2026 Team Preview: Nitro Wildcats

<!-- 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: DB [player_tooltip player_id='1316655' first='David' last='Hill'] (TR) - LB [player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price'] (TR) - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] (TR) - OL [player_tooltip player_id='1260138' first='Steven' last='Kinney'] (TR) - LB [player_tooltip player_id='1316862' first='Robert' last='Miller'] (TR) - WR/DB Brody McCallister (TR) - WR Malachi Thompson - WR Ja'lei Burnetee - OL Da'Ron Parks - QB Eian Duffy - DL Xavier Patterson - LB Wyatt Sowards - LB Antonio LeRose - LB Landon Taylor - DB Malik Brown - DB Dawson Hill - OL Jayden Hill - DL Cohen Lusher - K Connor Strickland - RB Chris Radcliffe - DL Bryce Snyder - DL Shamar Smith - OL Dillon Casto - OL Mason Martin - DB Ty'Lil Mills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 season will be remembered as one of the best in Nitro program history. The Wildcats reached the state championship game for the first time in two decades before falling to Princeton, capping off a memorable run that gave the community plenty to celebrate. While replacing that senior class won't be easy, the accomplishments of last season shouldn't be overlooked. Rebuilding is part of the process after a year like that, but 2025 established the goal that the program can continue building toward in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/27: at South Charleston<br>9/4: vs St. Albans<br>9/11: vs Herbert Hoover<br>9/18: vs Riverside<br>9/25: at Ripley<br>10/2: at Point Pleasant<br>10/9: at Wheeling Central<br>10/23: vs Winfield<br>10/30: at Capital<br>11/6: at North Marion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>12-2 (State Runners-Up)<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>The Wildcats enter 2026 with one of the least known rosters in the state after graduating a large senior class and seeing additional players leave the program through transfers. There won't be many familiar faces taking the field this fall, leaving first-year head coach Collin Beckner with a roster featuring only a handful of players who logged meaningful varsity experience a season ago. That inexperience will bring its share of growing pains, but it also creates opportunities for a young group to develop together. The focus inside the program has been on embracing the process, improving every day, and building a new foundation despite the outside expectations. Nitro may be young, but expect a team that competes hard every Friday night while gaining valuable experience that should pay dividends in the years ahead.</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":["1143873"],"_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>Opportunity has been a long time coming for 2027 RB/LB Aiden Preston. After making an impact as a sophomore and showing plenty of promise early in his career, Preston enters his senior season ready to take on a much larger role for the Wildcats. He'll be counted on as both a leader and one of the team's top playmakers on a roster filled with new faces. With the chance to touch the football more consistently and make a large impact defensively, Preston is well positioned to put together a highly productive senior season and emerge as one of the breakout players to watch in 2026 for Nitro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19331720/6765c2127618b688a1ee36b1u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a64e9d7ecf09"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2255045"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcomer 2027 OL Christian White could quickly become one of the most important additions to Nitro's roster this season. The Florida transfer brings an intriguing 6'4 245 frame with plenty of room for continued development, giving him the highest long-term ceiling along the Wildcats' offensive line. While there isn't much film available to evaluate, the physical tools and upside are easy to see. White has the potential to anchor Nitro's front this fall and develop into a must-know college prospect if he produces film in his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22394365/68aa33a961298adcbfce627fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a64e9d7ecfe5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1128377"],"_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>After patiently waiting for his opportunity, 2027 OL Lucas Kirk is set to step into a big role for the Wildcats this fall. Kirk brings good strength to the offensive line, and his background as a powerlifter will aid his play on the football field. He's a strong athlete who enjoys the weight room and is primed for a breakout senior year after waiting for his turn. With big holes to fill in 2026 on the depth chart, Kirk has the tools to become a key piece of Nitro's offensive front and is another small college prospect worth following during his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Kirk379360Kirk/status/2052065630749089854","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/Kirk379360Kirk/status/2052065630749089854 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127155"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Size and potential immediately stand out with 2027 TE/DL Justin Raines. Raines has one of the more intriguing frames in Nitro's program and brings additional athletic upside as a three-sport athlete. After sitting out last season, he'll be a player to watch as he works his way back onto the field. His long-term future could come at tight end, along the defensive line, or even on the offensive line as he continues to develop physically. Raines remains an under-the-radar prospect with plenty of upside, and this season should provide a much better picture of where his ceiling is as a football player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JRaines2027/status/2052815913519301090","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/JRaines2027/status/2052815913519301090 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1700961"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A change of scenery could be exactly what 2028 WR/DB Keimondre Foster needed. The South Charleston transfer joins Nitro after spending time in a crowded skill group, where opportunities were limited, and now steps into a situation where he has a chance to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. Foster has the athleticism to be a dynamic weapon out of the slot, and his playmaking ability should give the Wildcats another standout offensive weapon. Defensively, he has the tools to develop into Nitro's top corner, making him one of the more intriguing newcomers to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/xMondree/status/2070536861810909372","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/xMondree/status/2070536861810909372 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2255051"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's already plenty of intrigue surrounding 2028 DL Giovanni Horrobin despite the lack of film. The 6'0 250 defensive lineman has generated early buzz by earning an offer from West Virginia State before playing a varsity snap, a strong indication of the physical tools he brings to the table. With a sturdy frame and plenty of upside, Horrobin enters the season as a new name on our radar and someone who could quickly climb the 2028 defensive line rankings once he produces tape. He's a potential future stock riser worth keeping a close eye on as he gets his first opportunity to show what he can do on Friday nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GioHorrobi70718/status/2072489960830107847","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/GioHorrobi70718/status/2072489960830107847 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2255049"],"_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>Another new name to know in Nitro's program is 2028 RB/DB Nysiaha Walker. Better known as a basketball player, Walker returns to football after previously playing at South Charleston and could quickly become one of the Wildcats' most intriguing prospects. Hhe already has the 6'2 195 size and athleticism that will catch the attention of college coaches, and his upside is among the highest on the roster if everything comes together. With a great opportunity to make a large impact the next two seasons, Walker is a player worth following closely as he begins his football career at Nitro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23237717/66e254b77318da72c5467489u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a64e9d7ed2d7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1748520"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding a role as a freshman on a state runner-up is an accomplishment in itself, and that's exactly what 2029 TE/DL CJ Lovejoy did last season as one of the few returning players with experience from last year. Lovejoy earned valuable varsity experience by embracing the physical side of the game, consistently doing the dirty work as a blocker in both the run and passing game. He brings a sturdy build and enough athleticism to contribute on short passing concepts while also serving as an effective lead blocker in space. As he continues to develop physically over the next few seasons, Lovejoy has the opportunity to become an important piece of Nitro's offense and defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20119102/697d6ccf562543c645b24bf0u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a64e9d7ed3c4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gilberto Roman Jr - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Boothe - 2029 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Timmy Boyd - 2030 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->