2026 Team Preview: Musselman Applemen

<!-- 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: TE/DL Josh Armentrout - LB Devin Lewis - RB Nate Lasure - ATH Zachary Miller - LB Deshawn Lewis - TE/DL Ethan Amankrah - ATH Colton Shelton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Musselman took a positive step forward in 2025, finishing 4-7 and earning a playoff berth before falling to Spring Mills in a competitive first-round matchup. After winning just two games the previous season, the Applemen showed clear signs of progress and began regaining the consistency that had defined the program for years. Transfers have taken a toll on the roster in recent seasons, making sustained success difficult, but that trend appears to be slowing. With the foundation continuing to strengthen, Musselman looks to be moving back toward becoming one of the more competitive programs in the Eastern Panhandle again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at University<br>9/3: at Loudon Valley (VA)<br>9/11: vs Wheeling Park<br>9/18: at Spring Mills<br>10/2: at Martinsburg<br>10/9: at Boonsboro (MD)<br>10/16: vs Hedgesville<br>10/23: vs Jefferson<br>10/30: vs Washington<br>11/6: vs Morgantown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>4-7 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Musselman enters 2026 with plenty of questions after graduating a talented senior class that leaves several important positions to replace. Fortunately for the Applemen, they benefit from one of the state's largest enrollments and consistently have a deep pool of athletes to draw from in the Eastern Panhandle. While many of the next contributors are still relatively unknown from a statewide perspective, history suggests new faces will emerge as the season unfolds. Don't be surprised if several Applemen establish themselves this fall and quickly become familiar names to know who aren't listed below. </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":["2241720"],"_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>Despite standing just 5'3 130, 2027 Musselman ATH Gregory Mathes has already shown he can compete at the varsity level. Mathes earned a role last season by playing with toughness, effort, and a fearless mentality that allows him to perform beyond his size. Musselman has done well at maximizing undersized athletes, and he's the type of player who fits that mold perfectly. As a senior, expect Mathes to continue finding ways to make winning plays and provide a boost when his number is called.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19468335/691b1b131e12c59908ce2bc6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4ae6d6e0bee"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221849"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more intriguing additions to Musselman's roster is 2028 ATH Kason Warden, who returns to the Applemen after spending the past two seasons at Martinsburg. Warden came through Musselman's youth program before making the move to the Bulldogs, and now has the opportunity to make an impact back where his football journey began. He's yet to showcase his ability at the varsity level, but his athleticism and versatility give the Applemen another valuable piece to work with. Look for Warden to compete for a significant role this season, where he has the tools to become one of Musselman's breakout players this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KasonWarden/status/2067435466018709849","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/KasonWarden/status/2067435466018709849 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224115"],"_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>Special teams could become a real strength for Musselman with 2028 K Eric Hugas handling the kicking duties. Hugas has quickly emerged as one of the more intriguing specialist prospects in the state, and gives the Applemen an advantage in the field position battle. If he continues to refine his game, Hugas has the potential to develop into one of West Virginia's top specialists over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/eh_highlights/status/1993174632141406412","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/eh_highlights/status/1993174632141406412 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624353"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another transfer expected to make an immediate impact is 2028 Musselman ATH Gage Orem, who comes after spending the past two seasons at Martinsburg. Orem is a prospect we've been high on since his freshman year, and this move allows him to take on a much larger role. He should provide another weapon in Musselman's single-wing offense and can develop into the Applemen's top ball carrier as he progresses. A change of scenery could be exactly what Orem needs to unlock his potential and emerge as one of the team's top playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GageOrem7/status/1980446555997094207","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/GageOrem7/status/1980446555997094207 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609865"],"_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>2028 Musselman OL/DL Deacon Nguyen is another junior expected to see his role continue growing this season. After gaining valuable varsity experience as a sophomore, Nguyen returns with a chance to become a bigger factor in the trenches. His combination of size, strength, and mobility gives Musselman another promising piece to build around on both sides of the ball. As he continues to develop, Nguyen has the tools to become one of the Applemen's more dependable linemen 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/3/22599541/69671ae6a9692a3b480f45c8u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4ae6d6e0e87"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1955502"],"_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-6a4ae6d6e0f0b"} --> <!-- 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>Few freshmen around the state earned the experience that 2029 Musselman OL Teddy Day did last season. A varsity starter who earned Second Team All-EPAC honors, Day has already established himself as a cornerstone of the Applemen's offensive line. His combination of size and ability gives him one of the higher ceilings among the state's young offensive linemen, even as we continue waiting for more game film to complete his evaluation. With three seasons still ahead of him, Day has all the tools to develop into one of the premier linemen in the 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22791472/68d28643181b80ceb04b76e7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4ae6d6e0f47"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112400"],"_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>One of the more versatile young players in Musselman's program is 2029 ATH Nate Barra. After a strong freshman season that included time at receiver, running back, and safety, Barra gives the Applemen a dynamic athlete capable of contributing in a variety of roles. His versatility should allow the coaching staff to find more ways to get him on the field as he gains varsity experience. With his athleticism and room to develop, Barra is a name worth following as he continues to carve out a larger role over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26239020/6900a9b33634ca09594eb449u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4ae6d6e1001"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Clark - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Bennett - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PJ Brinklow - 2027 EDGE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Boyce - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Cornell - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demari Pearson - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662294' first='Pedro' last='Espinoza'] - 2028 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter James - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan Henderson - 2028 WR/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->