HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Garry McPeek hopes it was time well spent.

With a bye last week, the Huntington Heroes used the extra time to heal injuries and prepare for Saturday’s road trip to play the Florence (S.C.) Phantoms.

Two of the Heroes’ three defensive backs were banged up in the loss to Canton two weeks ago.

“We used the bye week to heal up and watch a lot of tape,” McPeek said.

Watching game film helped the Heroes correct mistakes and make adjustments offensively and defensively.

“I feel that you can learn a lot from a game like the Canton game. We are still missing superb play in a couple of positions from competing for a championship,” McPeek said.

“We have the next two weeks to work out the kinks and then the remained of the games are Northern Conference games that are must-wins to make the playoffs.”

Huntington (1-2) leads the brief series with the Phantoms 1-0 after a 60-36 victory last season at Memorial Field House. However, McPeek said the Phantoms have a new look.

“Florence has some great Division I athletes. It is always tough to win on the road,” McPeek said. “I expect (Florence) to compete and play hard for 60 minutes and most of all have fun,” McPeek said.

“We have to take care of th football on offense and get pressure on their quarterback.”

Florence is 1-1 that includes a 64-36 win over Carolina and a 69-25 loss to Lakeland.

The Phantoms roster includes Brian Wofford, Kelvin Morris and Cory Groover of Clemson, Jason Clark of Mississippi State, Rafael Cooper of Louisville and Mike Rathe, Brain Scott, Brain Brownlee and Braylen Jamieson of South Carolina.

Fans can watch Saturday’s game live online at AIFATV.com

The Heroes do not return home until March 24 when they host the Johnstown Riverhawks.