowns. Coach Kimes understands the importance of controlling the game tempo, stating, “If we can do those things and try to keep the ball out of their hands as much as possible… then I think we can keep it close for a while.”

Meanwhile, the Highlanders will look to their star running back Keegan Sack, who has been leading their ground game with impressive numbers, and dual-threat quarterback Avonte Crawford, who has thrown for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns. Coach Kimes noted the challenge of defending against such talented players but remains focused on preparing his team.

With both teams bringing different strengths to the field, it’s clear that fans in Parkersburg can expect an exciting game this Friday as the Big Reds aim to shock the Highlanders and improve their season record.