MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- With starting quarterback Nick Plagenhoef out due to injury, sophomore Neal Posey stepped up and led the Hawks to a victory over cross-town rival Faulkner. Huntingdon recorded 445 total yards of offense, and held the Eagles to 280 total yards on the night.
In the first half, Faulkner came out and scored on their first drive after a 28-yard touchdown pass from Trey Martin to Kyle McDowell with 11:15 to play in the first quarter. The opening drive consisted of an eight-play drive for 57 yards to give the Eagles an early lead 7-0.
The Hawks came out an answered with a seven-play 56 yard drive. Faulkner was able to stop the Hawks on third down on the 15 yard line to force a field goal attempt. Huntingdon came out and faked the field goal with holder Drew Harrell throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to Paul Mielke. The fake field goal tied the game up 7-7, with 8:19 to play in the first quarter.
After each team traded field position throughout the first quarter, the Hawks were able to take the lead with under a minute to play in the quarter. Sophomore Neal Posey in his first career start as quarterback found junior Cody Pearcy for a 66-yard touchdown reception making the score 14-7 going into the second quarter.
Faulkner was able to cut down the lead to 14-10 midway through the second quarter, with a 31-yard field goal from Thomas Price. The points came from a Neal Posey interception, which the Eagles put together a seven-play 46 yard drive.
Huntingdon found the end zone two more times before the end of the half. Trevor Manuel scored first off a three-yard run with 3:58, extending the lead to 21-10.
The Hawks defense was able to stop the Eagles before the half. Sophmore Neal Posey connected with sophomore Caleb McCants for a 19-yard touchdown pass coming from a screen play in the red zone with under 3 minutes to play in the first half. Huntingdon went into the half with a 28-10 lead in the fourth annual Capital City Showdown.
In the second half, the Hawks were unsuccessful on their opening drive. Faulkner tried to move the ball, but Jimmy Rich was able to pick off a Trey Martin pass to put the Hawks into scoring position.
After a personal foul on Faulkner, Huntingdon started the drive on the Eagles 11 yard-line. Posey hooked up with sophomore Cody Dykes in the back of the end zone for the five-yard touchdown reception. The score provide a 25-point early in the second half, 35-10.
Faulkner threatened to score with five minute to go in the third quarter, but the Hawks defense forced the Eagles to a 37-yard field goal attempt. The Eagles kick was wide right and the Hawks took over on the 20-yard line.
The Hawks took a 35-10 lead into the fourth quarter, after punting the ball back to the Eagles. Faulkner was unable to put together a drive.
Huntingdon wore down the Eagles defense midway through the fourth quarter, on a seven-play 77 yard drive. Caleb McCants broke away around the right end for a 25-yard touchdown run giving the Hawks a 42-10 lead, nine minutes to play.
Sophomore Neal Posey lead the Hawks with 10-for-19 for 232 yards, including three touchdowns and one interception in his first career start.
On the ground, Huntingdon was led by Caleb McCants for 76 yards on nine carries, including one rushing touchdown. Trevor Manuel added 48 yards with one touchdown.
Junior Cody Pearcy posted his third straight game with over 100 receiving yards, including 129 yards for one touchdown. McCants caught one touchdown pass for 19 yards.
Huntingdon returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 25, taking on Birmingham-Southern for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Samford Stadium.
For more information on Huntingdon athletics visit www.HuntingdonHawks.com.