NEWCOMERSTOWN — Harrison Central head coach Anthony Hayes noted the 2025 edition of the Claymont Mustangs was the best team he’d seen out of Claymont during his tenure in Cadiz.

The Mustangs proved him correct with a 34-14 season opening triumph in the Battle for Tappan Lake.

Harrison’s 2024 season started with a win against Claymont before injuries and bad luck derailed what was believed to be a promising season. Eight losses followed before Harrison could get back on track against rival Buckeye Local.

This time, the Huskies will try to regroup when they face travel to Newcomerstown. The Trojans, which are coming off a 9-3 season in which they won just the second playoff game in school history, dropped a tough 21-12 decision against Crooksville.

The Ceramics trailed 6-0 before storming back, including a 12-spot in the fourth quarte to secure the win.

Crooksville’s dual-threat QB Brayson Hill ran for 152 yards and two TDs and threw for 158 and a touchdown.

Newcomerstown is led by the rushing of senior Dom Singer behind an experienced offensive line. The line also anchors the defensive side of the ball in terms of experience.

Harrison may see a heavy dose of Singer. While the Mustangs passed for 155 yards on 7 of 15 passing against Harrison, it was the ground game which churned out 232 yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries which did the bulk of the damage.

Conversely, the Huskies never managed to get their own run game going.

The Mustangs held Harrison to 38 yards on 36 carries with a touchdown. QB Brady Hyre threw for 150 yards with one TD and a pick on 7 of 13 passing.