Unlocking the archive: Huntington football program got its start under Earl Knight

To get you ready for the upcoming high school football season, the Chillicothe Gazette will be publishing photo galleries from past seasons of our local teams on Mondays.

First up is the Huntington Huntsmen.

According to the Gazette archives, Huntington played its first varsity schedule in 1973. This was after playing a reserve schedule in 1972 and going 5-2-1.

Led by head coach Earl Knight, most of the 22 lettermen on the team were juniors and seniors. Only 11 freshmen reported to practice, which at the time the Gazette said was a concern for the future of the program.

Charles Pritchard and Charles McKee led the running attack with Charles Vest as quarterback.

The team went 1-8 that season with a 1-5 record in the SVC, beating only Zane Trace which finished last in the conference.

While a new coach took over in 1974, the legacy that Knight created is remembered still today as in 2005 Huntington High School dedicated the football field in his honor.

Knight said at the time of the dedication, "I didn't build this. You did this. Some of you folks who have been here remember that old field and now look what you've got. Be proud of what you've done. Be proud."

If you are reading this in the print edition, go online to www.ChillicotheGazette.com for more than 100 photos from past seasons of Huntington football.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Unlocking the archive: Huntington football program got its start under Earl Knight