Photo/DJ WATSON HARRISON CENTRAL running back Mykel Quito is wrapped up by a host of Buckeye Local defenders during Friday’s game at Wagner Field in Cadiz. The Huskies prevailed and claimed the VALES Trophy in the process.

CADIZ – The Huskies have regained their bite.

Harrison Central will be entering the second season on the heels of a two-game winning streak, dispatching of rival Buckeye Local, 45-34, Friday night at Wagner Field. Coach Anthony Hayes’ explosive charges blasted Indian Creek, 50-13, week ago, snapping a three-game skid.

Harrison Central’s triumph over the Panthers also enabled the hosts to regain possession of the V.A.L.E.S. Trophy. Buckeye Local posted a 25-0 triumph last year at World War II Memorial Stadium. The two friendly foes have competed for that coveted hardware yearly since 2011. V.A.L.E.S. stands for Veterans Athletes Legionnaires Education Sportsmanship.

Moreover, the Huskies’ sixth win of the campaign locked up a Division V Region 17 playoff berth. They entered the week ranked No. 12 in the region.

Buckeye Local, meanwhile, drops the curtain on a 2-8 season. Coach Jim Hoover’s competed well despite a myriad of injuries. In the process all-Ohioan Trey Hoover, the coaches son, capped his brilliant carer by surpassing the 1,000-yard mark via his 301 infantry stripes against the Huskies.

“It was a great game between two great rivals. No matter what the records are, this game brings our the best in both teams,” Hayes said. “I wasn’t expecting such a high scoring game but it was definitely exciting.

“I was happy with our offensive balance. We did a really nice job offensively,” he added. “Give Buckeye Local credit. They played hard and very well.”

Harrison Central did display solid offensive balance.

Junior quarterback dandy Hayden Cassidy completed 19-of 31 tosses for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Six different Huskies caught passes. The hosts also garnered 179 infantry stripes with sophomore workhorse Mykel Quito carrying 33 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

Hoover’s impressive rushing night came on 23 attempts. He scored three times on runs of 43, 65 and 19. The Panthers, however, completed just 3-of-7 passes for 24 yards. Buckeye Local was its own worst enemy at times, losing three fumbles.

The first half was a virtual track meet with Harrison Central taking a 21-20 lead into intermission.

Buckeye scored on the game’s initial possession, courtesy of Hoover’s 43-yard jaunt. Wyatt Kalman added the PAT.

Harrison Central took the ensuing kickoff and embarked on a 15-play scoring drive, capped by a 16-yard pass from Cassidy to Tre Rex. Jace Madzia boomed the PAT.

Buckeye answered immediately, needing just three plays to again reach paydirt as Hoover broke loose on a 65-yard gallop. Kalman again converted.

Harrison Central took the ensuing kickoff and put together another elongated drive, using 14 plays before Quito scored from four yards out. Madzia’s boot knotted it at 14-14.

Buckeye Local again wasted no time to regain the lead. Quarterback Skyler Ebright capped a quick-striking five-play drive via an eight-yard run. The PAT kick, however, went awry.

The Huskies responded with n 11-play march with Quito bulling in from the one with 2:45 left in the half. Madzia put the hosts on top at 21-20.

Buckeye Local gained a major break on the second half kick as the line drive boot bounced off a Husky with the Panthers covering at midfield. Five snaps later, Hoover rolled in from 19 yards out. Wyatt Luyster ran in the bonus points, giving the Jefferson Countians a 28-21 advantage.

The Huskies again showed their resiliency by taking the subsequent kickoff at their 38, putting together a nine-play march with Quito scoring from a yard out. Madzia knotted the affair at 28-28.

Harrison Central recovered a Buckeye fumble at the Panther 25, setting up a 12-yard scoring connection from Cassidy to Parker Hutton. Madzia’s PAT made it a 35-28 Husky advantage.

Buckeye bounced back with an eight-play, 65-yard drive with Ebright scooting in from the six. The Panthers opted to go for two, only to have the run come up short, leaving Harrison holding a 35-34 lead.

Harrison provided itself some breathing room on its next possession, driving 65 yards on eight plays, capped by a 37-yard aerial connection from Cassidy to Alex Fluharty with 10:12 left to play. Madzia’s conversion made it a 42-34 issue.

The Huskies delivered the clincher via a 37-yard field goal from Madzia with just 3:20 showing.

“Going into the season this was the first time I didn’t know what our identity was going to be. We are still developing that identity,” Hayes offered. “We don’t have a big group of seniors but they have been the glue. They have done a great job with our younger players.

“Anytime you make the playoffs it is a great feeling. This group really worked hard to make that happen,” he continued. “We have great community support. I realize know how fortunate I am to be coaching here.”

The loss was another bitter pill for Buckeye Local to swallow. Although they ended with just two wins, the Panthers had several close losses.

“I told our team at halftime that if we don’t commit any stupid penalties and don’t turn the ball over that we had a great shot,” Hoover said. “But that is exactly what we did. We really hurt ourselves at times.

“I don’t think our record indicates what this team is all about. I wouldn’t trade this group of seniors for anyone,” he added. “They worked their butts off for me and gave me all they had. It makes it even tougher when one of these seniors is your son.”

The game was launched in patriotic fashion as every player on each team ran onto the field carrying an American flag.

“Our veteran groups really do a great job for us and the community. That is what this game is all about,” Hayes said. “We are indebted to them. We can’t thank our veterans enough.”