2025 WV Team Preview: Wheeling Park Patriots

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeling Park will be a sneaky team in Class AAAA this season after winning their first playoff game in 9 years in 2024. The Patriots have our top running back prospect in the 2026 class and the defending Curt Warner Award winner, [player_tooltip player_id='1137687' first='Brennan' last='Wack'], to rally around as they look to make a bigger push in the playoffs this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Parkersburg South<br>9/5: at Spring Mills<br>9/12: vs Musselman<br>9/19: vs University<br>9/26: vs St. Clairsville<br>10/3: at Morgantown<br>10/10: vs Fairmont Senior<br>10/17: at Butler (PA)<br>10/24: at Steubenville<br>11/7: at John Marshall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 8-4<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 6-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137687"],"_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-68afb3a62c25a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Patriots have returning 2024 Curt Warner Award winner and 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1137687' first='Brennan' last='Wack'] to carry the load again this season. They'll try to be more balanced to ease his workload, but Wack proved that he's capable of doing so last season. He's deserving of D1 looks with another strong season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Wack in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-offensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2026 Wheeling Park RB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137687' first='Brennan' last='Wack']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brennan-wack/"></a>&nbsp;now holds our #1 running back spot and rounds out our updated Top 10 in the summer rankings update. Even after a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2024, it still feels that Wack is being underrated by colleges and under-the-radar heading into his senior season. D1 opportunities should be in his future with another strong season in 2025, which we expect from him after an incredible breakout year as a junior. In our eyes, Wack has the size, speed, and durability to play running back at the D1 level, with his new ranking reflecting as such."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18204098/674efed39f1c830df81196bc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c5bd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894679"],"_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-68afb3a62c62e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated receivers in the 2026 class is Wheeling Park's [player_tooltip player_id='894679' first='Owen' last='Dobrzynski-Hines']. He's an explosive athlete with great speed and is a threat to score any time he gets a step on his defender. Dobrzynski-Hines should have every D2 program in the state entering his recruitment this fall. He'll be pressed into the Patriots' #1 target this season and could produce a huge year as they try to open up the passing game more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18219223/6758574965451bde48e39cbb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c65b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894628"],"_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-68afb3a62c6a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A stock riser in our 2026 rankings this summer after seeing him in person at our Combine Series camp was Wheeling Park DB [player_tooltip player_id='894628' first='Isaac' last='Sands']. He'll make an impact on offense for the first time in his career this season as well, but has been a standout safety for the Patriots since his sophomore year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Sands in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-defensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Getting to see 2026 Wheeling Park LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894628' first='Isaac' last='Sands']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/isaac-sands/"></a>&nbsp;in person earlier this summer made us realize we had him ranked too low. He's made waves as a wrestler this winter, but has a lot of football upside, too, as a prospect. Sands had a very productive junior campaign for the Patriots and will be a leader on their defense this season. He's a safety prospect who's comfortable patrolling the back end of the defense with the physicality to get downhill in the run game, too. Sands is currently unoffered according to his X account, but that will change this fall for both sports."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17951103/674f50249405b796319ddaa7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c6d0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138216"],"_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-68afb3a62c71b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wheeling Park lost a lot of talent and experience along their offensive line from last season, but 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1138216' first='Liam' last='Waldeck'] returns as the leader in that group. He has D2 potential in our eyes and would be a great value add for a D3 program. If he can add size at the next level, Waldeck has the athleticism to play guard at the D2 level. He has good footwork and is comfortable blocking in space with the athleticism that he possesses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18202451/671524fee5552f6c6689ee65' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c73f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605319"],"_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-68afb3a62c7a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An under-the-radar prospect for Wheeling Park who is poised to have a huge senior year on both sides of the ball is 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1605319' first='Nolan' last='Yanchak']. He came on strong later in the 2024 season and will take on a big role for the Patriots as a TE and LB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Yanchak in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-1/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Wheeling Park has some big shoes to fill at TE and LB this fall with the graduation of Jameson Maynard, but 2026 LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605319' first='Nolan' last='Yanchak']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/nolan-yanchak/"></a>&nbsp;can step in and ease some of that loss. Also a standout on the Patriots' baseball team, Yanchak is a multi-sport athlete who is underrated as a football player and could earn opportunities for that sport, too. He's tough between the tackles at middle linebacker and has the athleticism to make plays in space as well."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18201864/674f5986f502d70063b2ae15' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c7e0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139032"],"_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-68afb3a62c84d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An unsung hero for Wheeling Park over the past two seasons has been 2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1139032' first='Jed' last='Hunley']. He's been a consistent starter at safety for the Patriots and has done a nice job since he was pressed into action. Hunley gets overshadowed by some other touted athletes in the program, but he's deserving of recognition and attention from colleges as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Hunley in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-2/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2026 Wheeling Park DB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139032' first='Jed' last='Hunley']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jed-hunley/"></a>&nbsp;has been a very underrated piece to the Patriots' secondary. Size will limit his college opportunities, but the ability and production are there to warrant small college looks. As a junior, Hunley totaled 41 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 3 interceptions at free safety. He does a nice job patrolling the back end of their defense and can play deep and single-high safety with the speed and quickness to cover ground quickly. Size doesn't prevent him from coming downhill in run support or underneath passes and welcomes contact."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14209605/67505eccc5646942d51c219a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c876"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895004"],"_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-68afb3a62c8c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='895004' first='Kayden' last='Fortney'] will be a key piece to both sides of the Patriots' trenches this season. They'll need him to step up on offense this season as they look to replace some talented offensive linemen from last year's team. Fortney projects as a DL prospect with his size, but can play guard or center on offense as well. The Patriots need players like Fortney to elevate their game in 2025 if they want to reach their ultimate goals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18219084/674f3dbb960ec6a298f4f8a4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c8e4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["658279"],"_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-68afb3a62c92b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wheeling Park QB [player_tooltip player_id='658279' first='Jay' last='Bordas'] did a nice job for the Patriots as a young sophomore in 2024 and should take a big step forward as a junior. He saw the highs and lows as a first-year quarterback, but the potential and upside were obvious in year one. Bordas can make a push for the #1 QB ranking this fall with a big year and the ability that he has. He threw for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore, which are numbers that he can improve on this season as the Patriots look to open up the passing game more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19476177/674554621a0be782ea77d6d5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c94d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616261"],"_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-68afb3a62c9ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wheeling Park TE/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1616261' first='Preston' last='Heatherington'] will be a name to watch on varsity this fall. The Patriots need pass catchers to step up this season, and they'll look to Heatherington to be one of them. He showed a lot of potential as a sophomore on JV and varsity spot duty, and should showcase that more this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Heatherington 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>"Wheeling Park's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616261' first='Preston' last='Heatherington']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/preston-heatherington/"></a>&nbsp;debuts as our #3 TE prospect in the 2027 class after showing a lot of potential on the Patriots' JV team last season. He'll be moving to receiver on varsity as a junior and may slide over to that position in the rankings after we see his film this season. Heatherington has the frame to grow into a true tight end, depending on how his body develops over the next two years, and he showed some good things at that position on JV. His fluidity as an athlete at receiver this fall will be telling for his future as a prospect, and which spot he fits in best."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19882235/67292391bf323254c18812ff' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62c9d4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855612"],"_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-68afb3a62ca86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wheeling Park DB [player_tooltip player_id='1855612' first='Michael' last='Neider'] flew under the radar last season as a sophomore on varsity. He did some good things as a corner and safety, and will be a starter this year for the Patriots. Neider has the speed to run step for step with receivers and does a nice job closing on the ball. He'll project as a safety at the next level, which is a position that fits his skill set well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19881743/679955366a1d9c440c2ad209' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68afb3a62caa7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaden Coyle - 2026 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kam Dietrich - 2026 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reuben Rouse - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Mealy - 2026 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1652645' first='Logan' last='Wilson'] - 2027 DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nate Hodge - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624397' first='Jeremy' last='Porter'] - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->