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Braxton County
2025 Record: 4-6
SSAC Rank: #17
The Eagles quietly put together one of the more impressive turnarounds in Class AA. After several years of limited success, Braxton County narrowly missed a playoff berth in 2025 and enters 2026 with growing confidence.
The roster remains relatively young, but standout specialist Zack McQuain gives the Eagles an impact player capable of changing field position and momentum.
Key contests against South Harrison, Poca, PikeView, and Clay County could ultimately determine whether Braxton County breaks through and reaches the postseason.
Doddridge County
2025 Record: 10-0
SSAC Rank: #5 (Quarterfinals)
The Bulldogs authored one of the most impressive regular seasons in Class AA, finishing undefeated and advancing deep into the postseason.
Graduation and the transfer of standout running back Lyric Blake to Morgantown create challenges, but Doddridge County remains loaded with talent. Two-way lineman Jacob Britton returns to anchor the next chapter.
An immediate showdown against Roane County serves as an early measuring stick, while late-season battles against Williamstown and Mingo Central could shape playoff seeding.
Lincoln
2025 Record: 4-6
SSAC Rank: #13 (Round One)
The Cougars overcame a difficult opening stretch and rallied to qualify for the postseason, where they represented themselves well against quality competition.
Although the starting quarterback departs, Lincoln returns a strong supporting cast featuring playmakers Connor Rice and Colten Edwards along with lineman Levi Greaver.
A challenging schedule includes an opening matchup against Elkins and later tests against North Marion, Doddridge County, and Philip Barbour.
Oak Glen
2025 Record: 7-3
SSAC Rank: #15 (Round One)
The Golden Bears enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, earning their first playoff appearance since 2020 and reestablishing themselves as a contender.
Replacing key departures will be difficult, but they will return dual-threat quarterback Maddox Bowen who was a big weapon in 2025. Still, Oak Glen has enough returning talent to remain competitive.
The opener against Weir, a midseason matchup with Buckeye Local (OH), and the regular-season finale against Hampshire stand out as the most important games on the schedule.
Philip Barbour
2025 Record: 8-2
SSAC Rank: #3 (Semifinals)
The Colts continued the winningest era in school history with another dominant regular season and a trip to the state semifinals.
While a legendary senior class graduates, expectations remain high. Star running back Landyn Carpenter returns to headline the offense, while players such as Sean Dent are expected to take on expanded roles.
As has become tradition, Philip Barbour’s biggest tests come early against perennial powers North Marion and Bridgeport. Those games should provide a strong indication of the Colts’ championship potential.
South Harrison
2025 Record: 6-4
SSAC Rank: #14 (Round One)
The Hawks experienced a season full of highs and lows but ultimately secured a second consecutive playoff berth. Despite graduating several contributors, South Harrison remains relatively young and should continue to improve.
The program will build around rising senior Landon Ross, who provides leadership and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball.
Key contests against Lincoln, Poca, and Clay County arrive early, while later games against Philip Barbour, Doddridge County, and Williamstown will test the Hawks’ playoff aspirations.
Tyler Consolidated
2025 Record: 4-6
SSAC Rank: #18
The Silver Knights experienced the expected ups and downs of a young football team in 2025, ultimately finishing just outside the playoff picture.
Fortunately, Tyler Consolidated returns one of the region’s most dynamic offensive weapons in Gideon Winfrey. His playmaking ability provides a strong foundation as the Silver Knights seek to take the next step.
Several important games come late in the season, including matchups against Weir, Oak Glen, and South Harrison. Success in those contests could be the difference between missing the playoffs and earning a postseason berth.
Weir
2025 Record: 0-10
SSAC Rank: #30
The Red Riders endured a difficult season in 2025, but there were encouraging signs throughout the year. Most notably, the offense never suffered a shutout and consistently found ways to compete despite the losses piling up.
With another year of experience across the roster, Weir appears capable of moving closer to its winning tradition. Several games on the schedule present realistic opportunities for improvement.
The opener against Oak Glen looms large, while contests against Indian Creek (OH), Edison (OH), Cambridge (OH), and East Liverpool (OH) could determine whether the Red Riders make a jump in the standings.
Williamstown
2025 Record: 5-5
SSAC Rank: #16 (Round One)
The Yellowjackets overcame a difficult opening stretch and finished the regular season by winning four of their final five games, extending one of the state’s longest active playoff streaks.
Williamstown returns a talented core led by quarterback Breck Allen, lineman Colin Jones, and explosive edge rusher Christian Hoosier, one of the most athletic defenders in the classification.
The schedule features a new look but no shortage of challenges. Early games against Roane County and Chapmanville will be significant, while late-season contests against Doddridge County and Wheeling Central could carry major playoff implications