Hedgesville
2025 Record: 2-8
SSAC Rank: #15 (Round One)
Hedgesville overcame significant challenges in 2025, battling through a young roster while continuing to develop throughout the season. The Eagles finished strong, winning two of their final three games and securing a playoff appearance for the second consecutive year.
The program will have some holes to fill after losing several players through transfer, but the focus now turns toward the returning talent and the next group of contributors. Hedgesville has shown the ability to compete in difficult moments and will look to build on that progress in 2026.
The schedule features several important opportunities. Early contests against Washington and John Marshall will provide measuring points, while late-season games against Virginia opponents Handley, Park View, and Dominion will likely determine whether the Eagles can extend their playoff streak to three consecutive seasons.
Jefferson
2025 Record: 6-4
SSAC Rank: #4 (Semifinals)
Jefferson was one of the biggest breakout programs in the state during 2025. After opening the year 0-4 against one of the toughest stretches of opponents in the classification, the Cougars responded by winning every remaining regular-season game and advancing all the way to the program’s first semifinal appearance.
The momentum entering 2026 is significant, especially with several important pieces returning. Quarterback Braylon Holmes gives the offense stability and leadership, while standout linebacker Andy Roberts anchors the defense.
The schedule will once again be demanding. Early-season contests against Spring Mills and Sherando (VA) will immediately test the Cougars, while late-season battles against Wheeling Park and Musselman could determine their postseason position and championship potential.
Martinsburg
2025 Record: 8-2
SSAC Rank: #3 (State Runner-Up)
The Bulldogs remained one of the premier programs in West Virginia during the 2025 season, overcoming an early setback to win 11 consecutive games and return to the state championship game. Although they fell just short of another title, Martinsburg once again proved it belongs among the elite programs in the state.
The opportunity to finish the job comes in 2026 with a talented core returning. Dual-threat quarterback Brian Dick gives the offense a dynamic centerpiece capable of creating plays with both his arm and legs. He will be surrounded by elite skill talent, including wide receiver Boston Todd and running back Kingston McDonald-Gibson, giving the Bulldogs one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the classification. Defensively, Ty Ricketts returns as a key contributor, while transfers Zane Wipf and Noah Hockman are expected to make immediate impacts.
The schedule provides plenty of marquee opportunities. An early cross-class matchup against Bridgeport will be a major test, while the midseason rematch with Morgantown and the regular-season finale against Canada-based Huron Heights highlight a challenging road back to the championship game.
Musselman
2025 Record: 4-6
SSAC Rank: #9 (Round One)
The Applemen were one of the most underrated teams in the classification during 2025, surviving one of the toughest schedules in the state to earn a playoff appearance for the tenth time in the last eleven seasons.
Musselman will have to replace several all-state contributors, but the program has consistently found ways to reload. Young lineman Teddy Day provides a strong foundation in the trenches, while skill player Aiden Cornell is expected to take on a larger role and help lead the offense.
The schedule again provides little room for error. Key matchups against Wheeling Park, Spring Mills, Boonsboro (MD), and Jefferson will all carry major playoff implications and test whether the Applemen can continue their remarkable postseason consistency.
Spring Mills
2025 Record: 6-4
SSAC Rank: #8 (Quarterfinals)
Spring Mills continued to demonstrate the growth of its program in 2025, overcoming a massive graduating class and one of the most difficult schedules in the state. Despite those challenges, the Cardinals earned another playoff victory for the third consecutive season and pushed eventual state champion Morgantown to overtime before falling by one point.
The Cardinals enter 2026 with plenty of talent returning. Douglas Mayer and Nolan Forrest provide dangerous options in the skill group, while Mateo Swayne leads a young but promising line. The addition of Hedgesville transfer Chaz Milburn at quarterback gives the offense another dimension and provides a major boost at a critical position.
The schedule remains one of the toughest in the classification. Spring Mills opens with major challenges against Jefferson and Wheeling Park before facing midseason tests against Morgantown and University that could shape the playoff race.
Washington
2025 Record: 3-7
SSAC Rank: #13 (Round One)
Washington battled through an extremely difficult schedule in 2025, but the Patriots continued to show progress and finished strong enough to qualify for the postseason for the second consecutive season.
The optimism entering 2026 comes from a strong returning group. The offensive and defensive lines should be a major strength, led by Gunnar Waxler and Vincent Arnicar. Xavier Mack provides an important playmaking presence, while Phillip Shields III and Neil Powell are expected to be central pieces of the offensive attack.
The path forward will not be easy, but Washington will have opportunities to make a statement. Early matchups against Woodrow Wilson, Hedgesville, and Bishop O’Connell (VA) will be important, while a late-season contest against Hampshire could prove pivotal in the playoff race.