2026 Team Preview: Lewis County Minutemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: FB/DL Leo Jones - OL/DL Jacksen Cogar - WR/DB Levi Posey - OL/DL Wyatt Hardbarger</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 season marked a step back for Lewis County as the Minutemen finished 3-7 and missed the Class AAA playoffs for the first time in three years. While the record wasn't what the program had become accustomed to, it came during a rebuilding season that provided valuable experience for several younger contributors. Head coach Dustin Cogar has built Lewis County into one of the more consistent and hard-nosed programs in AAA, and that culture remained evident despite the challenges. With many of those younger players now returning with a year of varsity experience, the Minutemen are well positioned to bounce back and make a push toward returning to the postseason in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Robert C. Byrd<br>9/4: vs Keyser<br>9/11: at Elkins<br>9/18: at East Fairmont<br>10/2: at Lincoln<br>10/9: vs Buckhannon-Upshur<br>10/16: at North Marion<br>10/23: at Philip Barbour<br>10/30: vs Berkeley Springs<br>11/6: vs Grafton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>3-7<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 5-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis County enters 2026 with plenty of reasons for optimism and has the pieces to make a return trip to the postseason. The Minutemen bring back a strong core on offense, and with another year of experience in their system, they should be much more comfortable and productive. Their schedule also sets up favorably, giving them several opportunities to stack wins and put themselves firmly in the playoff conversation. The program has made noticeable strides throughout the offseason, with multiple players beginning to attract college attention, a sign of the talent returning to Weston. If everything comes together, don't be surprised if Lewis County emerges as one of Class AAA's biggest surprise teams this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253749"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive offseason has put 2027 ATH/DB Ian Brown firmly on the radar of college programs heading into his senior year. Brown has seen his stock continue to rise after a strong camp circuit, highlighted by earning his first scholarship offer from Glenville State. His versatility gives Lewis County another dynamic weapon, and he can make plays from the slot while also projecting as a potential defensive back at the next level. When the Minutemen spread the field, expect Brown to be one of the primary targets in the passing game due to his athleticism and playmaking ability. He's one of the top athletes on the roster and has all the tools to put together a breakout senior season on both sides of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19681333/69438987367bee689869af2au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a624498c053f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1909812"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a solid junior season, 2027 TE/DL Kellan Wolverton returns as one of Lewis County's most reliable two-way contributors. He gives the Minutemen flexibility on both sides of the football, though his best long-term projection is at tight end in our eyes. Wolverton is effective as an in-line blocker, helps set the tone in the run game, and has shown he can be a dependable target in the passing attack when his number is called. On defense, he continues to provide valuable snaps along the line of scrimmage with a physical, steady approach. Wolverton is the type of player whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet, and his well-rounded skill set should draw interest from colleges as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22843801/692f2b72534259fcb9f72d0bu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a624498c05c4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253755"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A productive junior season has 2027 DL Gavin Bailey positioned for more recognition as a senior. Bailey is an active interior defender who consistently fires off the ball, plays with good leverage, and finds ways to create penetration. He has a knack for getting skinny through gaps, splitting double teams, and disrupting plays before they develop. Bailey's high motor stands out on every snap, flying to the football while setting the tone up front for the defense. If he continues to produce at that level, Bailey could earn some accolades in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19681138/690ed035830ef3f2d1a9ae40u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a624498c063b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2104200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 LB Isaac Pickens is one of the first defenders who stands out when you watch Lewis County's film. He already has the size and physical presence of a traditional middle linebacker, and he put together a solid sophomore season as a steady force in the middle of the Minutemen defense. Pickens isn't afraid to take on blocks, plays with a physical edge, and shows the instincts and toughness needed to anchor the unit. As he continues to improve his range and overall explosiveness, his ceiling only rises. With another offseason of development, Pickens has the potential to become one of the top linebackers in West Virginia's 2028 class and a cornerstone of Lewis County's defense over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23155013/691d44162727ce863ba28765u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a624498c06af"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Oldaker - 2027 K/WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haiden Tenney - 2027 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blake Watson - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luke Burkhammer - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jacob Hardbarger - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Fisher - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxson Butcher - 2029 FB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landry Cogar - 2029 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->