2026 Way Too Early Class AA WV Top 10 Team Rankings

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   We're in the dog days of the offseason with very little new information or rankings to discuss, so what better time to take an early look at the 2026 season and project our early Top 10 team rankings! Here are our way-too-early top ten Class AA teams as we sit here in April!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 BLUEFIELD BEAVERS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 11-3 (State Runner-Ups) 2026 Outlook: Contender   Why they're here:   The Bluefield Beavers arrived a year earlier than most expected, including head coach Fred Simon. They went on an incredible run to finish their 2025 season, nearly beating Frankfort in the state championship. The Beavers have a loaded 2028 class who are now a year older and more experienced, which makes them the way-too-early favorites in Class AA in our eyes.   What they do well:   Bluefield has the pleasure of having some of the best athletes in the state, regardless of classification. They boast 4 prospects in the Top 20 in the 2028 class and three in the Top 10 with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1311053' first='Paxtyn' last='Calhoun'], and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones']. That big three, with returning Carl Lee Award winner [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'], among others, should have them back in Charleston this December.   What could elevate them:   While Bluefield has a ton of talent at its disposal, it'll need to stay focused and put in the work over the off-season to rise from runner-up to champion. You expect all of that young talent to take a step forward, but it won't happen without the necessary dedication.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 FRANKFORT FALCONS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 14-0 (State Champions) 2026 Outlook: Contender   Why they're here:   The Frankfort Falcons have won back-to-back state championships, with many expecting they have a chance of a three-peat. They lose several key players from that team, but also return a big chunk of its talent in 2026. It may be a hot take to have them at #2 in the rankings right now, as the Falcons will be right at the top again this season.   What they do well:   Frankfort executes their Wing-T at a high level, and the players in the program have bought into the system over the past few years. Many expected them to take a step back last season after graduating a loaded senior class, but they didn't skip a beat. Having a dynamic two-way playmaker in 2027 RB/DB Bradyn Tyler back in 2026 will have them in every game again this year.   What could elevate them:   If the Falcons can prove that they're a plug-and-play program that has developed depth, they certainly can win their third-straight title. Eventually, graduation catches up to every program in time with the ebbs and flows of high school sports, especially at a smaller school. That isn't likely to occur at Frankfort just yet, with another crop of new faces ready to step up beside their returning known names.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 INDEPENDENCE PATRIOTS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 9-2 (Playoff Quarterfinals) 2026 Outlook: Contender   Why they're here:   Many last year thought that the Patriots were the favorites to win Class AA, myself included, but injuries down the stretch were a big reason why they bowed out in the quarterfinals to Doddridge County. They lose several of their top athletes from that team, but will boast another talented roster in 2026 that should have them in the championship mix.   What they do well:   Head Coach John Lilly and his staff do a great job of developing their players and attracting athletes to join the program. They have the pieces to fill the holes left by their graduating seniors and younger talent to keep this great run of winning going that they've seen the past several years.   What could elevate them:   If the Patriots stay healthy in November and stay on track down the track, they're certainly capable of winning a title in 2026. That's a near-impossible part of sports to control, but Independence is due for some luck in that area this season. Mix that with their younger talent being a year older and more experienced this season, and they have the winning recipe if it all comes together.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 PHILIP BARBOUR COLTS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 10-3 (Playoff Semifinals) 2026 Outlook: Dark Horse   Why they're here:   Philip Barbour has done a great job of elevating its football program under head coach Nick Mayle, and saw the fruits of their labor in 2025 with a playoff semifinal finish. They're a dark horse again in Class AA this season in our eyes, with a few big holes to fill on their depth chart.   What they do well:   As we mentioned, the Colts have done a great job of developing the program and getting interest in football. They're getting basketball and baseball athletes to make the move to the gridiron and are seeing the benefits of that. Philip Barbour will also tailor its offense to their personnel well and will look different year to year depending on who's at their disposal.   What could elevate them:   Having 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'] back in 2026 after rushing for 1,700 yards as a junior, an aforementioned baseball standout who played football for the first time, certainly gives them a great base to work from. If they can get some bodies up front to replace some multi-year starters, the Colts can make another deep playoff run this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 MINGO CENTRAL MINERS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 9-3 (Playoff Quarterfinals) 2026 Outlook: Dark Horse   Why they're here:   Mingo Central has been a steady program since head coach [player_tooltip player_id='2098611' first='David' last='Jones'] took over and should be a dark horse team in Class AA this year. They ran into the Frankfort buzz saw in the playoffs last season, but have a talented roster in their own right returning in 2026. The Miners could creep up the rankings even further if things fall into place for them.   What they do well:   The Miners are a balanced offense that can beat teams through the air or on the ground. Having a true dual-threat QB in 2027, [player_tooltip player_id='1687819' first='Jamere' last='Knuckles'], will keep defenses honest and on their toes every game, which gives them a chance in every contest.   What could elevate them:   Graduated ATH and Marshall signee [player_tooltip player_id='908000' first='Aidan' last='Burke'] will leave a large hole to try to replace in all three phases of the game for the Miners, but they have a host of talented athletes to minimize that loss. If their young linemen also take a step forward up front this season, Mingo Central can make a playoff run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 DODDRIDGE COUNTY BULLDOGS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 12-1 (Playoff Semifinals) 2026 Outlook: Dark Horse   Why they're here:   Doddridge County is coming off another strong season with a semifinal appearance, but they'll have some key pieces to replace heading into 2026. Losing a three-year starting quarterback along with several top pass catchers and defensive contributors could lead to a slight step back, even for a program known for reloading.   What they do well:   The Bulldogs are one of the steadiest programs in Class AA and consistently develop players year after year. With their physical identity, expect them to lean heavily on the running game and control the tempo, especially early in the season.   What could elevate them:   The emergence of a new quarterback will be critical in keeping the offense balanced and preventing defenses from keying in on the run. If a few receivers step up alongside him, Doddridge County has the structure to remain a serious playoff threat rather than becoming one-dimensional.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 WILLIAMSTOWN YELLOWJACKETS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 5-6 (Playoffs Round One) 2026 Outlook: Trending Up   Why they're here:   Williamstown took a step back in 2025 with a young roster, but still managed to sneak into the playoffs and gain valuable experience. That group should be much improved in 2026, and with the program's expectations always set high, a bounce-back season feels likely.   What they do well:   Consistency has been the foundation of Williamstown's success for years, driven by strong buy-in from both the players and the community. That culture shows up on Friday nights, as they consistently find ways to win and stay competitive regardless of roster turnover.   What could elevate them:   The development of Williamstown's younger players will be the biggest factor after taking their lumps last season. If they make strides in the offseason, particularly in the weight room, expect the Yellowjackets to climb back into the Top 10 conversation in a hurry.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 ROANE COUNTY RAIDERS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 9-2 (Playoffs Round One) 2026 Outlook: Holding Steady   Why they're here:   Roane County remains one of the more consistent and physical programs in Class AA, built on toughness and discipline. While they haven't quite returned to the level of their state runner-up squad from a few years ago, they're still a team no one wants to see come playoff time.   What they do well:   The Raiders thrive in their Wing-T system with unselfish players who buy into their roles. They do a great job distributing the ball across multiple backs and pairing that with well-coached line play that consistently sets the tone up front.   What could elevate them:   Replacing a multi-year starting quarterback is always important, even in a system built on the run, but Calhoun County transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1881424' first='Brennen' last='Carpenter'] looks like a natural fit to step in and lead the offense. Getting ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862713' first='Brodey' last='Proctor'] back healthy will also provide another boost to an already deep group of playmakers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 CLAY COUNTY PANTHERS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 8-4 (Playoffs Quarterfinals) 2026 Outlook: Holding Steady   Why they're here:   Clay County turned heads in 2025 with how quickly they reloaded and proved it with a playoff upset win over Roane County. With the program trending upward, the Panthers look like a team gaining confidence and momentum heading into 2026.   What they do well:   The Panthers bring an explosive passing attack that isn't afraid to push the ball downfield. With multiple athletes to distribute to, they consistently stress defenses vertically and are comfortable throwing it at a high volume.   What could elevate them:   Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2079170' first='Cooper' last='Collins'] stepped in last season and handled the transition well from his older brother, and a jump in year two could take this offense to another level. If they can also develop some new pieces up front after key graduations, Clay County could become even more dangerous on offense.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 JAMES MONROE MAVERICKS</h2>   2025 Record/Finish: 7-4 (Playoffs Round One) 2026 Outlook: Holding Steady   Why they're here:   James Monroe took some hits to graduation, but the consistency of the program under head coach John Mustain keeps them firmly in the Top 10 conversation. If they can successfully replace some highly productive pieces, they have the potential to climb even higher as the season progresses.   What they do well:   The Mavericks do a great job of developing their players and reloading year after year. They're also willing to move pieces around positionally to put the best possible lineup on the field, which adds to their overall stability.   What could elevate them:   Replacing both their quarterback and leading rusher will be the biggest factor in their 2026 outlook. If they find the right answers in those spots early, James Monroe could outperform expectations and make another playoff push.

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