CHILLICOTHE — Three games into this football season, Huntington sat at 1-2 overall.

It wasn’t the start the Huntsmen had hoped for, and it certainly wasn’t the start they needed to meet the lofty expectations they had set for themselves.

Seven weeks later, they’ve won a share of the Scioto Valley Conference title and clinched the program’s second-ever playoff berth.

“I mean, this was a big goal,” Huntington coach Clay Beeler said. “Honestly, earlier in the year, this seemed like something that we knew was out in front of us. But we had to grind to get it. I’m excited for our kids. They stayed focused and kept everything out in front of them, kept driving, and knew they could accomplish it if they just kept working hard.”

They’ve earned the right to begin their postseason run in front of a home crowd, too.

On Friday, Oct. 30, Huntington will host Covington in the first-ever playoff game at the Myrl H. Shoemaker Athletic Complex.

“They can finally reap some benefits from the labor they’ve put in,” Beeler said. “This has been something that we've been looking for, for four years. We knew that this was going to be the year, and I'm thrilled for our guys, and for our community, that we could get it done. I think [seeing the stands packed] is important. Our community, I'm telling you, from 1-9, to this year at 7-3, they've been there. So I know that our community will be there, 110 percent.”

The Buccaneers come into Friday’s matchup at 7-3 as well. They opened the season at 2-3, with losses to New Bremen, Graham Local and Riverside, before winning five straight.

The two turnarounds have set a matchup of teams hitting their stride at the right time.

“It’s going to be a hard-fought game, and it’s going to be won in the trenches,” Beeler said. “Our kids have prepared for this moment for a long time, and I think they'll stand tall on Friday.”

Covington quarterback Landin Cassel and running back Jordan Miller headline an offense that has found its rhythm.

In last week’s win over Lehman Catholic, Cassel surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season while completing 9 of 14 passes for 155 yards. Miller added 101 rushing yards and scored three total touchdowns.

The duo leads a program with an extensive postseason history. 

The Buccaneers are making their 27th postseason appearance and have won 18 playoff games. They’ve won three regional championships, but none since 1985.

“They’ve got good athletes and they’ve got a really good quarterback,” Beeler said. “They’ve got a really good running back, too, and have a lot of speed. It's definitely a tough team to prepare for. But I also think that driving two hours to [Huntington] Township is a big plus for us. We look forward to the challenge, and I think we match up really well against them.”

Huntington will have its own offensive weapon for Covington to contend with in quarterback Frankie Hirsch.

The senior has thrown for 1,312 yards and rushed for another 781, helping the Huntsmen average 30.3 points per game.

Hirsch isn’t Huntington’s lone offensive threat, though.

Gordon Cyrus surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season in last week's win, finishing with 223 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver LJ Cooper provides a big-play threat, while defensive back Keegan Woodruff has also played well recently.

“I think we're an exciting football team,” Beeler said. “We’ve got a lot of weapons, and it's a winnable game. So I think it's exciting. Our seniors keep everybody in line, and when things don't go right, they're great. It’s a firm foundation. And it's not just one of us. It’s not just Frankie. It's all 10 of them, and they're all starters. All these guys are out in front, and they're leading.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

The Huntsmen have already taken a significant step forward as a program. Now, they'll have a chance to take another on their home field.

But Beeler said the team won't stray from the approach that got it here.

“I learned my first year with (former head coach Ed Yates) that we are who we are,” Beeler said. “We run our systems, and we don't change for anybody. If they beat us doing what we do, then, you know, it's OK. But we won't change for them. We'll add wrinkles and tags and do some different things around what we do. But we keep our core consistent. I think that's important to keep that when anybody comes around.”

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Huntington football's first-ever home playoff game not a time to change it up

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