Gallery by Heather Belcher
Beckley – An optimistic first half faded to disappointment Friday evening as Class AAA No. 6 Huntington pulled away after the intermission to beat No. 9 Beckley 42-14 at Van Meter Stadium.
A Jay Jones touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Flying Eagles an early lead before the game unraveled. Huntington tied the game later in the frame and took the lead for good when a long punt return set the Highlanders up in Beckley territory and reigning House Award winner Gavin Lochow hit a wide open receiver down the right sideline for a 43-yard score.
A Beckley interception with under a minute to go gave the Flying Eagles hope towards tying the game at the end of the half but a desperation heave as the clock expired resulted in a Huntington interception.
After the break the Highlanders took control, scoring the next 28 points to hand the Flying Eagles their second loss of the season.
Beckley will aim to bounce back next week against Princeton.
