HHS Field to be Named After Coach Swenson

HUNTINGDON — Five days after winning their second state football championship in school history, the Huntingdon Mustangs celebrated at the Carroll County Civic Center with their annual banquet that occurs at the end of each football season.

Eric Swenson, who became the all-time wins leader as a head coach at Huntingdon High School in the last game of the regular season, was honored by the school board and was presented a plaque by Director of Schools, Jonathan Kee. Kee also announced the playing surface at Paul Ward Stadium will be named in Swenson’s honor and will be called Eric Swenson Field. Swenson surpassed the late Coach Paul Ward’s winning record in the Mustangs’ win over Union City, bringing his total to 170 victories as head coach. His record after the run through the playoffs stands at 175-52 after finishing the season with a 14-1 record and a state championship.

Senior Broox Bennett was named Most Valuable Player by the Huntingdon Quarterback Club. The vote came from all the QB Club members. QB Club President Marcus Beal stated that eight different players received first-place votes, making it one of the closest votes in years. Bennett was a standout at linebacker, recording 115 tackles despite missing three games, with 63 assists and 52 solo tackles. Bennett had 24 tackles for a loss and five sacks. He also intercepted two passes for the year. On offense, he was primarily the blocking back but ended the season as the leading receiver with six catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns.

Bennett was the only player to receive an individual honor as the coaches decided that the championship was a team effort and it would not be fair to single any player out because the championship came because of 38 players pulling together and overcoming all odds.

Each Mustang player received a certificate and a plaque from the TSSAA for their participation in the state championship game.

Instead of awards, the coaches recognized different aspects of the team with stats. Broox Bennett was recognized along with Maddox Holmes and Silas Sharp for snaps on punts and extra points. Hayes Eubanks punted for an average of 33.4 yards per punt with no returns. Also recognized for special teams, Ethan Raffield was 7 of 7 on PATs and Greyson Anderson was 67-72 on PATs and 4 of 6 on field goals. Anderson also had 38 touchbacks for the year. Colt Wood had 11 tackles on kickoffs for the season.

Offensively, the Mustangs rushed 545 times for 4,250 yards, a 7.7 average yards per rush. The Mustangs passed for 25 of 46 for 595 yards and 17 TDs. Tyreke Hutch led the team in rushing with 85 carries and 1,215 yards and 19 TDs. Braylin Dearmon 158-1,172 yards and 13 TDs, Kenton Smith 136-803 and 17 TDs, Hayes Eubanks 83-407 and eight TDs. The Mustangs scored 563 points for the season, an average of 37.5 points per game.

Defensively, the Mustangs gave up 190 points for the season for an average of 12.7 points per game. The Mustangs’ defense posted three shutouts and held five opponents to seven points or fewer during the season.

Named captain and co-captains by their teammates were Broox Bennett (Captain), Silas Sharp, and Tyreke Hutch (Co-Captains).