AAA Semifinals Showdown: Nitro vs Chapmanville

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   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.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 NITRO vs #9 CHAPMANVILLE</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW NITRO GOT HERE:</h3>    Nitro pulled off an incredible comeback in the Class AAA quarterfinals, erasing a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to claim a 57-38 road victory over North Marion. The Wildcats were fueled by a dominant performance from senior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'], who hauled in six catches for 266 yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='894669' first='Eian' last='Duffy'] consistently found Thompson in the passing game, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] added a 61-yard touchdown reception, a rushing score, and a receiving touchdown of his own. Nitro's balanced attack, big plays, and key defensive stops in the second half turned the game in their favor, allowing them to advance to the semifinals against Chapmanville Regional.   North Marion showed resilience early, opening the scoring with an onside kick recovery and touchdowns from senior [player_tooltip player_id='894625' first='Toby' last='Michael'], who also threw a scoring pass to [player_tooltip player_id='888605' first='Karter' last='Parson']. The Huskies maintained a halftime lead at 24-14, and briefly regained the edge late in the third quarter. However, Nitro responded with a relentless fourth-quarter surge, scoring five unanswered touchdowns, highlighted by Thompson and Porter's explosive plays. The Wildcats' defense also rose to the occasion, forcing turnovers and sacking the quarterback to secure the final score. Nitro's victory marks a pivotal step toward a potential state championship, while North Marion concludes its season at 10-2.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW CHAPMANVILLE GOT HERE:</h3>    Chapmanville pulled off a huge upset in the Class AAA quarterfinals, toppling top-seeded Bridgeport 33-27 to reach the state semifinals for the first time since 2011. After falling behind 21-13 at halftime, the No. 9 Tigers erupted for 20 unanswered points to seize the lead early in the second half. Key touchdowns from [player_tooltip player_id='1315124' first='Dakota' last='Dalton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1139377' first='Preston' last='Kovach'], and strong defensive plays, including a fumble recovery, shifted momentum in Chapmanville's favor, holding the Indians scoreless in the third quarter and allowing the Tigers to take control of the game.   Bridgeport fought back in the fourth, narrowing the deficit to six with a touchdown from [player_tooltip player_id='1155329' first='Gavin' last='Williams'], but Chapmanville's defense held firm, with [player_tooltip player_id='1238236' first='Trey' last='Ward'] intercepting a pass as time expired to secure the victory. The Tigers' balanced offense and disciplined defensive effort powered the historic win, and they now advance to face #5 Nitro in the semifinals. Chapmanville finishes the season with a program-record 12 wins under third-year coach Zachary Belcher.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NITRO PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    WVU commit, and 2026 Nitro WR [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'] has continued to dominate as the Wildcats make their playoff push, putting together one of the most memorable performances of the season in the quarterfinals against North Marion with six catches for 266 yards and five touchdowns. That outing helped push his season totals to over 1,100 receiving yards and 16 scores, cementing his status as the centerpiece of Nitro's explosive passing attack. Thompson's ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments keeps him in contention for statewide honors like the Randy Moss Award, and he remains one of the top playmakers in West Virginia entering the postseason.     2026 Nitro DL and Morgan State commit [player_tooltip player_id='866256' first='Xavier' last='Patterson'] continues to dominate for the Wildcats through the playoffs, living up to his reputation as one of the state's premier defensive linemen. Through the first half of the season, he has racked up 83 tackles, 33 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks, anchoring a ferocious defensive front and consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Patterson's high-level production and physicality prove why he's considered the top DL in the 2026 class.     2026 Nitro RB [player_tooltip player_id='1307512' first='Chris' last='Radcliffe'] has been a key factor in balancing the Wildcats' high-powered offense as they enter the postseason. The transfer from Winfield has quickly emerged as a workhorse in the backfield, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns while complementing Nitro's prolific passing attack. Radcliffe's combination of size, speed, and vision makes him a tough assignment for defenses, and his performances this season are likely to draw increased attention from college programs looking for a dynamic running back.     Back in West Virginia for his senior year, 2026 Nitro OL [player_tooltip player_id='1575174' first='Da'Ron' last='Parks'] has quickly become a cornerstone for Nitro's offensive line as the Wildcats make a playoff run. After spending time in Florida last year, Parks returns as a national 4-star recruit and recently reopened his recruitment from Florida State, bringing elite size, athleticism, and experience to the front five. Parks' presence strengthens one of the top lines in the state and puts him in a prime position for postseason recognition.     As the Wildcats enter the playoff stretch, 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='894667' first='Ja'lei' last='Burnette'] has emerged as a major threat in Nitro's passing attack after transferring from Hurricane for his senior year. He's already compiled 49 catches for 763 yards and 6 touchdowns, showing the ability to make big plays at all levels of the field. Even with a loaded receiver corps surrounding him, Burnette consistently creates separation and makes defenses pay, further cementing his status as one of the top WR prospects in the 2026 class. His production and playmaking this postseason should continue to attract attention from college programs looking for a dynamic receiver.     2026 Nitro LB [player_tooltip player_id='894666' first='Wyatt' last='Sowards'] continues to anchor their defense at middle linebacker. He's already piled up 95 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and added 2 interceptions this season, showing a knack for diagnosing plays and making stops all over the field. Sowards has consistently been the heartbeat of the Nitro defense, and his ability to lead, shed blocks, and make impactful tackles makes him a player to watch in the postseason. With his combination of production, instincts, and physicality, he's primed to draw more attention from D2 programs as he closes out his senior campaign.     2026 Nitro WR [player_tooltip player_id='1130335' first='Luke' last='Shafer'] has emerged as a reliable and dynamic option in the Wildcats' passing attack. He's compiled 35 receptions for nearly 600 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, proving he can make big plays when the team needs it most. Shafer quietly built a strong reputation as a junior behind [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'], but he's now stepping fully into the spotlight as a senior, showing the speed, hands, and route-running ability that make him a legitimate threat at the next level. With his production and skill set, Shafer is positioned to earn significant D2 attention while giving Nitro another weapon capable of changing the game in the postseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='1343744' first='Antonio' last='Lerose'] has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Nitro's defense, already racking up 60 tackles and 8 tackles for loss through the season. After dealing with injuries last year that slowed his progress, Lerose has returned fully healthy and is showcasing the explosive athleticism and physicality that make him such a disruptive force at linebacker. His ability to read plays, close quickly, and finish in the backfield has been crucial for the Wildcats, particularly as they face stiffer competition in the postseason. With his size, strength, and instincts, Lerose not only bolsters Nitro's defense but also has the tools to continue climbing the linebacker rankings. If he maintains this level of play through the playoffs, he's poised to attract attention from nearly every D2 program in the state, solidifying himself as one of the top LB prospects in his class.     Nitro will rely on a bevy of talented linebackers, including 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='866255' first='Landon' last='Taylor'], to bolster their linebacker unit. He has developed noticeably over the off-season, combining added strength with improved field awareness, which has helped him reach 50 tackles so far. Taylor's consistent impact and ability to make key plays give him a chance to elevate his profile as the Wildcats push deeper into postseason play.     As the semifinals arrive, 2026 Nitro OL and WV State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1129130' first='Jayden' last='Hill'] has remained a steady force on the Wildcats' line. He combines relentless effort with smart, physical play, showing an ability to handle both run and pass assignments effectively. Hill's consistency and toughness make him a key component of Nitro's postseason push, proving that his impact goes beyond pure size.     2026 Nitro EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1127296' first='Shamar' last='Smith'] has emerged as a key disruptor along one of West Virginia's top defensive lines. Smith has been a consistent force off the edge, using his quickness, pad level, and leverage to create problems for opposing offensive tackles. Through the season, he's racked up 47 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, showing a knack for getting into the backfield and making impactful plays. His presence on the edge will be a critical factor for Nitro as they look to maintain their defensive dominance in the postseason.     2026 Nitro offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1315910' first='Mason' last='Martin'] has continued to make a strong impact for the Wildcats in his senior season. Martin has emerged as a physical presence at right guard, consistently driving defenders off the ball and opening up running lanes. His strength and leverage allow him to dominate at the point of attack, while his ability to pull and lead in the run game adds versatility to Nitro's offensive front. Martin's senior season has built on his momentum from the summer, and he's become a reliable force for the Wildcats.     As the Wildcats prepare for their playoff clash with Chapmanville, 2026 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='894931' first='Bryce' last='Snyder'] has been a key force up front for Nitro. Operating in the heart of their defensive front, Snyder consistently disrupts the middle, shedding blockers and closing running lanes with authority. His ability to win one-on-one matchups and create penetration has led to 61 tackles and 26.5 tackles for loss this season, making him a disruptive presence on every down. Snyder's physicality and awareness have been central to Nitro's defensive success up front.     2026 Nitro QB [player_tooltip player_id='894669' first='Eian' last='Duffy'] has firmly stepped into the spotlight following the graduation of record-setting QB Josh Moody. Duffy has been the engine of the Wildcats' spread offense, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 38 touchdowns this season while distributing the ball to a talented receiving corps. His ability to read defenses and make plays under pressure has allowed multiple targets to flourish, giving Nitro a balanced and explosive attack. With continued growth, Duffy should be generating attention from programs at various levels, and his performance in the postseason could further elevate his prospects.     Heading into the semifinals against Chapmanville, Nitro will rely on the presence of 2026 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1723705' first='Cohen' last='Lusher'], a 5'11", 215-pound force on the edge. While game film from this season hasn't been available to break down his play, Lusher's production speaks for itself. Credited with 99 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks, he's clearly a disruptive force in the backfield. His combination of quickness and tenacity allows him to impact both the run and pass, and his presence on the defensive line will be a key factor as Nitro looks to match up with Chapmanville's dynamic offense in the postseason.     2026 Nitro DB [player_tooltip player_id='1316655' first='David' last='Hill'] has been trending upward with each big matchup, and the upcoming showdown against undefeated Chapmanville will be his stiffest challenge yet. Over the course of the season, Hill has shown notable growth, flashing crisp man-coverage technique while also displaying sharper short-area explosiveness when making contact. As his instincts and confidence continue to develop, Hill projects as a versatile safety capable of impacting all three downs, whether against the run or pass.     Nitro LB [player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price'] has emerged as a key force and depth piece in the linebacker corps, continuing to showcase why he's among the top prospects in the 2027 class. As a junior, Price has combined size, strength, and instincts to make plays all over the field, already racking up 49 tackles and 7 for loss. His ability to read offenses and make impact plays against both the run and pass makes him a central piece of Nitro's defensive scheme, and he's positioned to further elevate his game in the postseason.     Nitro's [player_tooltip player_id='1316655' first='David' last='Hill'] has been a standout in the secondary as the Wildcats head into the playoffs, continuing to show why he's one of the top cornerbacks in the 2027 class. Hill has consistently locked down receivers in one-on-one matchups, displaying advanced technique and a keen understanding of assignments. His ability to handle press coverage and stay disciplined in coverage makes him a reliable shutdown presence, and his playoff performances could further cement his reputation as one of the premier coverage corners in his class.     Nitro's [player_tooltip player_id='1260138' first='Steven' last='Kinney'] is emerging as one of the top OL/DL prospects in the 2028 class as the Wildcats enter the semifinals. While he made an impression as a freshman offensive lineman in 2024, Kinney's size, strength, and athleticism project even better on the defensive front. Kinney's combination of power and quickness makes him a player to watch closely as Nitro relies on him up front in key playoff matchups.     2028 Nitro ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] has been a key weapon for Nitro in the playoffs, contributing as a running back, receiver, and returner with 1,500 all-purpose yards so far this season. Porter has taken on more snaps out of the backfield, showing his ability to make plays anywhere on the field. His explosiveness and vision make him a constant threat, whether carrying the ball, catching passes, or taking it to the house on special teams. When Porter touches the ball, big plays often follow, making him a central figure in Nitro's postseason push.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHAPMANVILLE PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    2026 Chapmanville LB/ RB [player_tooltip player_id='1139377' first='Preston' last='Kovach'] has been a force for the Tigers as they enter the playoffs, excelling on both offense and defense. As the team's lead running back, he's bulldozed his way to 1,200 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, wearing down opponents with a physical, downhill running style that's hard to stop late in games. On the defensive side, Kovach has continued to be a key presence at linebacker, racking up 17 tackles while controlling the middle of the field and making plays around the ball. His versatility and production make him a standout D2 prospect with his stock climbing as the postseason unfolds.     [player_tooltip player_id='1137047' first='Benji' last='Adkins'] is starting to draw the attention he's long deserved as Chapmanville makes its playoff push. After earning an offer from Charleston this summer, he's a high-upside athlete with plenty of room to grow. Projected as a tight end at the next level, Adkins combines length and athleticism, enhanced by his basketball background, to create mismatches for defenses, especially in the run game as a blocker. He's versatile enough to line up in multiple spots on offense and also contributes as a defensive tackle, giving the Tigers a weapon on both sides of the ball during the postseason.     2026 Chapmanville WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1238236' first='Trey' last='Ward'] has emerged as a dynamic playmaker for Chapmanville this season. After three strong seasons at Man, he brings elite speed, highlighted by a state championship in the 100-meter dash, to complement his versatility on the field. Ward has been a key contributor on both sides of the ball this season, catching 45 passes for 955 yards and 15 touchdowns while also recording seven interceptions on defense. As one of the more under-the-radar 2026 prospects in the state, he has the athleticism and playmaking ability to make a major impact and draw serious attention from colleges during the postseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='1137688' first='Austin' last='Adkins'] has been a steady force in Chapmanville's passing attack as the Tigers make their playoff run. Returning as a key target, he's compiled 39 receptions for 550 yards and three touchdowns this season while also contributing four interceptions on defense. Adkins is a quick, elusive playmaker out of the slot who can impact the game in multiple ways, whether on screens, quick throws, or stretching the field vertically. His ability to move the chains and create scoring opportunities makes him a critical weapon for the Tigers, especially in high-pressure postseason situations.     [player_tooltip player_id='1605770' first='Dawson' last='Adkins'] has quietly put together a strong senior season for Chapmanville, proving himself a versatile and impactful player as the Tigers enter the playoffs. While he's listed at 5'10”, 210 pounds, undersized for a traditional college offensive lineman, he has the strength, leverage, and tenacity to excel at the Sprint level. His quickness and physicality also make him a potential candidate to transition to EDGE on defense at the D3 level. Adkins consistently wins battles at the line of scrimmage, and his ability to use technique and power effectively makes him a player worth watching as postseason matchups continue.     [player_tooltip player_id='1268282' first='Jeremy' last='Collins'] has emerged as one of Chapmanville's most dynamic playmakers as the Tigers advance into the playoffs. With 869 all-purpose yards and 8 touchdowns this season, he's shown the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Collins can line up at nearly any skill position on offense or defense, but his quickness and elusiveness as a slot receiver and scatback have made him especially dangerous. Paired with [player_tooltip player_id='1139377' first='Preston' last='Kovach'] in the backfield, Collins provides the speed and agility to keep defenses off balance, and his versatility gives him a strong chance to make an immediate impact at the next level.     2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1184532' first='Jaxon' last='Topping'] has become a key contributor for Chapmanville as the Tigers enter the playoffs, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. As a two-way starter since his sophomore year, he's proven himself as a force on defense while also anchoring the line at center and guard on offense. Topping's frame and athleticism give him the potential to develop into a standout prospect at either position, with the ability to reach the second level and create space in the run game. Though early varsity film is limited, he's one to watch as he continues to grow into a college-level talent.     [player_tooltip player_id='1315124' first='Dakota' last='Dalton'] has emerged as a dynamic quarterback for Chapmanville during the playoffs, taking command of the offense as the Tigers' quarterback. As a sophomore, he has already thrown for 2,200 yards and 26 touchdowns with just four interceptions while adding nearly 300 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. Dalton's combination of size, arm talent, and athleticism makes him a threat both through the air and on the ground. His dual-sport background and natural athleticism only enhance his upside, making him a player to watch for major college programs.     2028 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1311031' first='David' last='Browning'] has been a force for Chapmanville in the playoffs, anchoring the line on both sides of the ball in their opening-round win over Greenbrier East. As a talented two-way player, he's already considered one of the top defensive linemen in the 2028 class, but his potential on offense is equally promising. Browning consistently makes game-changing plays, whether protecting the quarterback or disrupting opposing offenses, and his impact has been felt throughout the season. He's quickly emerging as one of the key building blocks for the Tigers' playoff run.

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