2026 Team Preview: Lincoln County Panthers

<!-- 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: RB/DB Blade Adkins - RB/DL David Stephens - RB/LB Alex Banks - OL/DL Blake Lucas - OL/DL Brayden Pritchard - OL/DL Crede Payne </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln County endured another difficult season in 2025, finishing 1-9 as the Panthers continued the long process of building the program. Since consolidating in 2006, Lincoln County has faced an uphill climb, producing just one winning season and still searching for its first playoff appearance. While the Panthers have won just two games over the past two seasons, head coach Brad Likens has continued laying the foundation since taking over in 2020. The record hasn't reflected the progress yet, but the program continues to move in the right direction as Lincoln County works toward becoming more competitive each season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Brooke<br>9/4: vs Shady Spring<br>9/11: at Ripley<br>9/25: vs Point Pleasant<br>10/2: at Wayne<br>10/9: at East Fairmont<br>10/16: at St. Albans<br>10/23: vs Mingo Central<br>10/30: vs Sissonville<br>11/6: at Buffalo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>1-9<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect Lincoln County to remain a young team in 2026, but the future of the program is beginning to take shape. The Panthers graduated several quality athletes and may not see a significant jump in the win-loss column this fall, yet there are plenty of reasons for optimism. A large group of young players gained valuable varsity experience in 2025, giving head coach Brad Likens a foundation to continue building around. It may not all come together this season, but if this core continues to develop, Lincoln County could become a team to watch over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2198775"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Limited production in 2025 doesn't tell the full story for 2027 WR/DB TJ Ritchie. With two of Lincoln County's top receiving targets now gone, Ritchie is in line for a much larger role in the Panthers' offense this fall. He showed flashes whenever the ball found him, creating separation off play action, securing catches with reliable hands, and using his burst to pick up yards after the catch. Ritchie is also a willing blocker who embraces the dirty work, making him an asset even when the ball isn't coming his way. His value extends to special teams as a returner, and with increased opportunities this season, Ritchie has a chance to become one of the Panthers' top offensive playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TimothyRitch333/status/2025833988095414521","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TimothyRitch333/status/2025833988095414521 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253981"],"_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>2027 Lincoln County DL Elie Bender put together a productive junior season for the Panthers, finishing with 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks. Bender creates problems by getting off the ball quickly and playing with good leverage, allowing him to generate pressure and make plays in the backfield. He could also line up at EDGE/OLB at 5'10 200 if needed and remain productive. After the production he had a year ago, Bender returns as one of Lincoln County's top defensive contributors in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253982"],"_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-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- 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>Getting after the quarterback became a strength for 2027 Lincoln County LB CJ Smith during his junior season. Smith finished with 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a team-high four sacks while making an impact from his outside linebacker spot. His size and frame give him the tools to be effective off the edge, and he'll enter his senior season as one of the Panthers' top returning defensive playmakers. Expect Smith to be a name more people know by the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253984"],"_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-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- 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>Opportunity is there for 2027 OL/DL AJ Armstrong heading into his senior season. Armstrong is expected to start both ways and should see a much larger role on the defensive line after Lincoln County graduated a pair of experienced defensive tackles. He finished with 11 tackles as a junior, but those numbers have a chance to climb with increased snaps and responsibility. If Armstrong can replace some of the production lost up front, he could be in line for a breakout year as a senior in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253985"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Injuries limited 2027 Lincoln County LB Dennis Gillenwatwer to just four games last season, but he'll have a chance to make up for lost time this fall. When healthy, Gillenwatwer has shown he can be a productive linebacker, and his return gives Lincoln County another experienced and talented defender at one of its strongest positions on the team. If he can stay on the field for a full season, expect him to play a much bigger role and become one of the Panthers' top defensive contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253976"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the brightest young pieces in Lincoln County's program is 2028 LB Trey Whittington. The 6'0 185 linebacker led the Panthers with 66 tackles and three tackles for loss as a sophomore, giving the defense a dependable presence on defense. Whittington is a quality athlete who closes quickly in pursuit, works through traffic well between the tackles, and consistently finds the football. His versatility allows him to line up in the middle or come off the edge at OLB, giving the Panthers flexibility in how they use him. With two more seasons remaining, Whittington is the type of productive defender Lincoln County can continue building its defense around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TreyWhittyLCHS/status/2067332886282293749","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TreyWhittyLCHS/status/2067332886282293749 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2131099"],"_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-6a62bd4d9be8a"} --> <!-- 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>One of the top 2028 prospects in Lincoln County's program, WR/DB Kody Adkins is already making an impact on both sides of the ball. Adkins finished with 50 tackles on defense while adding nearly 400 all-purpose yards between the running and passing game, showing he could contribute in a variety of ways as a young player. His versatility gives the Panthers another weapon whenever the ball is in his hands, and he's the type of player the program can continue building around. Expect Adkins to take on an even bigger role over the next two seasons and emerge as a standout player for the Panthers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253979"],"_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-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- 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>Lincoln County turned to 2028 QB Jack Shull as a sophomore, giving him valuable varsity experience in a difficult situation. He finished with 600 passing yards and four touchdowns while showing flashes of what he can become as he grows into the position. Shull also has the athleticism to make plays with his legs, and expanding that part of the offense could help keep defenses more honest. Taking care of the football will be the next step in his development, and if that comes with more experience, expect the Panthers to make strides offensively after a challenging 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253987"],"_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-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- 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>Aiden Adkins gained valuable varsity experience as a freshman in 2025 for the Panthers, and his role should continue to grow over the next few seasons. The 2029 ATH made the most of his opportunities in year one and gives Lincoln County another promising young player to build around. With another offseason under his belt, expect Adkins to see more touches and a larger role on both sides of the ball. His development is another reason the future looks brighter for the Panthers with some patience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253986"],"_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-6a4a7709211a4"} --> <!-- 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>Getting varsity experience as a freshman is never easy, but 2029 Lincoln County DB Clayton Mosley handled the opportunity well for the Panthers. Limited to defense, Mosley recorded 18 tackles and two tackles for loss while showing he could compete at the varsity level early in his career and had encouraging signs for a player with three more seasons to develop. If Mosley continues progressing physically and builds on what he showed as a freshman, he'll have the chance to become one of the cornerstone pieces of Lincoln County's program by his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253988"],"_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-6a62bd4d9c0f8"} --> <!-- 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>2029 Lincoln County ATH Hayden Davis showed plenty of promise during his freshman season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He finished sixth on the team with 26 tackles and came away with Lincoln County's only interception of the year, an impressive start for one of their most talented young players on the roster. His offensive production should continue to grow as his role expands as he gets older, but what he showed defensively already gives the Panthers plenty to be excited about. Davis has the tools to develop into one of Lincoln County's top playmakers as he continues to gain experience over the next three years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jimmy Armstrong - 2027 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Reed - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aidan Sampson - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Jaggie - 2029 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->