AA Semifinals Showdown: Frankfort vs Doddridge County

<p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p>   <p>16 teams have advanced to the playoff semifinals after the second round of the postseason in West Virginia. Here is our playoff semifinals preview for round three.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 FRANKFORT vs #5 DODDRIDGE COUNTY</strong></h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW FRANKFORT GOT HERE</h3>    <p>Frankfort overwhelmed Mingo Central from the opening quarter and carried that dominance into a 50–15 playoff win, so one-sided that both teams agreed to shorten the second half to eight-minute quarters. The Falcons controlled every phase, scoring on offense, defense, and special teams while stretching their winning streak to 26 games, now the longest active streak in West Virginia, after Wahama and Bridgeport both lost earlier in the day. Frankfort's defense stole the spotlight, producing two touchdowns, a safety, and holding Mingo Central to an astonishing -41 rushing yards and just 127 total yards. Bradyn Tyler highlighted the defensive and offensive effort with a pick-six and two rushing touchdowns, while Carder and Cole Shanholtz added three more scores on the ground.</p>   <p>With the win, Frankfort (12-0) tied the longest streak in Mineral County history and secured its third home semifinal in four seasons. The Falcons' offense didn't need big numbers thanks to the suffocating defense, finishing with 231 total yards, while the defense spread production across the roster with multiple players contributing tackles, turnovers, and backfield disruption. After dominant back-to-back playoff performances, Frankfort now turns its attention to an unbeaten Doddridge County squad in a semifinal showdown that promises to be the team's toughest test yet as they continue their push toward a state championship.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW DODDRIDGE COUNTY GOT HERE</h3>    <p>Doddridge County pulled off a gritty 38–27 road win over Independence to advance to the Class AA semifinals, overcoming rain, injuries, and a late deficit. The Bulldogs consistently delivered in long-yardage and must-convert situations, highlighted by [player_tooltip player_id='867726' first='Brysen' last='Dixon']'s fourth-down touchdown run early and a 54-yard scoring strike to [player_tooltip player_id='1137704' first='Jerod' last='Trent']. Independence matched them score for score throughout the first half, using two short TD runs from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1221843' first='Brock' last='Green'] and a touchdown by [player_tooltip player_id='1136973' first='Sylas' last='Nelson'] to take a 27–20 lead early in the third quarter. But Doddridge's defense produced multiple momentum-shifting plays, including a key interception by [player_tooltip player_id='1591340' first='Lyric' last='Blake'] that set up a short touchdown drive, bringing the Bulldogs back within one entering the fourth quarter.</p>   <p>In the final period, Doddridge seized control. A fumble recovery gave the Bulldogs a short field, and Dixon responded with an 8-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1624352' first='Caleb' last='Hall']. Minutes later, [player_tooltip player_id='866670' first='Landon' last='Thomas'] delivered the dagger with a 65-yard pick-six, stretching the lead to two scores. Hall finished with a game-high 159 rushing yards, while Dixon threw for 170 yards despite briefly leaving with an injury. Independence stayed competitive behind Nelson's 105 rushing yards and Green's 146 passing yards, but three Patriot turnovers proved costly. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRANKFORT PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Frankfort is leaning on 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1580708' first='Carder' last='Shanholtz'] this postseason as one of their primary ball carriers, and he's answered every call as one of the Falcons' few returning standouts after last year's senior-heavy roster moved on. Even operating out of Frankfort's old-school Wing-T attack, a system that doesn't always showcase a back's full skill set, Shanholtz continues to display the explosiveness, build, and straight-line speed that translate in any offense. With the Falcons relying on him to carry the load as they push deeper into the playoffs, he's positioned to draw more attention from D2 staffs who value production and athletic upside.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Frankfort kicker [player_tooltip player_id='866260' first='Rhett' last='Sensabaugh'] enters the postseason showing steady growth and proving he can handle pressure moments. His technique is still developing compared to some of the more polished specialists in his class, but his leg strength and clear upward trajectory make him an intriguing prospect for college coaches. Sensabaugh has worked himself into the #6 spot among 2026 kickers, and his dedication has been obvious all year as he's continued to sharpen his mechanics and timing. He's already taken a significant leap since his early varsity seasons, and with the Falcons relying on him for crucial points and field-position swings in the playoffs, he has another chance to show he's on track to become a next-level contributor.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">With the postseason underway, 2026 Frankfort WR [player_tooltip player_id='2004059' first='Keiton' last='Nester'] has become one of the steady sparks for the Falcons' rebuilt lineup following their 2024 title run. Even in a system that rarely spreads the field, he's turned his role as the primary perimeter threat into a real asset, forcing defenses to stay disciplined against their Wing-T looks. Frankfort has leaned on his acceleration on jet action and misdirection plays, where he's dangerous once he hits daylight. His impact also shows up on special teams, where he's proven he can flip the field with a single return. In a program that doesn't throw often, Nester has still shown traits that translate, and colleges should view him as a prospect who could thrive with more opportunities in a modern offense.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Frankfort RB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1154895' first='Braydn' last='Tyler'] has been a major reason the Falcons enter the postseason as one of the favorites to repeat. His acceleration and ability to slip into open space make him a constant problem for opposing defenses, and Frankfort has leaned on his versatility in every phase of the game. As the playoffs heat up, Tyler's blend of speed, vision, and playmaking gives the Falcons a weapon who can tilt the field anytime he touches the ball.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Frankfort's revamped front has been a major part of their postseason surge, and 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1616382' first='Anthony' last='Smith'] has been at the center of it. The 6'3", 260-pound junior has emerged as a force in the trenches, using his size and strength to anchor the interior. In the Falcons' opening-round win over Williamstown, Smith controlled the point of attack from start to finish, consistently driving blockers backward and blowing up lanes before they could develop. His dominance inside took away much of Williamstown's normally reliable ground game and helped set the tone for a defense that's peaking at the right time. Smith's growth this season has been one of the biggest reasons Frankfort continues to look like a serious threat deep into the playoffs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Frankfort's postseason surge has also highlighted the growth of 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1624408' first='Knox' last='Kimble'], who has quietly become an anchor in the middle of their offense. Despite being just 5'8 and 210 pounds, the sophomore center has proven to be a perfect fit for the Falcons' Wing-T approach. His quick first step lets him reach his assignments with precision, and he consistently uses his natural leverage to win battles at the point of attack. Kimble's blend of agility and strength has been a major reason Frankfort's ground game continues to thrive deep into November, and he's showing all the traits of a long-term fixture along their interior line.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DODDRIDGE COUNTY PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Doddridge County's 2026 standout [player_tooltip player_id='866670' first='Landon' last='Thomas'] has turned himself into one of the most productive two-way players in Class A as the Bulldogs push deeper into the postseason. Offensively, he's become a reliable threat in their passing attack, hauling in 36 receptions for 500 yards and 10 touchdowns as their do-it-all tight end. But his impact on defense has been just as important during this playoff run. Lining up on the edge, Thomas has piled up 59 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, routinely blowing up plays before they can develop and giving opposing quarterbacks little room to breathe. His versatility is proving invaluable at this stage of the year, and colleges now have a legitimate debate on whether his long-term future is as a mismatch tight end or a disruptive defensive lineman.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Doddridge County quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='867726' first='Brysen' last='Dixon'] has carried his strong regular-season play straight into the postseason, guiding the Bulldogs with the same poise and command he's shown throughout his rise. He's put together an outstanding year, throwing for 1,700 yards and 28 touchdowns with only two interceptions, showcasing the efficiency and accuracy he's worked hard to develop. Dixon has grown each season steadily, both physically and in his understanding of the position, and that continued progression has started to grab college attention. With the Bulldogs pushing deeper into the playoffs, he's proving he has the arm strength, decision-making, and competitive presence to warrant more college looks. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Doddridge County standout [player_tooltip player_id='1139398' first='Brycen' last='Eidel'] has been a driving force for the Bulldogs as they enter the playoff stretch. On defense, he's compiled 99 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, consistently making plays near the line of scrimmage and disrupting opposing offenses. Offensively, Eidel has contributed 600 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, serving as a reliable second option in the backfield while showing the vision and speed to break big plays. His ability to impact both sides of the ball makes him one of the team's most versatile athletes.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Doddridge County defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='1139394' first='Calob' last='James'] has been a disruptive presence for the Bulldogs as they head into the playoffs. Despite being undersized for a defensive lineman, he's totaled 133 tackles and 21 tackles for loss this season, consistently getting into the backfield and creating chaos for opposing offenses. James's quickness and football IQ allow him to compete effectively against bigger blockers, and he thrives using leverage and anticipation to make plays.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Doddridge County's 2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1591340' first='Lyric' last='Blake'] has been a key weapon for the Bulldogs as they enter the playoffs. The sophomore has rushed for 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, anchoring a balanced offensive attack that has carried them through an undefeated regular season. Blake's vision, speed, and ability to break tackles make him a constant threat, and he's been especially effective in November's playoff atmosphere, where physical, downhill running is critical.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">ChatGPT said:</p>   <p>2028 Doddridge County DL [player_tooltip player_id='1222034' first='Jacob' last='Britton'] has made an immediate impact as a sophomore, emerging as one of the Bulldogs' premier defensive linemen entering the playoffs. He's totaled 80 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 8 sacks, already showing the kind of physicality and relentless effort that sets him apart on the line. Britton's ability to disrupt both the run and pass makes him a key factor in Doddridge's postseason push. Having started as a standout freshman, Britton continues to develop quickly and already plays with a maturity beyond his years. </p>

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