Huntington Football Opens Today at Harborfields

A classic gridiron battle appears to be shaping up as the Huntington High School football team travels down Pulaski Road to visit host Harborfields on Wednesday (Sept. 11) in the season opener for both squads. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

“We have to be ready and on our game,” Blue Devil head coach Steve Muller said. “Harborfields is a well-coached team and will look to capitalize on any mistakes we make. We have to take it to them right from the opening kickoff.”

Seeded No. 2 in Division III, Huntington is led by four seniors in quarterback Ben Kocis, running backs/linebackers Troy Greene and Levar Butts and wide receiver/defensive lineman Christian Jamison. Each of the players is big, strong and fast and the Blue Devils’ fortunes are closely tied to each of the teenagers.

Muller is in 18th season as Huntington’s head coach. The team is coming off a 7-3 record in 2012 and despite graduating many of its best players, the coaching staff is guardedly optimistic about its prospects this year.

“Our players have been working hard in practice,” Muller said. “We had a couple of very good scrimmages. “We’re ready to start playing games.”

Kocis enjoyed a splendid junior campaign last fall, completing 96-of-166 passes for 1,715 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was intercepted only three times. The 6’3, 195 lb. star also rushed 35 times for 269 yards and five touchdowns. “Ben is our leader,” Muller said. “He can find an open receiver anywhere on the field and can scramble, too.”

Butts gives the Blue Devils a bruising power back who excels in short yardage situations while Greene is fleet-footed and capable of exploding for huge chunks of open field yardage. The two are also rugged linebackers on defense known for their devastating hits.

Jamison is expected to be one of Kocis’ favorite aerial targets. The 6’3, 200 lb. teenager has displayed a knack for hauling in passes all over the field and is also one of the best pass-rushers on defense.

Seeded No. 8 in Division III, Harborfields went 4-4 last fall under head coach Mike Potter, who is now in his 11th season with the Tornadoes. This year’s team is expected to feature an extensive air attack on offense.

Harborfields is led by veteran quarterback Andrew Widmer, wide receiver/defensive back Tanner Morrow, tight end/defensive end Billy Moller and offensive and defensive lineman Steve Martin.

A large crowd of Blue Devil fans is expected to turnout for the game.