2025 WV Team Preview: Hedgesville Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hedgesville has its typical gauntlet EPAC schedule and talented out-of-conference foes to manage as it works to become competitive with some of the top programs in the state. The Eagles have some young talent in the program that will help them take the necessary steps to close the gap on those programs over the next two seasons and beyond. However, the fruits of their labor and patience may not be evident until next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/30: vs Nitro<br>9/5: at Washington<br>9/12: at Morgantown<br>9/19: vs Martinsburg<br>10/3: at Jefferson<br>10/10: at Albert Gallatin (PA)<br>10/17: vs Musselman<br>10/24: vs Park View (VA)<br>10/31: vs Dominion (VA)<br>11/7: at Spring Mills</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 2-8<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605754"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b1dee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way 2026 lineman for Hedgesville to utilize this season is OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1605754' first='Brandon' last='Merchant']. He has a frame that could transform and develop into a player on either side of the line in college if he wants to continue his playing career after high school. Merchant is a raw athlete who could make strides as a player this season and at the next level with further development, but is someone for small colleges to keep tabs on this fall to see how he's progressed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17781831/6793d0996a1d9c440c26a0e7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b211c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605752"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b2178"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1605752' first='Woody' last='Smith'] is a dynamic little two-way slot player for the Eagles who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. The 2026 prospect is undersized, but has playmaking ability that can be utilized on offense, defense, and special teams. Smith is a quick and shifty athlete who plays well in space with the ball in his hands and is fearless for his size on defense. He can be a difference maker as a slot receiver with increased touches as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17745231/6738a9739240fde6be8ef8dd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b21a0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["861657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b21ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Hedgesville QB [player_tooltip player_id='861657' first='Chaz' last='Milburn'] needs to have a big year for the Eagles if they want to take a step forward as a program. He's been our #1-ranked 2027 quarterback since he was a freshman, but a few other passers in this class are vying for that top spot. If he can elevate his teammates around him and further show the potential we saw in him as a young player, Milburn should start to see serious college interest heading into his senior year after this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17734914/673b4d70b9303084609d6a6e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b220f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1269921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b225b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Hedgesville WR [player_tooltip player_id='1269921' first='Arden' last='Marshall'] is ready to become a top target in the Eagles' passing game after spending two years developing at the JV level. He has a lot of upside and potential, but it will need to translate to varsity success over the next two seasons. Marshall looked good this summer at camps and 7-on-7s, which placed him as a Top 10 WR prospect in the 2027 class in our latest rankings update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Marshall in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-100-pt-1/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We're expecting 2027 Hedgesville WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269921' first='Arden' last='Marshall']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/arden-marshall/"></a> to make a name for himself this far after waiting his turn for his varsity opportunity. He's looked good this summer at camps and is ready for a breakout season as a junior on the varsity squad. Marshall has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker out of the slot for the Eagles and has shown that upside this offseason. We saw that upside with our own eyes at a camp earlier this summer, and once Marshall proves it on Friday nights, he has the potential to climb the rankings in the future."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20775331/66c867b0b96b3ab0990b73bd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b227f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1810530"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b22c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Hedgesville ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1810530' first='Christopher' last='Williams'] is another playmaker that the Eagles can utilize in all three phases of the game. Williams made a big impact on special teams as a kicker returner during his sophomore year, and should see increased touches on offense as a junior this season. They'll need someone to step up at running back this season to provide balance for a potentially talented passing attack, and Williams has the athletic skill set to be a top name at the position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19366501/67a36654565e87e99ccaa6cb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b22e7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624400"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b232c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Hedgesville OL [player_tooltip player_id='1624400' first='Brody' last='Faircloth'] will carry the family torch as a standout offensive lineman for the Eagles. He started as a freshman varsity center in 2024 and showed some good early signs that he'll steadily progress over the next three years like his older brothers did. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Faircloth in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-30/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"The Faircloth name is well known in the Eastern Panhandle, as yet another offensive line prospect is emerging from the family tree. 2028 Hedgesville OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624400' first='Brody' last='Faircloth']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brody-faircloth/"></a> will continue the family business of a standout offensive lineman, which he showed last season as the varsity starting center. He's the son of head coach Matt Faircloth, which shows in how ready he was to play an important and difficult position in his first year of high school. Faircloth isn't quite as long as his older brothers yet, but he still has very good young size as an interior OL prospect. He'll be a name to know for 4 years for the Eagles and will garner college attention in time, just like his brothers did."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19484141/679fe2775f35c831901def19' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689f9725b2350"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685304' first='Evan' last='Nichols'] - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1810480' first='Zaavan' last='Rush'] - 2026 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604409' first='Jordan' last='Lewis'] - 2027 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616168' first='Aden' last='Morris'] - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Burch - 2027 TE/DE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592803' first='Carter' last='Hubbell'] - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1810577' first='Liam' last='Foote'] - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1719463' first='Mason' last='Janney'] - 2028 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->