2025 3A State Championship: Princeton vs Nitro

<!-- 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 AAA State Championship game preview!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 PRINCETON vs #6 NITRO</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW PRINCETON GOT HERE</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066666"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6931cd4ca86a2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Princeton continued its perfect season by shutting out Spring Valley 27-0 in the Class AAA semifinals, earning a spot in next week's state championship game. The Tigers' dominant defensive performance was especially notable against a Timberwolves offense built on physical, ball-control rushing. It was Princeton's first shutout of the year, delivered on the biggest stage yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Princeton leaned heavily on senior playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1096605' first='Brad' last='Mossor'], who scored three of the team's four touchdowns. He opened the game with a 22-yard run, then broke it open with an 80-yard screen pass for a score before halftime. Mossor later added a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown and even contributed to preserving the shutout by chasing down a long Spring Valley run to prevent a score. [player_tooltip player_id='862731' first='Jake' last='Belcher'] added a short touchdown run before the break, giving the Tigers a 21-0 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Princeton's defense sealed the victory with multiple fourth-down stops inside the red zone, stonewalling Spring Valley's attempts to gain momentum. With the win, the Tigers improved to 13-0 in their first season under their new head coach and now advance to face Nitro in the Class AAA state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW NITRO GOT HERE</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066664"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6931cd4ca8727"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nitro punched its ticket to the Class AAA state championship game for the first time in nearly two decades, taking down previously unbeaten Chapmanville 36–13. The Wildcats improved to 12–1 and will now face #2 Princeton for the title at University of Charleston Stadium. Their victory not only secured a long-awaited return to the championship stage but also energized a community that has rallied behind this team since January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major momentum swing came late in the first half when star receiver and WVU signee [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'] hauled in a 46-yard touchdown in heavy traffic, stretching Nitro's lead to 17–7 at the break. His playmaking ability continued to set the tone, and the Wildcats capitalized on that spark by tightening their defense and leaning on their physicality at the line of scrimmage to keep Chapmanville's offense in check.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nitro controlled the second half behind two touchdown runs from [player_tooltip player_id='1307512' first='Chris' last='Radcliffe'], gradually widening the margin while their defense delivered one of its best performances of the season. By limiting Chapmanville to a season-low 13 points and dominating key stretches after halftime, the Wildcats secured a convincing win and set up a highly anticipated title matchup with undefeated Princeton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction: Princeton 42</strong> Nitro 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PRINCETON - SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='1011963' first='Chance' last='Barker'] - QB (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dual-threat quarterback with solid passing accuracy and the ability to extend plays with his legs. Key facilitator for Princeton's offense, especially in screen passes and quick reads. Comfortable spreading the field and finding [player_tooltip player_id='1096605' first='Brad' last='Mossor'] in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='1096605' first='Brad' last='Mossor'] - WR/ATH (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic playmaker with three touchdowns in the semifinal. Threat both as a receiver and a rusher. Strong after-catch ability, excellent vision, and good pursuit on defense to help preserve shutouts. Capable of explosive plays, including long gains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. [player_tooltip player_id='864598' first='Landyn' last='Moore'] - OL (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physical presence at right tackle on offense. Strong run-blocking technique and ability to open lanes for backs. Good footwork in pass protection to match up with Nitro's talented defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. [player_tooltip player_id='1475994' first='Landon' last='Crane'] - LB (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stout middle linebacker garnering D1 interest. Physical build in the middle of the defense to be effective in run defense. Plays downhill and pursues the ball with tenacity and urgency. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. [player_tooltip player_id='894897' first='Kalum' last='Kiser'] (LB/DB)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive playmaker with instincts for reading plays. Can cover ground quickly, make tackles near the line, and drop into coverage when needed. Key contributor in red-zone stops and overall defensive consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>NITRO - SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'] (WR)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High-level receiver with excellent ball skills, capable of making plays in triple coverage. Deep threat with great hands and the ability to track and secure contested catches. Division I talent with explosive potential after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='866256' first='Xavier' last='Patterson'] (OL/DL)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An anchor on the line with strength in both pass protection and run blocking. On defense, able to penetrate gaps and disrupt opposing backfields. Consistent performer on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. [player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] (RB/WR)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile offensive weapon with good speed and agility. Can contribute both in the run game and as a receiving option out of the backfield. Provides Nitro with mismatch opportunities against defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. [player_tooltip player_id='894666' first='Wyatt' last='Sowards'] (LB/DB)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic linebacker with solid tackling and the ability to read offensive formations. Effective in coverage and as a run-stopper. Brings intensity and energy to Nitro's defensive schemes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. [player_tooltip player_id='894667' first='Ja'lei' last='Burnette'] (DB/WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Secondary playmaker at receiver beside Thompson. Provides Nitro with more flexibility and big-play capability. Reliable hands and a top target to look for on third downs to move the chains. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->