West Virginia Playoffs Preview: Class AA

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The 2025 West Virginia high school football regular season has come to an end, and schools have learned their playoff fate. 64 teams will be moving on to the postseason across four classes with one goal on their mind: make it to Charleston. Here is our playoffs preview for Class AA.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CLASS AA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE</h2>   #16 Williamstown (5-5) at #1 Frankfort (10-0) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #15 Oak Glen (7-3) at #2 Bluefield (8-2) – Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.   #14 South Harrison (6-4) at #3 Philip Barbour (8-2) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #13 Lincoln (4-6) at #4 Independence (9-1) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #12 Logan (8-2) at #5 Doddridge County (10-0) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #11 Clay County (7-3) at #6 Roane County (9-1) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #10 Petersburg (7-3) at #7 Midland Trail (9-1) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   #9 James Monroe (7-3) at #8 Mingo Central (8-2) – Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MATCHUP PREDICTIONS</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#16 Williamstown (5-5) at #1 Frankfort</h3>   The Frankfort Falcons begin their quest for a repeat title as the defending Class AA state champions and heavy favorites in their first-round playoff matchup against the Williamstown Yellowjackets. Frankfort has been dominant once again this season, combining a bruising rushing attack with a disciplined, hard-hitting defense that sets the tone early and rarely lets opponents find rhythm. The Falcons' experience, depth, and championship composure make them one of the most dangerous teams in the class, and they'll look to open the postseason with a statement win on their home field as they aim to defend their crown.   Williamstown enters the matchup with a tough task but plenty of pride and determination as a perennial power in a rebuilding year with a young team for their own standards. The Yellowjackets will need to find creative ways to move the ball against Frankfort's stifling defense. Limiting turnovers and capitalizing on field position will be key if they hope to keep things close. While the Falcons are expected to advance comfortably, Williamstown will look to bring energy and grit to the matchup, hoping to challenge the defending champs and make their mark in the Class AA postseason.   Score Prediction: Frankfort 48 Williamstown 20   Players to Watch:   Frankfort - QB [player_tooltip player_id='1234073' first='Blake' last='Jacobs'], RB Kaiden McKenzie, RB [player_tooltip player_id='1580708' first='Carder' last='Shanholtz'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='2004059' first='Keiton' last='Nester'], OL [player_tooltip player_id='1616382' first='Anthony' last='Smith'], RB Braydyn Tyler, K Rhett Sensabaugh   Williamstown - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2006002' first='Jackson' last='Kerr'], QB [player_tooltip player_id='1624330' first='Breck' last='Allen'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1115659' first='Carson' last='Haines'], DL Blake Brown, DL [player_tooltip player_id='897609' first='Christian' last='Hoosier'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1971728' first='JP' last='Strobl'], LB Collin Jones, LB Jack Moore, LB Jenner Burge   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#15 Oak Glen (7-3) at #2 Bluefield</h3>   The Bluefield Beavers open the Class AA playoffs against the Oak Glen Golden Bears in a first-round matchup that showcases one of the state's perennial powers against a program turning things around. Bluefield has once again established itself as a championship contender, boasting explosive playmakers on offense, a fast and physical defense, and the big-game experience that has defined the program for years. The Beavers enter the postseason with confidence and momentum, looking to make another deep playoff run and add to their storied tradition of success.   Oak Glen, meanwhile, is one of the best turnaround stories in West Virginia this season. Under the direction of a new head coach, the Golden Bears have rejuvenated their program and battled their way back into playoff contention with improved execution, discipline, and belief. While they face a tough test against a talented Bluefield squad, Oak Glen's growth and resilience make them a team no one can overlook. For the Golden Bears to compete, they'll need to control the tempo, protect the football, and find ways to limit Bluefield's explosive plays. The Beavers are the clear favorite, but Oak Glen's resurgence adds an underdog spark to what could be a compelling opening-round clash.   Score Prediction: Bluefield 42 Oak Glen 14   Players to Watch:   Bluefield - QB [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'], WR Paxtyn Calhoun, WR [player_tooltip player_id='1616354' first='Jamarius' last='Smith'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1677416' first='Chadney' last='Stanback'], DB [player_tooltip player_id='1866730' first='Tylee' last='Simon'], OL [player_tooltip player_id='1625644' first='Ethan' last='Thompson'], DL Jaymere Harris, DB Jaleel Jones, RB [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'], WR Damauria Smith   Oak Glen - RB [player_tooltip player_id='1137700' first='Logan' last='Murray'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='1580725' first='Kameron' last='Hebrock'], OL [player_tooltip player_id='1692920' first='Noah' last='Schmidt'], QB [player_tooltip player_id='892650' first='Maddox' last='Bowen'], LB Josh Maher, LB [player_tooltip player_id='1616395' first='Christian' last='Chappell'], RB Jacob Everett   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#14 South Harrison (6-4) at #3 Philip Barbour</h3>   The Philip Barbour Colts enter the Class AA playoffs as the #3 seed in their first-round matchup against the South Harrison Hawks, looking to build on one of the program's most successful seasons in recent memory. The Colts have impressed on both sides of the ball this year, showcasing a balanced offense capable of striking through the air and on the ground, backed by a physical, opportunistic defense that's helped them secure key wins down the stretch. With confidence and chemistry at an all-time high, Philip Barbour will aim to carry that momentum into the postseason and make a statement as a legitimate contender.   South Harrison, meanwhile, heads into the matchup embracing the underdog role. The Hawks have battled through a challenging schedule and shown flashes of strong defensive play and determination, traits that could serve them well in a playoff setting. To pull off the upset, South Harrison will need to control the pace of the game, limit turnovers, and keep Philip Barbour's offense off the field. The Colts may be the clear favorite, but playoff football often brings surprises—and the Hawks will look to make this one more competitive than expected.   Score Prediction: Philip Barbour 38 South Harrison 14   Players to Watch:   Philip Barbour - RB Landyn Carpenter, ATH [player_tooltip player_id='928036' first='Cameron' last='Bennett'], ATH [player_tooltip player_id='894893' first='Patrick' last='Webster'], QB [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1692921' first='Malachi' last='Poling'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1580728' first='Tyler' last='Vance'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='1592209' first='Aidan' last='Phillips'], OL [player_tooltip player_id='1138206' first='Malachi' last='Cross'], DL Owen Johnson, TE Sean Dent, K [player_tooltip player_id='1719305' first='Ayden' last='Thorne']   South Harrison - RB [player_tooltip player_id='1326506' first='Zane' last='Harlow'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='862715' first='Shepard' last='Paugh'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1326507' first='Xavier' last='Tustin'], QB Madden Maxwell, WR Collin Seguin, DL Charles Langford, DB Landon Ross   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#13 Lincoln (4-6) at #4 Independence (9-1)</h3>   The Independence Patriots enter the Class AA playoffs against the Lincoln Cougars, looking to make another deep postseason run after establishing themselves as one of the state's most consistent programs in recent years. Independence has been dominant on both sides of the ball, powered by a high-scoring offense and a defense that thrives on physicality and forcing turnovers. The Patriots' playoff experience and ability to control the line of scrimmage make them one of the toughest teams to face in November, and they'll aim to set the tone early on their home field.   The Lincoln Cougars, meanwhile, will be looking to embrace the underdog mentality and play spoiler. Despite facing long odds, the Cougars have shown resilience throughout the season, with an explosive passing offense. To hang with the Patriots, Lincoln will need to win the battle of field position, capitalize on any mistakes, and slow down Independence's explosive playmakers. While Independence is expected to advance comfortably, the Cougars will look to make the most of their playoff opportunity and test one of Class AA's true powerhouses.   Score Prediction: Independence 56 Lincoln 14   Players to Watch:   Independence - QB [player_tooltip player_id='1221843' first='Brock' last='Green'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1136973' first='Sylas' last='Nelson'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137685' first='Christian' last='Linksweiler'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1690836' first='KJ' last='Viars'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139374' first='Landon' last='Riddle'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='862720' first='Isaiah' last='Conley'], DB [player_tooltip player_id='1605641' first='Cole' last='Laxton'], DB [player_tooltip player_id='1692902' first='Kaden' last='Bradbury'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139380' first='Landon' last='Phalin'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='894671' first='Aaron' last='Blankenship'], K [player_tooltip player_id='865341' first='Micah' last='Cuthbert'], LB Talen Adkins, OL [player_tooltip player_id='1696014' first='Levi' last='Phalin']   Lincoln - QB [player_tooltip player_id='1234064' first='AJ' last='Bart'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1616384' first='Connor' last='Rice'], WR Colton Edwards, WR Jacob Bart, WR Cade Riley, LB Cade Mooney, LB [player_tooltip player_id='1605646' first='Trenton' last='Hardesty']   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#12 Logan (8-2) at #5 Doddridge County (10-0)</h3>   The Doddridge County Bulldogs and Logan Wildcats square off in one of the more intriguing contests of the Class AA first round, with both teams looking to make a strong postseason statement. Doddridge County brings its trademark toughness and discipline into the playoffs, powered by a physical ground game and a defense that thrives on hustle and execution. The Bulldogs' playoff experience and steady coaching make them a difficult opponent, especially in tight, hard-nosed games where every possession matters.   For Logan, this marks the program's first playoff appearance since 2022, and there's a sense of excitement and renewed energy surrounding the team. The Wildcats have fought their way into the postseason with a balanced attack and a defense that's improved week by week. Their ability to make big plays in key moments has been a defining trait this season. To advance, Logan will need to match Doddridge County's physicality up front and stay sharp in the turnover battle. With both teams evenly matched and capable on both sides of the ball, this showdown has all the makings of a back-and-forth playoff battle that could come down to the final drive.   Score Prediction: Doddridge County 35 Logan 21   Players to Watch:   Doddridge County - QB [player_tooltip player_id='867726' first='Brysen' last='Dixon'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1591340' first='Lyric' last='Blake'], WR/DL [player_tooltip player_id='866670' first='Landon' last='Thomas'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139398' first='Brycen' last='Eidel'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139394' first='Calob' last='James'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='1354407' first='Samuel' last='James'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137704' first='Jerod' last='Trent'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1354405' first='Brandon' last='Davis'], DL [player_tooltip player_id='1222034' first='Jacob' last='Britton'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1868024' first='Dayne' last='Murphy']   Logan - TE [player_tooltip player_id='1309692' first='Lucas' last='Lambert'], QB [player_tooltip player_id='1136967' first='Adam' last='Baisden'], WR Zo Murphy, ATH Luvante Kenney, WR [player_tooltip player_id='1908694' first='Gage' last='Green'], DL Rob Ball, DB [player_tooltip player_id='891871' first='Caden' last='Justice'], DB Easton Craddock, DB Mason Spence, LB Bentley Williamson, LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139407' first='Braxton' last='Wolford'], ATH Caleb Johnson   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#11 Clay County (7-3) at #6 Roane County (9-1)</h3>   The Roane County Raiders and Clay County Panthers meet again in the Class AA playoffs, renewing their long-standing rivalry with much higher stakes this time around. The Raiders enter the matchup as clear favorites after a dominant 49-14 victory over the Panthers in the regular season, a game that showcased Roane County's explosive offense and stifling defense. The Raiders have been one of the most consistent and physical teams in the state this year, thriving on their ability to control the line of scrimmage and capitalize on big plays. With momentum on their side and confidence from their earlier win, Roane County will look to repeat that performance and advance to the state championship again this year.   The Clay County Panthers, however, will be eager to flip the script. Despite the lopsided result in their last meeting, the Panthers have shown growth and resilience down the stretch, and they know the familiarity of a rivalry game can make anything possible. For Clay County to pull off the upset, they'll need to limit turnovers, find explosive plays, and keep Roane County's offense off the field. While the Raiders are the clear favorite, the intensity of this rivalry adds extra fuel to the matchup, making it a playoff rematch full of emotion, pride, and redemption on the line.   Score Prediction: Roane County 48 Clay County 20   Players to Watch:   Roane County - QB [player_tooltip player_id='894969' first='Jacob' last='Greathouse'], OL [player_tooltip player_id='894970' first='Hogan' last='Greathouse'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1624446' first='Javon' last='Letourneau'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='862714' first='Koltyn' last='Starcher'], ATH Evan Greathouse, DL [player_tooltip player_id='1580707' first='Garrett' last='Brabham'], OL Quinton Cooper, DB Cooper Greathouse, DL Leo Rogers   Clay County - WR [player_tooltip player_id='1466136' first='Jakoby' last='Nichols'], QB Cooper Collins, RB Brody Scarbro, WR [player_tooltip player_id='1580722' first='Joel' last='Elliott'], ATH Kohan Ramsey, OL James Grose, K [player_tooltip player_id='1133948' first='Jaxon' last='Brown'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1155291' first='Blake' last='Coleman'], DB Landon Delwarte, DL Jaden Morris, LB Nick Williams   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Petersburg (7-3) at #7 Midland Trail (9-1)</h3>   The Midland Trail Patriots and Petersburg Vikings square off in an intriguing Class AA first-round playoff matchup, featuring two hard-nosed teams eager to make a statement in the postseason. Midland Trail enters the contest with a strong reputation for toughness and discipline, relying on a balanced offense that mixes power running with timely passing. The Patriots' defense has been a key factor in their success this season, often setting the tone early and wearing down opponents with physical play. With playoff experience and steady leadership, Midland Trail will look to establish control early and keep its momentum rolling.   The Petersburg Vikings come into the postseason confident and battle-tested after navigating a challenging schedule. Known for their gritty style and ability to make big plays in crucial moments, the Vikings have proven they can hang with some of the state's stronger programs. To pull off the win, Petersburg will need to execute efficiently on offense and find ways to contain Midland Trail's ground game. Both teams bring plenty of heart and determination into this matchup, setting the stage for a hard-fought battle where execution and composure could make the difference in who moves on to the next round.   Score Prediction: Midland Trail 35 Petersburg 13   Players to Watch:   Midland Trail - RB Jayden Roop, OL [player_tooltip player_id='894723' first='Gregory' last='Cramer'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605653' first='Jamison' last='Swafford'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1692914' first='Max' last='White'], WR Xaylen Johns, DL Zander Ooten, QB Rayce Dickerson, OL Aiden O'neal   Petersburg - QB Peyton Metheny, RB Lukas Wolford, WR [player_tooltip player_id='1138825' first='Kaleb' last='Kuhn'], WR Evan Tawney, DL [player_tooltip player_id='2005245' first='Alex' last='Halterman'], DL Darrett Dolly, DL Logan Bachman, LB Matthew McDonald, DB Colson Bobo   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#9 James Monroe (7-3) at #8 Mingo Central (8-2)</h3>   The Mingo Central Miners and James Monroe Mavericks meet in what promises to be one of the most competitive matchups of the Class AA first round, with two evenly matched teams set to battle for a spot in the next round. Mingo Central enters the playoffs with a balanced attack, featuring a capable passing game complemented by a physical rushing unit that can wear down defenses. The Miners have shown resilience throughout the season, picking up key wins in close games and proving they can perform under pressure. Playing on their home field in the rugged mountains of southern West Virginia, they'll look to use that edge to gain early momentum.   On the other side, James Monroe brings playoff experience and a strong defensive identity into the matchup. The Mavericks are known for their discipline and ability to control the tempo, often relying on a steady ground game and opportunistic defense to dictate how the game is played. They've been tested against quality opponents all year, which could give them an advantage in a tight postseason setting. With both teams evenly matched in talent, toughness, and execution, this game has all the makings of a classic — one that could come down to the final possession or a key turnover late in the fourth quarter.   Score Prediction: James Monroe 29 Mingo Central 28   Players to Watch:   Mingo Central - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='908000' first='Aidan' last='Burke'], QB [player_tooltip player_id='1687819' first='Jamere' last='Knuckles'], RB Bam Coleman, LB [player_tooltip player_id='907920' first='Taegan' last='Hackney'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='908730' first='Keziah' last='Joplin'], LB [player_tooltip player_id='1580731' first='Jacob' last='Maynard'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1687818' first='Terrindez' last='Bryant'], DL Dylan Mounts, DL Kylar Turner, DB [player_tooltip player_id='1239111' first='Donavon' last='Valdelamar'], DB [player_tooltip player_id='897590' first='Davion' last='Joplin'], LB Noah Newsome   James Monroe - RB/LB Brock Parkers, QB Ryan Mann, ATH Kadyn Hines, DL [player_tooltip player_id='894672' first='Cade' last='Dillon'], WR Bryce Gardinier, WR Jayden Miller, WR Ben Comer

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