Rusk drops Homecoming tilt to Huntington
LELAND ACKER
Continual offensive struggles contributed to the Rusk Eagles losing to the Huntington Red Devils 32-6 at Homecoming on Friday night. The game marks only the third district win for Huntington since the football program began in 1981.

Jared Colville m lines up as wide receiver on a passing play. Colville had one reception for 10 yards.

Huntington's celebration was subdued, however, when running back Cuu Duong (pronounced "Q-Jong") left the field following a 22-yard run with 4:16 left in the game. Duong was upended and landed on his head, resulting in a fractured C5 vertebra in his neck, said Huntington Head Coach Tommy Day. Coach Day said despite the seriousness of the fracture, there was no swelling, no loss of spinal fluid and no loss of feeling or movement.

"He should be fine in a couple of months," Coach Day said.

Duong had 170 yards on 23 carries for the evening.

Rusk had trouble moving the ball. The Eagles went three-and-out on their first possession, but managed to drive to the Huntington threeyard line on their second possession. That drive stalled out on two incomplete passes and a two yard loss on a Demarcus Skinner running play. Rusk turned the ball over on downs on the seven-yard line.

Rusk linebacker Marcell Johnson pursues Huntington quarterback Taylor Rosson during Rusk's 32-6 loss to the Red Devils on Homecoming night. Rosson completed 11 of 22 passes for 129 yards. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

Huntington opened the second quarter with a 30-yard touchdown run by Duong. They scored again on a 44- yard touchdown return by Bryant Plemons.

Rusk responded with 22 yards of rushing from Horrace Lewis and Michael Katon, but stalled out when the Eagles tried to pass the ball.

Huntington then marched to the Eagle 26-yard line, but were halted when Keith Lewis recovered a fumble and returned it 24 yards.

Rusk scored late in the fourth quarter on an 89 yard kickoff return by J.J. Session. The Eagles' attempt for a two-point conversion was no good.

Rusk travels to Center Friday to face the Roughriders. The Roughriders went toe-to-toe with the Diboll Lumberjacks last Friday. This will be another tough game for Rusk.

The game will be broadcast on KTLU 1580 AM, www. teamline.cc and Rusk Cable 9.

Rusk quarterback l Michael Katon sets to throw a pass during the game against Huntington. Katon went 5-18-0 for 30 yards. PHOTO: TARA CROSBY LELAND ACKER