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Calhoun County
2025 Record: 3-7
SSAC Rank: #20
The Red Devils overcame a difficult midseason stretch and closed the year with victories in two of their final three games. Despite losing quarterback Brennan Carpenter to transfer, Calhoun County returns two of its biggest stars.
All-state playmaker Chase Schoolcraft will again be the focal point offensively after contributing as a runner, receiver, and specialist. Defensively, all-state linebacker Rome Riddle returns after posting more than 100 tackles as a junior.
An opening matchup against Gilmer County could set the tone for the season, while games against Wirt County, Wahama, and St. Marys will provide major tests.
Cameron
2025 Record: 6-3
SSAC Rank: #7 (Semifinals)
The Dragons put together another impressive campaign in 2025, carrying three losses into the postseason before reaching the state semifinals (at least) for the second consecutive season. Their playoff run was highlighted by a dominant upset victory over Wahama.
Cameron is expected to contend again behind senior running back Marshall Holland, who accumulated more than 1,900 yards from scrimmage last season. Defensively, all-state linebacker Talen Brown returns to anchor the unit.
The schedule opens with a rematch against Clay-Battelle, the team that ended Cameron’s season a year ago, before later matchups against Eastern Panhandle powers East Hardy and Pendleton County.
Clay-Battelle
2025 Record: 9-1
SSAC Rank: #3 (Runner-Up)
The Cee-Bees enjoyed the finest season in program history, winning 12 consecutive games after an opening loss to Cameron before ultimately finishing as state runners-up.
While standout lineman Zach Gump transferred to North Marion, Clay-Battelle retains a tremendous core led by dynamic offensive weapons Corey Coen, Caleb Hall, and all-state playmaker Cody Clovis.
The schedule contains challenges, but the Cee-Bees will be favored in nearly every contest. Their season opener against Cameron may once again determine whether they finish the regular season unbeaten.
Gilmer County
2025 Record: 3-7
SSAC Rank: T-17
The Titans started fast before hitting a difficult stretch in the middle of the season, but they finished strong and enter 2026 with optimism. Returning all-state talents Brier Gray, Lexington Grogg, and Remington Huffman provide proven leadership across multiple position groups.
Key contests against Braxton County and Webster County could define their season, while matchups with Wirt County, Clay-Battelle, St. Marys, and Wahama offer opportunities to earn valuable playoff points.
Magnolia
2025 Record: 2-8
SSAC Rank: #22
The Blue Eagles steadily improved throughout the 2025 season. After suffering several lopsided losses early, Magnolia became increasingly competitive and finished by winning two of its final three games.
Momentum should continue with the return of versatile standout Brody Vargo, who appears poised for a strong senior campaign.
The opening portion of the schedule remains difficult, making early success critical. Key swing games include Frontier (OH), Bridgeport (OH), and Ritchie County.
Ritchie County
2025 Record: 4-6
SSAC Rank: #14 (Round One)
The Rebels were one of the best turnaround stories in the state. After opening 0-4 against elite competition, Ritchie County won four of its final six games to secure a playoff berth.
The Rebels will be young in several areas but return all-state standout Aidan Compton, who impacts the game on both sides of the ball.
An opening stretch against Wahama, Doddridge County, and St. Marys will be difficult, but Ritchie County should be competitive throughout the remainder of the schedule.
St. Marys
2025 Record: 8-2
SSAC Rank: #6 (Round One)
After a 1-2 start, the Blue Devils caught fire and rode a lengthy winning streak into the postseason. That momentum appears likely to carry into 2026.
The skill positions are highlighted by all-state athlete Jeremiah DeMoss, while the line is anchored by standout lineman Deion Mosley.
Early games against Belpre (OH) and Frontier (OH), along with late-season contests against Liberty and Wirt County, headline another demanding schedule.
Valley
2025 Record: 1-9
SSAC Rank: #24
The Lumberjacks endured growing pains after graduating a talented senior class, but they showed notable improvement throughout the season and ended the year with a 52-point victory.
Youth remains a challenge, but Valley has opportunities to build momentum in 2026. Key contests include Tygarts Valley, Madonna, and Richwood.
Wheeling Central
2025 Record: 11-2
SSAC Rank: #1 (State Champion)
The Maroon Knights navigated one of the state’s toughest schedules before dominating the postseason on the way to a state championship.
The defending champions return star quarterback Nico Kusic and standout linebacker Dustin Sanner giving them one of the strongest foundations in Class A.
A difficult schedule featuring Fort Frye (OH), Barnesville (OH), and Williamstown should once again prepare Wheeling Central for another title pursuit.
Wirt County
2025 Record: 7-3
SSAC Rank: #11 (Quarterfinals)
The Tigers continued their rise as one of Class A’s most consistent programs, reaching the playoffs for a third straight season and earning their first postseason victory in more than a decade.
Although a talented senior class graduated, sophomore sensation Andrew Lemley returns after emerging as one of the state’s top freshmen in 2025.
Games against Greenbrier West, Wahama, and St. Marys will likely determine whether Wirt County secures a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.