Huskies look to get back in the win column
CADIZ — It’s been a rough few weeks in Huskies Country.
After a promising start to the season, Harrison Central has struggled through narrow defeats to quality teams, followed by some lopsided losses, most recently a 46-14 loss to one-loss Indian Creek (6-1).
In fairness, including Buckeye Trail (3-4), which beat Harrison 44-41 in a Week 2 shootout, the Huskies six losses have come against teams with a combined 34-8. It’s a murderers row of opponents, and this week is no easier.
Friday Harrison welcomes Waterford (5-2) to Cadiz. The following week, equally talented Edison (5-2) will host HC in Richmond.
Compounding matters is Harrison has been forced to play without two of its biggest weapons.
The injury bug has hit the Huskies hard.
Head coach Anthony Hayes and his staff have been forced to gameplan without the services of All-Ohio running back Mykel Quito and All-Ohio defensive back Cam McAfee.
That also means one of the team’s best defensive linemen in Quito and top all-around offensive weapons in McAfee.
That’s not a recipe for success when playing with a first-year starter quarterback, who despite now having seven starts under his belt, is forced to take the field without one of the top running backs in the Ohio Valley and another back/receiver combo capable of taking the ball the distance.
Against Creek, Harrison was limited to 100 yards rushing on 25 carries, with Blake Atkins carrying the load with 54 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Brady Hyre threw for 114 yards and a score on 8-of-25 passing.
They will need a more consistent offensive output to keep pace with the Wildcats.
Waterford is coming off a 42-14 drubbing of Southern.
The Wildcats’ spread formation offense is lead by the Jones brothers — senior running back Colton and sophomore quarterback Hayden.
The elder Jones ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns while adding a 55-yard receiving score in Week 7.
Hayden Jones threw for 139 yards and a score on 6 of 11 passing while serving as a viable No. 2 option in the run game.
The Wildcats’ only losses came in a 26-14 loss to Caldwell and a 35-7 drubbing at the hands of Fort Frye.
Harrison also tasted defeat at the hands of the Cadets, 51-6 in a Week 5 setback at Beverely.
Since the Fort Frye loss, Waterford has reeled off three straight wins, including beating Nelsonville-York 12-6 and then Reedsville Eastern 22-19.