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HUNTINGDON (October 11) — It was a big night at Paul Ward Stadium Thursday as the Huntingdon Mustangs remained undefeated with a dominant win over region foe Perry County, locked up the Region 6-1A title and honored fall sports seniors.
With a 56-6 victory over the Vikings, the Mustangs are statistically guaranteed to come out on top in the region. Two weeks remain in the regular season, but with a bye in the final week, Huntingdon will close out the season Thursday at Middleton. A likely win by the heavily-favored Mustangs will give them the region outright, but a loss would allow Wayne County and/or Collinwood the opportunity to finish the season tied with Huntingdon for the best region record. Regardless, the Mustangs’ head-to-head wins over both teams and a superior overall record would earn them the title.
Prior to Thursday’s game, seniors participating in fall athletics were recognized on the field and escorted by parents and other family members.
Senior football players are Dallas Willis, Paxton Weir, Kelby Pearson, Dejuan Smith, Matthew Ellis, Austin Avery, Kody Byrd, Joseph Richardson, Chris Chaney, Damion Byrd and Dorian Williams.
Senior cheerleaders are Katilyn Williams, Kaitlynn Batey, Maggie Guess and Corbin Sullivan.
Senior band members are Payton Connell, Taya Beauregard, William Andrew Lee, Samantha Dunn, Adam Barnhart, Zachari Shipe, Wesley Lamar, Stephani Miller, Jen Farmer, Emily Coleman, Mateo Beal, Brayden Campbell and Molly Sturgis.
Senior AB Club representatives are Grace Guarino, Emma Ross, Grace McMackin, Kelsey Hayes, Caitlin Kreuziger, Katilyn Williams, Kaitlynn Batey, Brayden Campbell, Katie Chase, Ryleigh Bailey and Leah Hayes.
Senior golfers are Angelina Culley, Ethan Ricketts, Katie Chase, Jacob Wilkes and Clay Pinson.
Senior cross-country runners are Ryleigh Bailey, Leah Hayes, Jacob Churchwell, Matthew Ellis, Maggie Guess, Payton Connell, Grace Guarino, Kelsey Hayes, Katie Chase and Clay Pinson.
Perry County won the coin toss and elected to defer possession to the second half.
Mustang Dallas Willis received the opening kickoff and returned it to the Huntingdon 45. Konnor Pearson took the first snap 55 yards for a touchdown. Cole Edwards kicked the PAT, and Huntindgon led 7-0 just 18 seconds into the contest.
The ensuing kickoff by Edwards went into the end zone on one bounce for a touchback to start the Vikings at their own 20. Gage Deavers ran three times for a net loss, and Perry County punted. Mustang Daquon Robinson picked up the punt and returned it about 60 yards for a touchdown, but a penalty brought the ball back to the Viking 32.
Mustang quarterback Hunter Ensley scrambled to the outside on first down. Under pressure, he threw a low pass which was tipped and intercepted by Viking Walker Wright.
Taking over at the 30, Perry County again went three-and-out despite a sharp third-down pass from quarterback Tyler Dudley to Payne Coblentz. The punt by Bryson Fuqua sailed out of bounds at midfield.
Robinson made a short gain on first down, then went to the outside on second down for 42 yards. On first-and-goal at the 6, Konnor Pearson ran for two. Ensley kept the next snap and dove for the four-yard touchdown. Edwards kicked, and Huntingdon led 14-0 with six minutes remaining in the opening frame.
Edwards kicked off for another touchback, and the Mustang defense forced a third straight three-and-out. Robinson grabbed the Fuqua punt around the 30 and returned it to the Huntingdon 46.
Ensley started the drive with a long pass to Kelby Pearson, who tacked on extra yards for a gain of 42. Ensley went right back to Pearson for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Edwards split the uprights, and the Mustangs led 21-0 with 4:31 still to play in the first quarter.
Edwards’ kickoff was shorter, but resulted in even worse field position for Perry County as Gunter Baker fell on it at the 17. The staunch Mustang defense again yielded a three-and-out, and Fuqua’s punt was downed at the Huntingdon 45.
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