H-town battles adversity

Despite slew of penalties, football rolls to 5-0 record

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

But coming off a tough road win at defending state champion Westlake a week ago, the Hurricanes had no problem of overcoming the adversity. Despite only tallying eight points in the first half, the hosts still managed to earn a 28-6 victory over Calvert.

Despite Huntingtown winning its fifth straight to start the season, penalties were a factor as it had 11 flags for 77 yards and turned over the football twice. But it was the Hurricanes defense who forced six Calvert punts and boasted two interceptions that was a difference in the win.

"Our defense played very well we were able to hold them [Calvert] down. Offensively, we moved the ball, we just didn't get it in the end zone," Huntingtown head coach Jerry Franks said. "We had three or four times where we had driven the ball down the field and couldn't get it in, so consequently it was pretty close game, pretty tough game."

Huntingtown (5-0, 4-0 SMAC) had 410 yards of total offense on the night, including 318 yards rushing on 36 attempts, while the defense only yielded the Cavaliers to 47 yards rushing on 25 attempts. The Hurricanes will travel to take on Milford of Delaware at 7:30 Friday night in a non-conference matchup.

"We're not fully pleased with how we played tonight at all, in the first half we should have had 21 points," said Huntingtown senior back Greg Goodwin, who finished with 233 yards rushing on 25 carries and two touchdowns.

Goodwin fumbled at the 1-yard line with 5 minutes 34 seconds left in the first half that would have been a potential 50-yard score, but Calvert recovered the ball in the end zone.

"We won," Goodwin said. "It wasn't pretty. It's better than a loss, but at the same time we didn't play to our capabilities at all. We played down with Calvert."

The Hurricanes started things off in the first quarter with a four-play, 40-yard opening drive that was halted when quarterback Justin Bittner was picked off by Calvert's D'Andre Holland on third down and 6 at the Calvert 22.

However, Huntingtown responded later in the period when Goodwin punched it in for a 5-yard jaunt to give his team the 8-0 lead after the two-point conversion. This would be the eventual halftime lead.

Early in the third quarter, Huntingtown faced a critical fourth down and 15 at the Calvert 30.

Bittner hooked up with senior wide receiver and punt return specialist Chaz Hall on a 26-yard strike that put the Hurricanes down to the 4.

On the ensuing play, Bitter found Tyler Ricchiuto for a 4-yard touchdown pass to put the hosts up 14-0.

"We felt all week that was the play to go to. Fortunately, we called the number and I was able to make a play," said Hall, who had three receptions for 60 yards and have two punt returns of 27 and 30 yards with three others called back due to holding penalties. "All I need is one split second to set me free. I feel that I have the instinct and the heart to go get any ball in the air."

Hall added: "We are really confident and we realize we have a target on our back. Now we have to live up to the hype and keep it going. We are calm, but at the same time we're hungry for more."

Calvert (3-2, 2-2) was in the middle of a nine-play, 40-yard drive when quarterback Frank Lanham was picked off in the end zone by Huntingtown senior Joe Karbowsky with 4:36 left in the third on a fourth and 10 at the Hurricanes 17.

"At times we didn't execute, we didn't play well up front tonight on either side of the ball," Calvert head coach Marc Watson said. "Our defense forced two turnovers in the first half in only an 8-0 game at the half. We came out in the second half and didn't move the ball as well as I thought, I think we got worn down a little bit. Huntingtown is a well-coached football team."

With four seconds left in the third, Tom Abel busted through the Calvert defense for a 10-yard scamper to extend the lead to 21-0.

Calvert responded in the fourth quarter as Lanham threw a screen pass to senior Zach Johnson, who raced for an 81-yard score and it would be the lone touchdown.

On the next drive, Goodwin broke loose for a 53-yarder to score Huntingtown's final touchdown.

Calvert marched down to the Huntingtown 23, but Lanham was again picked off,

ajmason@somdnews.com