Mingo Central Football





2022 Recap
Mingo Central High School’s football team, the Miners, had an eventful 2022 season marked by early challenges and a late resurgence. While the team’s overall record of 4-6 may not fully reflect their progress, the Miners showed determination and grit throughout the year, finishing strong with a 3-2 record in the second half of the season.
The Miners faced a slow start to their campaign, struggling to find their rhythm in the early games. However, their persistence paid off as they found their footing and began to hit their stride. The offense emerged as a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 28 points per game. Led by their talented players and dedicated coaching staff, the Miners’ offense demonstrated their ability to put points on the board consistently.
On the defensive end, the Miners faced some challenges, conceding an average of 32 points per game. Despite the high scoring games, the defense showed resilience and determination, constantly striving to improve and adapt their strategies.
The Miners achieved notable victories against formidable opponents, most notably their triumphs over Shady Spring and Westside. These wins showcased the team’s potential and provided a glimpse into their capabilities. The Miners’ ability to secure victories against tough opponents highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion and perform when it mattered most.
However, a tough encounter against Man prevented the Miners from reaching a .500 record. Despite their best efforts, they fell short in a hard-fought game. Nevertheless, the Miners’ resilience and determination were on full display as they fought tooth and nail until the final whistle.
Looking ahead, the Mingo Central Miners are eager to build upon their progress from the 2022 season. With valuable experience gained and a taste of success, the team is poised to continue their upward trajectory. With a strong offense and a focus on shoring up their defensive efforts, the Miners aim to make their mark in the upcoming seasons.

2023 Outlook
The Mingo Central Miners are gearing up for an exciting season with the arrival of their new head coach, David Jones. The announcement of Jones as the head coach has generated a buzz among the Mingo Central faithful, as he brings with him a reputation as a legendary player in the area and a successful coaching career in Kentucky. With a strong coaching pedigree, Jones aims to bring back the glory days for the Miners and prevent the transfer of talented players across the border.
The Miners will rely on key players to lead the team on the field. Wide receiver Maliki Shepherd, offensive lineman Chaz Waine, and quarterback Chris Ross are expected to anchor the offense, while wide receiver Michael Prater will provide a reliable target for Ross. In addition, keep an eye out for the young and talented athlete Keziah Joplin, who is poised to make waves in the upcoming season.
Although the Miners are in a rebuilding phase, they are determined to return to their former glory. With a lineup featuring several new faces, the team is optimistic about the future. Coach Jones is instilling a winning mentality and a strong work ethic in his players as they embark on their journey towards redemption.
The Miners’ schedule for the upcoming season sets up some intriguing matchups. Of particular note is a challenging four-game stretch in the middle of the season. Facing off against tough opponents, including Independence, Scott, Point Pleasant, and Roane County in consecutive weeks, the Miners will have to bring their A-game to compete. This mid-season gauntlet will test their mettle and serve as a measuring stick for their progress.
The Mingo Central faithful are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, buzzing with anticipation for what Coach Jones and his team will bring to the field. The community’s support is unwavering, and fans are hopeful that this new era under Jones’ leadership will mark a turning point for the Miners.
The countdown is on, and the Mingo Central Miners are ready to take the field. The community stands behind them, united in their support as they strive to restore the Miners’ former glory.
2023 Mingo Central Football Roster
Senior Football Roster
- Class: AA
- City: Delbarton, WV
- County: Mingo
- Superintendent: Johnny Branch
- Principal: Marcella Charles-Casto
- Assistant Principal: Brandon Cline
- Athletic Director: Brandon Cline
- Head Coach: David Jones
- Assistant Coaches: Terry Harrison, Michael Sheppard, Josh Sammons, Bob Gobel, Chris Burns, Garrett Bevins, Derek Moore, Terry Harrison, Nate Siggers, Matt Harris
- Sports Medicine Staff: : Hunter Bailey, Bob Hammond, and Erica Brown
- Cheerleading Coaches: Beth Keatley
- Cheerleaders:
- Nickname: Miners
- Band Director: Terry Soltesz
- Team Doctor:
- Managers: Tony Smith
- Statistician:
- Video:
- Head Coach Information
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Players
# Pos. Name Gr Ht Wt Avg
Michael Prater II 12
Dennis Blackburn 12
James Lester II 12
Thomas Sheppard 12
Eli Blackburn 12
Hunter Blankenship 12
Tyler Mitchem 12
Amanti Lovett 12
Malaki Sheppard 12
Nathan Hynd 12
Charles Waine 12
Chris Ross 12
Alex Muncy 12
Dylan Vance 11
Gary Pope 11
James Moore 11
Brennon Harrison 11
James Borders 11
Jace Harmon 11
LeQues Strother 11
Logan Hurley 11
Caden Porter 11
Zachary Davis 11
Trevor Mullins 11
Rilee Hatfield 11
David Seabolt 10
Aiden Burke 10
Ashton Kinser 10
Donavon Valdelamar 10
Michael Dotson 10
Jacob Blankenship 10
Justin Spence 10
Ethan Anderson 10
Dylan Mounts 10
Corey Mahon 10
Keziah Joplin 10
Kylar Turner 10
Seth Boseman 10
Blake Hardin 9
Davion Joplin 9
Braxton Jones 9
Brennic Blankenship 9
Gaberielle Friend 9
Blade Goff 9
Aiden Hatfield 9
Taegan Butterbach 9
Jace Coleman 9
Brayden Pope 9
Malcolm Kinder 9
Owen Harris 9
Isaiah Daniels 9
Brayden Mounts 9
Landen Sawyers 9
Brody Davis 9
Mingo Central 2023

Team Photo – Photographer Samantha Waine