AAAA Semifinals Showdown: Morgantown vs Jefferson

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">#1 MORGANTOWN vs #4 JEFFERSON</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW MORGANTOWN GOT HERE:</h3>    Morgantown survived a dramatic postseason scare, rallying in the final minute of regulation to tie Spring Mills before pulling out a 34–33 double-overtime win. After trailing late and struggling to move the ball in the second half, the Mohigans finally broke through when [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'] led a clutch drive capped by a touchdown pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1566055' first='Isaiah' last='Thompson'] and a two-point conversion to [player_tooltip player_id='1605281' first='Jayden' last='Smalls'] with 52 seconds left. In overtime, Morgantown answered every Spring Mills score, including a 15-yard touchdown strike to [player_tooltip player_id='1686033' first='Carter' last='Cooper'] and a gritty 6-yard rushing score from Twigg in the second OT to take a seven-point lead.   Spring Mills pushed the top seed to the brink with one of its best offensive performances of the season, finishing with 345 yards while quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='894975' first='Rylan' last='Swartz'] delivered three touchdown passes and added 59 rushing yards. The Cardinals had multiple chances to secure a two-score lead in the fourth quarter but came up just short, including a missed field goal and a turnover on downs in Morgantown territory. After scoring in the second overtime to pull within one, Spring Mills saw its season end when Morgantown blocked the potential game-tying PAT, sealing a finish that swung from heartbreak on one sideline to jubilation on the other.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW JEFFERSON GOT HERE</h3>    Jefferson secured the biggest milestone in program history with a 28–21 quarterfinal win over George Washington, earning its first-ever semifinal appearance after four straight seasons ending in the round of eight. After falling behind 7–0, the Cougars responded with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns, a fourth-and-10 strike from [player_tooltip player_id='896585' first='Jackson' last='Rockwell'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1605206' first='Tony' last='Allen'] Jr., and a short Rockwell run to cap an 11-play drive, to take a 14–7 lead into halftime. Rockwell continued to power the offense after the break, punching in another goal-line score to extend the advantage before GW answered with a long touchdown pass to stay within striking distance entering the fourth.   Jefferson seized control for good with a 17-play, 99-yard drive punctuated by Rockwell's third rushing touchdown, rebuilding a two-score lead that proved decisive. With starting running back Trevon Ledbetter sidelined early, the Cougars relied on Rockwell and a committee of backs, including [player_tooltip player_id='2064380' first='Andy' last='Roberts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1227636' first='Leeland' last='Benner'], to keep the offense moving. The win marked Jefferson's eighth straight after an 0–4 start, sending the Cougars into the semifinals to face the Morgantown–Spring Mills winner.   <ul class="wp-block-list"></ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MORGANTOWN PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    Morgantown's defensive front continues to be anchored by one of the state's premier linemen in 2026 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1138540' first='Zevon' last='Shipman']. The junior has emerged as a dominant force this postseason, using his blend of power, burst, and athleticism to overwhelm interior blockers. Shipman has consistently wrecked plays at the line of scrimmage, clogging rushing lanes and generating pressure that forces offenses out of rhythm. As the stakes rise, his ability to control the trenches has become one of the Mohigans' biggest advantages, and he's playing at a level that will draw plenty of next-level attention.     Morgantown's 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1686033' first='Carter' last='Cooper'] has continued to prove why he's one of the most valuable two-way players in Class AAAA as the Mohigans push deeper into the postseason. His versatility has been on full display, delivering impact plays at both receiver and defensive back in several high-stakes moments. Cooper looks every bit like a future Division I athlete, building on his Morehead State offer with the kind of production and explosiveness that commands more attention from college programs. Whether stretching defenses vertically or locking down matchups in the secondary, he's become a true difference-maker for a Morgantown team chasing a state title.     2026 Morgantown DB [player_tooltip player_id='1139034' first='Zaiiden' last='Lockett'] has become one of the Mohigans' most valuable defensive chess pieces as they push deeper into the postseason. After spending most of last year working in the box, he's stepped into a more flexible role , rotating between deep safety, slot support, and crashing downhill when Morgantown needs extra physicality against the run. His ability to shift seamlessly between responsibilities has given the defense a reliable presence on the back end, and his range in zone coverage continues to stand out. As the stakes rise, Lockett's blend of toughness, instincts, and athleticism makes him a key asset for a unit that leans heavily on his versatility.     Morgantown's offensive front has continued to be a major strength deep into the postseason, and 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1238323' first='Blake' last='Buffington'] has remained one of the anchors of that group. After emerging as a major riser over the summer, Buffington has carried that momentum into the playoff push, showing why he's become one of the most reliable linemen in Class AAAA. His athleticism has stood out in both phases, sliding efficiently in pass protection while also creating lanes at the second level in the run game. As the Mohigans chase a championship, Buffington's combination of technique, mobility, and physical finishing has made him a critical piece of a unit that continues to win games in the trenches.     [player_tooltip player_id='1113235' first='Keltin' last='Blunt'] has been a key presence for the Mohigans in the playoffs, showcasing his versatility as a safety who can also play near the box when needed. His length, athleticism, and physicality make him a matchup problem in the passing game, and he has already seen increased touches on offense as a senior. Blunt's combination of range in the secondary and toughness near the line of scrimmage gives Morgantown flexibility, and his playmaking ability has drawn attention as a potential D2 prospect moving forward.     Morgantown's 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='894627' first='Brayden' last='Parks'] has been a standout in the playoffs, showing continued growth and maturity as a right tackle. Having steadily developed over the past two seasons, Parks is now more comfortable in his body and has translated his natural size into consistent performance on the field. He has handled pass protection with poise and shown the agility to pull effectively in the Mohigans' system. While there's still room for growth, Parks' combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him a strong D2 prospect and someone who could draw FCS attention during his senior postseason run.     [player_tooltip player_id='1605281' first='Jayden' last='Smalls'] is a key playmaker for Morgantown, making an impact on both offense and defense. He has been dynamic as a receiver, creating big plays downfield, while also showcasing the athleticism and instincts that make him a strong defensive back at the next level. Smalls' versatility and explosiveness have given college programs another position to evaluate, and his playoff performances are likely to generate serious D2 interest heading into signing day.     A new prospect to add to your recruiting boards for Morgantown as part of their talented offensive front is 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2064369' first='Drew' last='Stahara']. He's helped alleviate some of the pain of losing standout 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1111466' first='Konnor' last='Mott'] to injury for the season after the first game, and Stahara has talent in his own right. He has a good 6'3 245 frame that can further be developed at the next level, and is producing film this season that shows he can play in college as well. Stahara is a rugged run blocker with the quickness to be an effective pulling guard and the footwork to pass protect efficiently.     2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1324981' first='Rhys' last='Wells'] has stepped up in the playoffs, making key contributions on the defensive sides of the ball for the Mohigans. While Morgantown boasts several high-profile players, Wells continues to make his presence felt with his toughness and grit, traits that translate well at the next level. Though not the biggest linebacker on the field, he consistently attacks the ball with speed and intensity, proving to be a dependable playmaker when it matters most in these high-stakes games.     2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1326483' first='Chase' last='Travis'] has been a steady force for Morgantown in the playoffs, anchoring the defensive line with his relentless motor and physical play. At 5'11", 230 pounds, he consistently holds his own against larger offensive linemen while maintaining full effort on every snap. Travis excels at shedding blocks and tracking the ball, and his energy and tenacity have been key in keeping the Mohigans' defensive front disruptive in the postseason.     Morgantown QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'] continues to play at a high level heading into the semifinals. As a dual-threat quarterback with P4 athleticism, Twigg has been the engine behind the Mohigans' offense and a key reason they secured the #1 seed and a home game in the semifinals for the first time since 2055. His sophomore campaign has already been remarkable, and if Morgantown hopes to make a deep playoff run, Twigg will need to maintain his explosive playmaking and high-level performance in each postseason matchup.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">JEFFERSON PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    Jefferson is leaning on one of the most explosive players in the state during the playoffs in 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605206' first='Tony' last='Allen']. Known for his blazing speed, Allen remains a constant threat to score whenever he touches the ball, and few defenders can match him in open space. He has been effective both on deep routes and on shorter passes, turning screens and quick throws into big gains. His dynamic playmaking ability has been on full display in the postseason, and D1 programs will be watching closely as he continues to make an impact.     2026 Jefferson LB [player_tooltip player_id='894673' first='Takiem' last='Drake'] has stepped up in the playoffs as one of the Cougars' most versatile playmakers. This season, he's seen snaps at running back on offense while anchoring the middle linebacker spot on defense, a move from his previous outside role. Drake has adapted quickly to the new position, showing the speed, strength, and instincts that made him a standout pass rusher as a junior. His combination of athleticism and physicality has been crucial in key playoff moments, and he remains a strong D2 prospect with plenty of upside for the next level.     2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='896585' first='Jackson' last='Rockwell'] has continued to be a key impact player for Jefferson in the playoffs and has come on strong at quarterback in the second half of the season. As a two-way contributor, he has made plays both at receiver and in the secondary, showing a knack for being in the right spot at the right time. Rockwell's natural athleticism and football IQ allow him to create separation, make plays with the ball in his hands, and disrupt opposing offenses. His postseason performances are likely to draw attention from D2 programs looking for a versatile playmaker.     2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1652519' first='Tre'Von' last='Ledbetter'] has been a standout contributor for Jefferson during the playoffs, showing his impact on both sides of the ball. Lining up at OLB on defense, he has been effective in both man and zone coverage, especially when matched against slot receivers, while also making plays as a ball carrier on offense. Ledbetter's athleticism and versatility have allowed him to influence key moments this season on both sides of the ball for the Cougars.     2026 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1227638' first='Kip' last='Waldeck'] has been a key presence for Jefferson in the playoffs, anchoring the defensive line with strength and consistent effort. While his size may limit his potential on the offensive line at the next level, his power, athleticism, and technique have made him a disruptive force in the trenches. Waldeck's performance in these high-pressure games highlights his upside as a potential D2 starter on the defensive front, and he's shown the ability to impact both the run and pass rush in critical moments.     2026 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1227636' first='Leeland' last='Benner'] has emerged as a key contributor for Jefferson in the playoffs, continuing to make plays off the edge for the Cougars. Primarily lining up as a traditional defensive end, Benner has showcased quickness, strong hand usage, and the ability to bend around blockers to create pressure. His low pad level and consistent technique have helped him disrupt both the run and passing game in critical postseason situations, and he projects as a stand-up EDGE rusher or OLB.     2027 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862698' first='Braylon' last='Holmes'] is beginning to see significant action for Jefferson in the playoffs as he works his way back from an offseason injury. While he hasn't yet fully displayed his full potential this season, Holmes has shown glimpses of the talent at multiple positions. Gaining experience in these postseason games should help him grow, and when given expanded opportunities, he has the tools to make a significant impact for the Cougars moving forward at a variety of spots.     2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='894658' first='Noah' last='Hockman'] has been a key part of Jefferson's offensive front this season and in the playoffs, continuing to show growth both physically and technically. Over the past two seasons, he has steadily improved, and these postseason games are giving him the chance to showcase his developing skill set. Hockman still has room to reach his full potential, but his size, technique, and work ethic make him a prospect to watch as he progresses toward becoming one of the top offensive linemen in his class.     2028 Jefferson RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='2064380' first='Andy' last='Roberts'] has had a breakout sophomore campaign for the Cougars and has been one of the better performers in the playoffs so far. He's excelled all season at linebacker, earning First Team All-EPAC, but Roberts emerged at running back in the quarterfinals against George Washington out of necessity and had a phenomanl performance. The Cougars will likely heavily lean on him in the semifinals in a big matchup with Morgantown, and look for Roberts to place highly in our upcoming 2028 rankings update.

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