2025 2A State Championship: Frankfort vs Bluefield

<!-- 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 AA State Championship game preview!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 FRANKFORT vs #2 BLUEFIELD</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066504"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6931c85968a26"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW FRANKFORT GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankfort will return to the Class AA championship game after a steady, workmanlike semifinal win over Doddridge County, powering through snowy conditions to secure a 28-7 victory. The Falcons, now 13-0, extended their state-long winning streak to 27 games despite relying on several new starters this season. Doddridge struck once in the second quarter to make it a one-score game at halftime, but Frankfort's defense otherwise controlled the night and held the Bulldogs to their lowest point total in nearly two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons broke open a scoreless game in the second quarter with two quick touchdowns — a long scoring strike from [player_tooltip player_id='1234073' first='Blake' last='Jacobs'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1154895' first='Braydn' last='Tyler'], followed by a short rushing score set up by Tyler's big punt return. Frankfort created even more separation immediately after halftime when Tyler scooped up a fumble and ran it back 27 yards, doubling the lead and effectively taking control of the matchup. Doddridge lost starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='867726' first='Brysen' last='Dixon'] to injury on that same play, limiting any chance of a comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankfort iced the game with a late touchdown run from Cole Shanholtz and finished with a dominant 327–73 advantage on the ground. With another strong defensive performance and a knack for creating momentum-swinging plays, the Falcons now move on to Charleston, seeking back-to-back state titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW BLUEFIELD GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066662"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6931c85968aa0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bluefield exploded out of the gate in its Class AA semifinal, turning Philip Barbour's first three turnovers into immediate touchdowns to take full control early. [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] cashed in on two of those giveaways with scores in the first quarter, and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'] added a long strike to [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'] as the Beavers built a commanding first-quarter lead. By night's end, Bluefield had stacked up big plays across the board and firmly positioned itself for a trip to the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Beavers continued piling on in the second and third quarters with a balanced mix of explosive passing plays, steady rushing touchdowns, and even a kickoff return to keep the scoreboard moving. [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'] hauled in two touchdown receptions, and several others contributed to a total of eight Bluefield touchdowns, showcasing the depth of their offense. [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] capped a standout night with his third touchdown, helping the Beavers maintain a comfortable cushion from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philip Barbour struggled to stay competitive early but found some momentum behind workhorse back [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'], who rushed for 129 yards and scored the Colts' only first-half touchdown. Special teams provided their biggest spark after halftime, producing long kick-return touchdowns from [player_tooltip player_id='1692921' first='Malachi' last='Poling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='894893' first='Patrick' last='Webster'], plus a long catch-and-run by Poling. Despite those big individual moments, PB couldn't offset the early mistakes or Bluefield's firepower, falling 56–27 as the Beavers advanced to face Frankfort for the Class AA title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction: Frankfort 35</strong> Bluefield 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRANKFORT – SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='1154895' first='Braydn' last='Tyler'] — WR/DB/Return Specialist (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic two-way playmaker who changes games in all three phases. Has shown he can flip momentum instantly, whether through explosive punt returns, takeaway production, or defensive scores. Fluid athlete with great instincts for jumping, passing lanes, and finding open space after the catch. A true spark-plug who can swing an entire semifinal with one touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='1234073' first='Blake' last='Jacobs'] — QB/ATH (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steady field general who operates the Falcons' balanced offense with confidence. Capable of hitting deep shots when defenses crowd the box, evidenced by long scoring passes that break open tightly contested games. Tough, mobile runner as well, dangerous on quick red-zone keepers. Smart at managing tempo and maximizing short fields created by the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. [player_tooltip player_id='1580708' first='Carder' last='Shanholtz'] — RB (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physical, downhill runner who thrives late in games. Finishes runs with power and consistently falls forward, making him a reliable closer for Frankfort's run-heavy approach. Provides the tough yards that wear down opposing fronts, and has shown timely scoring ability to put games out of reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Frankfort Defensive Front </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most disciplined and resilient groups in AA, led by junior [player_tooltip player_id='1616382' first='Anthony' last='Smith'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1624408' first='Knox' last='Kimble']. Controls gaps, swarms to the ball, and rarely allows explosive plays. Held Doddridge to its lowest output of the season and has repeatedly taken over games by shutting down opponents' ground attacks. High IQ unit, recognizes screens, misdirection, and RPO concepts well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Frankfort Linebacking Corps </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably, the engine of the defense. Reads keys quickly and attacks downhill with purpose. Extremely strong against power and counter looks. Plays with a playoff-level edge—big on physicality, sure tackling, and limiting second-chance yardage. Their range helped produce another postseason defensive masterpiece.</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>BLUEFIELD — SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'] — QB (So.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Confident young passer with the arm talent to attack deep windows. Trusts his playmakers and distributes the ball quickly when Bluefield uses tempo. His chemistry with [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'] is a cornerstone of the passing game. Makes decisive reads and punishes turnovers or short-field opportunities with immediate scoring strikes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='1311053' first='Paxtyn' last='Calhoun'] — WR (So.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true vertical threat and matchup problem on the perimeter. Wins with speed, body control, and well-timed routes that help him separate quickly. Excellent at high-pointing the ball and turning intermediate catches into chunk plays. A go-to weapon for stretching the field and exploiting defenses that overcommit to the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] — RB (So.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive young playmaker who repeatedly flips games with versatility and big-play burst. Cuts sharply, accelerates instantly, and finishes runs with authority. Has scored in multiple ways, inside runs, perimeter touches, and red-zone opportunities. Thrives when defenses lose discipline. One of the most dangerous underclassmen in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'] — WR/DB (So.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones has emerged as one of the top sophomore defensive backs in the state this season with 6 interceptions to his name. Lockdown defender with fearless coverage ability as a young player. He can flip the momentum of a game on any single play with a turnover. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Bluefield Special Teams Unit </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most dangerous special teams groups in the playoffs. Produces field-flipping returns and has scored multiple times, including long kickoff returns that bury opponents early. Plays with fearless aggressiveness, strong lane discipline, and big-play capability, turning routine kicks into scoring opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->