FEATURED PHOTO BY NATE MORRIS
Buckhannon-Upshur
2025 Record: 2-8
SSAC Rank: #16 (Round One)
The Buccaneers endured a difficult 2025 season but finished on one of the highest notes possible, earning an exciting 60-57 victory to secure a playoff appearance for the first time in nearly a decade.
Entering 2026, there is legitimate optimism surrounding the program. Buckhannon-Upshur returns several talented pieces, including seniors Easton Metzner, Kadyn Baisden, and Greyson Wyland. Specialist Aiden Snyder also gives the Buccaneers a difference-maker who can impact field position and momentum.
The schedule provides opportunities to build on last season’s breakthrough. The pivotal stretch comes in the middle and later portions of the schedule against Lewis County, East Fairmont, Lincoln, and Preston. All four games were decided by three points or fewer in 2025, making them potential swing contests.
Morgantown
2025 Record: 9-1
SSAC Rank: #1 (State Champion)
The Mohigans had a historic season in 2025, falling only once during the regular season before avenging that loss in dramatic fashion in the state championship game. The victory secured Morgantown’s first state championship since 2005 and capped off one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
The expectation entering 2026 is simple: get back. The Mohigans return one of the most talented players in the state in quarterback/safety Maddox Twigg, whose ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes him one of the most valuable players in the classification. While the offensive line will feature some new faces, the defense returns key leaders in Konnor Mott and Chase Travis. Brooks King enters the season as one of the top linebackers in the state, while Aidan Petsko remains one of the premier specialists.
The schedule will provide plenty of challenges as Morgantown looks to defend its title. The most anticipated contests include a midseason showdown against Martinsburg and a late-season rivalry matchup with University.
Parkersburg
2025 Record: 5-5
SSAC Rank: #10 (Round One)
The Big Reds experienced another competitive season in 2025, navigating a challenging schedule while earning a postseason appearance for the third consecutive year. Parkersburg continued to show it can compete against quality opponents and now enters 2026 looking to take another step forward.
The foundation begins with a strong group of returning contributors. Lineman Drey Grinter provides size and leadership up front, while two-way standout Brady Thorn remains one of the program’s most dependable athletes after making an impact since his freshman season. Tyler Cameron and Dylan Widman are additional players expected to take on expanded roles.
The Big Reds have a tough road as usual, but there is a lot of potential to collect wins including bouts with Spring Valley, Hurricane, and Parkersburg South and Cabell Midland late. The postseason is well within reach to get to and maybe take another step.
Parkersburg South
2025 Record: 3-7
SSAC Rank: #14 (Round One)
The Patriots showed meaningful growth throughout the 2025 season, overcoming a young roster and difficult opening stretch to finish 3-3 over their final six games and earn a postseason appearance.
That experience should provide a strong foundation entering 2026. Parkersburg South showed it could compete with quality opponents and now looks to turn those close games into victories. The development of younger players and continued improvement across the roster will be critical as the Patriots attempt to move further into the playoff picture.
The schedule provides several major opportunities. A key stretch featuring Woodrow Wilson, Parkersburg, John Marshall, and Hurricane could define their season, while late matchups against George Washington and Cabell Midland provide additional opportunities to make a statement.
Preston
2025 Record: 1-9
SSAC Rank: #18
The Knights were one of the most entertaining teams in the classification during 2025, despite their final record. Preston featured one of the most productive offenses in the state, averaging nearly 30 points per game and consistently creating problems for opposing defenses.
The challenge entering 2026 will be replacing several key contributors, particularly in the skill group. However, the Knights return important pieces in Brayden Miller and Max Huggins, who provide strength and leadership in the trenches and will serve as building blocks moving forward.
The schedule features several important opportunities. Hampshire provides a major early test, while midseason battles against East Fairmont and late-season matchups with Buckhannon-Upshur and Elkins could determine whether Preston can turn improvement into a postseason return.
University
2025 Record: 7-3
SSAC Rank: #7 (Semifinals)
University enjoyed one of the most exciting seasons in recent program history in 2025, combining an explosive offense with several major wins to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
The Hawks enter 2026 with expectations among the highest in the classification thanks to an elite offensive core. Quarterback Harrison Helbig leads a dynamic attack featuring standout receiver Hayden George and versatile athletes Brody Kehler and Kaleil Lewis. Up front, FBS recruit Luke Braham provides stability and leadership along the offensive line, giving the Hawks the ability to challenge defenses in multiple ways.
The road ahead will be difficult, but the opportunities are significant. Midseason matchups with Wheeling Park and Fairmont Senior will provide major tests, while late-season contests against Spring Mills and rival Morgantown could have championship implications.
Wheeling Park
2025 Record: 6-4
SSAC Rank: #6 (Quarterfinals)
The Patriots were one of the most explosive and entertaining teams in the classification during 2025, earning playoff victories in consecutive seasons and proving they could compete with the best teams in the state. Their postseason run included a dominant offensive performance in the quarterfinals, where they scored 35 points against one of the top teams in the bracket.
The offense should remain one of the strengths of the program in 2026 behind quarterback Jay Bordas, one of the top signal callers in the classification. He returns alongside reliable target Preston Heatherington, while Michael Neider, Akeem Davis, and Jake Franke provide additional weapons capable of creating explosive plays. The Patriots have consistently built around offensive versatility, and that identity should continue.
Key games come early and often such as week two bout with Spring Mills and mid-season stretch that includes University, St. Clairsville-OH, and Morgantown through consecutive weeks. Regardless, the Patriots expect to get back to the postseason and advance.