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CADIZ -- Harrison Central took an inexperienced team to Urichsville last week and faced a talented and experienced roster that returned most of its 2025 playoff qualifying stock.
The result? A 43-0 Claymont win that seemed a solid possibility prior to kickoff, given the disparity in experience and size.
Head coach Anthony Hayes noted after the game that the team's inexperience was on display and there's no substitute for having kids who'd been there.
He did see some good things, despite the lopsided loss and he'll look to continue to build upon those when East Palestine will make its way to Cadiz also searching for its first win.
The Bulldogs dropped a tough 49-13 decision, at home, against Shadyside last week.
Clark Rutledge threw for 180 yards and a touchdown against Shadyside, but was just 10 of 25 on his passes for 40 percent. Two of those passes, including an 86-yard touchdown to senior R.J. May, accounted for all but 51 yards of that total.
Rutledge added a 67-yard rushing TD with his legs while the Bulldogs totaled only 167 yards on the ground, 100 even without Rutledge's scamper.
Penalties didn't help East Palestine. The 'Dogs were flagged nine times for nearly 100 yards (96).
It was not the start EP envisioned coming off an 8-4 campaign and returning its quarterback, and top three receivers.
Rutledge was the team's second leading rusher in 2025, totaling 703 yards and 14 touchdowns behind leader rusher Zach Schelle.
Schnelle logged 1,208 yards and 15 TDs as a senior last season, averaging 8.1 yards per carry.
The Bulldogs still operate primarily out of the shotgun, with one or two running backs flanking Rutledge, with a healthy dose of run-pass options.
Harrison didn't' fair any better offensively against the Mustangs.
Claymont fielded a sizeable advantage up front, which held the visiting Huskies to three yards rushing. Kingston Smith threw for 68 yards on 8 of 18 passing, six of which made it into the sure hands of Colson Crothers for 53 yards.
Line play and physicality will be key elements to stress during practice as the showdown with East Palestine nears.
Hayes always stresses to focus on what his team can control, itself, and work to get better each play, each practice, each day. That will be the mantra this season as the players pick up experience and live-game action.
This marks the first of a two-game home stand for Harrison Central, with the Strasburg Tigers coming to town on Sept. 4 before the Huskies hit the road again for a Buckeye 8 showdown against Union Local at Morristown.