2025 1A State Championship: Wheeling Central vs Clay-Battelle

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8 teams have advanced to the state championship and will play for a title this weekend at Laidley Field in Charleston. Here is our 2025 Class A State Championship game preview!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 WHEELING CENTRAL vs #4 CLAY-BATTELLE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Time: Friday, Dec. 5, 7:00 PM ET - Laidley Field, Charleston, WV</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW WHEELING CENTRAL GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066505"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930e2be18d62"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeling Central had to battle through nearly three quarters of resistance from Pendleton County before taking control of the Class A semifinal. After the Wildcats closed the gap to a single point early in the second half, Central blocked the ensuing extra-point attempt and used that momentum to completely swing the game. From there, the Maroon Knights powered ahead with a punishing rushing attack and ultimately scored 22 straight points to put the game out of reach, winning 43–20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pendleton stayed competitive early thanks to big passing plays from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='951269' first='Colton' last='Roberson'] and strong production from brothers Travis and [player_tooltip player_id='1137709' first='Chase' last='Owens'], trimming the deficit to 21–14 at the half and striking again to pull within 21–20 in the third quarter. But once Central answered with a long, run-heavy touchdown drive and converted the following two-point attempt, the Wildcats began to lose ground. Costly penalties, stalled possessions, and difficulty slowing Central's physical ground game opened the door for the top seed to take full command.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1580716' first='Kade' last='Koroneos'] was the driving force behind Central's surge, piling up 266 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, including a 79-yard breakaway score that sealed the win. Central also created key takeaways, including interceptions in the first half and a fourth-down sack late in the game. With 320 rushing yards overall and several timely defensive plays, the Maroon Knights advanced to the Class A championship, where they will meet the winner of Clay-Battelle vs. Cameron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW CLAY-BATTELLE GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066661"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930e2be18dd7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay-Battelle enters championship weekend riding a 12-game winning streak and making its first-ever appearance in the Class A state final. After dropping their opener to Cameron, the Cee-Bees steadily built momentum throughout the season and capped it off by avenging that loss with a 24-12 semifinal win. Close regular-season victories over Sherman and Oak Glen proved pivotal to securing the No. 3 seed and helped solidify Clay-Battelle as a legitimate title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cee-Bees are powered by junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1881425' first='Corey' last='Coen'], who has produced 37 total touchdowns and emerged as one of the most productive dual threats in Class A. Senior playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1137698' first='Braden' last='Ponceroff'] has been just as essential, leading the team in both receiving scores and interceptions while providing steady leadership in high-leverage moments. Clay-Battelle's rise coincides with the second year of head coach and alum Aaron LaPoe, who has guided the program through a breakout season and restored strong community pride around the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their opponent, top-seeded Wheeling Central Catholic, returns to the championship stage for the first time since 2019 after pulling away from Pendleton County with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. The Maroon Knights navigated a demanding regular-season schedule and have leaned heavily on senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1580716' first='Kade' last='Koroneos'], who has amassed 1,760 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1157631' first='Nico' last='Kusic'] has added 20 more scores to balance an offense that complements a disciplined defense. With championships already won in boys basketball and baseball this year, Central now aims to complete a rare calendar-year triple crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction: Wheeling Central 48</strong> Clay-Battelle 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHEELING CENTRAL — SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">RB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1580716' first='Kade' last='Koroneos'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central's most important offensive player, Koroneos, impacts every phase of the game with elite production. With over 1,700 yards and 30 touchdowns, he's a downhill runner with burst and enough long speed to break chunk plays—highlighted by several postseason explosive runs. His versatility as a receiver adds formational flexibility, and his workload tends to increase in big games, where he thrives as a physical finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">QB [player_tooltip player_id='1157631' first='Nico' last='Kusic'] (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second-year starter manages the offense with confidence and efficiency. Kusic has totaled 20 touchdowns while keeping Central balanced between run and pass. He distributes well on quick-game concepts and hits play-action opportunities when defenses overcommit to stopping Koroneos. His composure stands out; he rarely forces mistakes and understands the game plan's rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">LB/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1304656' first='Dustin' last='Sanner'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Central's most impactful defenders and now healthy again, Sanner generates pressure off the edge and consistently wins with burst and motor. His ability to get home in crucial moments, such as drive-ending sacks, shifts momentum. As a run defender, he sets strong edges and forces runners back inside. He's a tone-setter for a defense that thrives on big stops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1473308' first='Max' last='Olejasz'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A multi-sport standout who brings size and athleticism to the secondary and receiving corps. Olejasz provides matchup problems for smaller defensive backs and has reliable hands on contested balls. Defensively, his basketball footwork shows up in how fluidly he moves in space. He's particularly valuable in red-zone situations for both units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1155194' first='Dominic' last='Paesani'] (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paesani is a key piece in Central's trench dominance, helping pave the way for the rushing attack while anchoring the defensive front. His leverage, hand placement, and strength allow him to control gaps and give Koroneos clean run lanes. On defense, he's disruptive against the run and rarely gives up ground, which is important for Central's bend-but-don't-break structure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CLAY-BATTELLE — SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1881425' first='Corey' last='Coen'] (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay-Battelle's breakout playmaker has evolved into one of Class A's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. His 37 total touchdowns show how heavily the offense leans on him, and he's dangerous both inside structure and when improvising. Coen's ability to extend plays, find targets late in routes, and slip through traffic as a runner gives the Cee-Bees a postseason weapon that stresses defenses horizontally and vertically. Despite modest size, he plays with poise and toughness, thriving in tight-window throws and high-leverage downs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1137698' first='Braden' last='Ponceroff'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior is the team's most complete perimeter weapon, leading Clay-Battelle in receiving touchdowns and serving as a turnover machine on defense. Strong ball skills, highlighted by difficult, contested grabs—make him a security blanket for Coen in big moments. On defense, his seven interceptions reflect high-level anticipation and closing speed. His leadership and competitive edge show up late in games, where he consistently makes momentum-swinging plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">RB [player_tooltip player_id='1624352' first='Caleb' last='Hall'] (So.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young back with elite track-style acceleration, Hall continues to develop into a dependable change-of-pace option behind Coen's dual-threat presence. As a scatback, he wins with burst, quick feet, and the ability to slip through small creases. His role has expanded since a promising freshman season, giving Clay-Battelle a speed element that forces defenses to respect the perimeter run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR/DB Cody Clovis (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clovis has emerged as a versatile piece in Clay-Battelle's lineup after moving in from New Mexico. On offense, he's a reliable target who helps move chains with big play ability at receiver. His value increases in matchup-heavy playoff games, where the Cee-Bees lean on his flexibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1138224' first='Kooper' last='Statler'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statler anchors the trenches with the physicality needed to win postseason games. Offensively, he clears lanes that allow Coen and Hall to function at a high level, especially in late-game situations where Clay-Battelle leans on the run. Defensively, he's a power-based lineman who disrupts early in downs and helps occupy blockers to free up linebackers. His senior presence stabilizes both lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->