CADIZ — Harrison Central looks to get back to its winning ways as it hosts rival Claymont on Friday in Cadiz.

The Huskies finished 2-8 last season after a rash of injuries took their toll on both sides of the ball.

But Harrison closed out the season with a VALES Trophy victory against Buckeye Local and head coach Anthony Hayes and company are hoping to ride that, along with a renewed dedication in the offseason program, into the 2025 season.

“The first game, emotions are high and everyone thinks they are going 10-0 and are excited,” Hayes said. “In our case, it’s a rivalry game right off the get-go. It’ll be physical.

“This is my eighth season, and this is probably the best Claymont team I’ve seen during that time.”

The Mustangs are in a similar position in head coach Buddy White’s second year at the helm.

Claymont won just one game in 2024, a narrow triumph against Tuscarawas Valley. The Mustangs return a good deal of experience, including all 11 starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Offensively, Carson Golec started the second half of the season under center and is coming into his own.

He has the services of the speedy Devonn Searcy at tailback and burly fullback Braylon Meuhlen (6-0, 255) at fullback.

On the outside, 6-4 junior Jackson Jinks is a sizable and dangerous target, as is senior Mason Bailey. Bailey set the school single-game yardage mark in 2024 with a 230-plus effort.

“Those two create a lot of problems,” Hayes said. Jinks is extremely talented. He’s not only big, but he’s very fast and is a big playmaker. He’s their homerun guy.

“Being 6-4 and 200 pounds is a hard match-up. The Bailey kid is good too. They have a lot of weapons.”

The Mustangs return three lineman on the offensive side.

Harrison too boasts plenty of returning experience.

Those cast into the fire because of injury a season ago were forged by necessity. Now, with a year’s experience under their collective belts, the Huskies too are seeking a return to a positive ledger in the win-loss column.

Harrison boasts four returning starters up front, along with returning quarterback Brady Hyre under center.

Five receivers and three running backs return, and the team will try to recreate the yardage total vacated by all-Ohio tailback Mykel Quito in the aggregate.

Jacob Quito, along with Nico Wurschum, and Beau Rinkes will receiver the bulk of the carries.

Quito will also be flanked wide, joined by a host of targets, including seniors Kayne dunkel and Chaz Culbertson and tight ends Gage Stoneking and Jayse Hython.

All told, Harrison features 10 capable pass catchers, giving Hyre a plethora of targets at his disposal.

Like all Harrison-Claymont contests, Hayes is expecting another physical game that will come down to who wants it more and who can limit their mistakes.