How Huntingdon won its second TSSAA championship and more is to come
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CHATANOOGA — As the sun rose on Dec. 6, Huntingdon got on the bus and traveled 244 miles to deliver a message about their football team.
It was a silent bus ride as the Mustangs remained focused on a single task. Winning the program its second TSSAA state championship.
They accomplished their mission with a 20-7 victory over Class 2A defending state champion Marion County at Finley Stadium.
“People doubted us, but I knew they weren’t better than Milan,” Huntingdon senior Braylin Dearmon said. “I had 100% confidence that we were the best team, and I believe this team can be back next year.”
Dearmon had another strong performance, rushing for 76 yards and one touchdown, battling through a late groin injury before an interception in the fourth quarter that helped clinch the win.
Also, dealing with an injury was star rusher Tyreke Hutch, who fought through a shoulder injury sustained against Milan to play in the championship. Both seniors said that they were proud to call themselves champions and celebrate after a physical season.
The star in this game wasn’t a senior, though. It was a new face on the team.
Although more known for his ability playing basketball, quarterback Kenton Smith’s athleticism translated to the football field. He ran for 124 yards and a touchdown on the ground while also throwing a 41-yard pass through the air and recovering an onside kick.
“It’s only his second year ever playing football, but he’s a poised young man who doesn’t get spooked or nervous,” Huntingdon coach Eric Swenson said. “He’s a great athlete who stepped up as a leader, and we’ll probably open up the offense a little bit next year because that guy can throw the football.”
With that performance, the basketball star went from not playing on the football team as a sophomore to being named game MVP as a junior.
“This experience has been a dream come true,” Smith said. “We were dialed in from the time we got on the bus until we held up that trophy. This is a blessing.”
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Huntingdon’s lone senior on the offensive line, Silas Sharp, praised the Mustangs’ ability to run the ball and the toughness of the entire group. It was no surprise Sharp predicted Huntingdon to be back in the hunt next year, a statement his quarterback reiterated.
“You can definitely catch us back in Chatt next year,” Smith said.
Reach The Jackson Sun high school sports writer, Isaiah De Anda Delgado, by email at IDelgado@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: How Huntingdon won its second TSSAA state championship and more is coming
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