2026 Team Preview: Parkersburg South Patriots

<!-- 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: WR Taj Joyce - DB Derek Sandy - WR/DB Channing Barrett - QB Kinzyn Lutchmansingh - LB Kamero Jackson - LB Collin Hayes - LB Kaidyn Johnson - OL Brody Kesselrotte - OL Aden Swisher</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkersburg South endured a rebuilding season in 2025, finishing 3-8 with a first-round playoff loss to Martinsburg. The Patriots entered the year under new head coach Larry Thompson and experienced the expected growing pains that come with a coaching change and a roster featuring many new faces. While the results weren't where the program wanted them to be, the season provided valuable experience for several younger players. Parkersburg South has traditionally had plenty of talent to work with, and the foundation laid during Thompson's first season should help the Patriots continue moving in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Wheeling Park<br>9/4: vs University<br>9/11: at Woodrow Wilson<br>9/18: vs Parkersburg<br>9/25: at John Marshall<br>10/9: vs Hurricane<br>10/16: vs Morgantown<br>10/23: at Huntington<br>10/30: at George Washington<br>11/6: at Cabell Midland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>3-8 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 3-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkersburg South enters the 2026 season with several opportunities for new faces to emerge and establish themselves as the next wave of contributors. The Patriots have a promising mix of seniors and talented underclassmen, giving the program a foundation that should continue to strengthen as the season progresses. The win-loss record may not show a dramatic jump in 2026, but the long-term outlook remains encouraging with so much young talent gaining valuable experience. If those players continue to develop, brighter days are on the horizon for the Patriots.</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":["1326524"],"_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>Parkersburg South expects 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1326524' first='James' last='Lattea'] to take on a much larger role this season. While film has been limited, Lattea has remained firmly on our radar thanks to his athleticism and versatility. He projects as a starter in the slot on offense while also contributing at outside linebacker and safety, giving the Patriots a player who can impact the game in multiple ways. With expanded opportunities awaiting him as a senior, Lattea is one of the top breakout candidates to watch in the program this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1677658"],"_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 bigger opportunity awaits 2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1677658' first='Justice' last='Caplinger'] as he steps into a starting safety role for the Patriots this season. After serving as a valuable depth piece and standout special teams contributor over the past two years, Caplinger has earned the chance to become a full-time impact player on defense. He's a physical, selfless athlete who isn't afraid to come downhill and deliver a hit, while embracing whatever role the coaching staff asks of him. With increased snaps on defense, Caplinger is one of Parkersburg South's top breakout candidates entering the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24188695/69e6a5c9976d90856f1ec368u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4bf897eabd2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260055"],"_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>One of the most intriguing seniors in Parkersburg South's program is 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1260055' first='Kooper' last='Jackson']. Jackson possesses a rare blend of 6'0 220 size and athleticism, giving the Patriots a player capable of lining up almost anywhere on the field. After spending time at outside receiver and running back last season, expect him to be one of their top offensive players while continuing to contribute on both sides of the ball. Although game film has been limited over the past two years, Jackson has remained on our radar since his freshman season and has all the tools to put together a big senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1658495"],"_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-6a4bf897ead85"} --> <!-- 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>The foundation of Parkersburg South's offense begins up front with 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1658495' first='Easton' last='Parsons']. A two-year varsity starter and team captain, Parsons anchors what should be one of the Patriots' strongest position groups this season. His athleticism allows him to play well in space, making him an important piece in both the run and passing game. As one of the veteran leaders on the roster, Parsons will be counted on to set the standard for the offensive line throughout his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19656383/68b3546c4b007ce3d79ca8f4u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4bf897eadbb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2242268"],"_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><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkersburg South will once again rely on 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2242268' first='Charles' last='Williams'] to provide a physical presence in the trenches. A two-way standout and heavyweight wrestler, Williams brings the toughness and scrappy play that coaches value on both sides of the ball. He's a productive defender who also gives the Patriots another dependable interior lineman on offense, making him one of the team's most important seniors. His experience will be an important part of Parkersburg South's play this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22977418/6a10a7ad0658808b230780e5u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4bf897ead24"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2139527"],"_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 --> <p><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One potential breakout playmaker this season for Parkersburg South is 2028 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2139527' first='Logan' last='Graham']. After showing flashes as a sophomore on both sides of the ball, Graham enters the season with the opportunity to take on a much larger role in the Patriots' offense and secondary. His combination of size, athleticism, and two-way versatility gives Parkersburg South a player who can impact the game in multiple ways, while his basketball background only adds to his overall athletic profile. If his production matches his potential this fall, Graham has all the tools to emerge as one of the breakout prospects in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LoloGraham28/status/2070325997996589073","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/LoloGraham28/status/2070325997996589073 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624456"],"_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>Few teams have the luxury of returning a proven specialist, and 2028 K [player_tooltip player_id='1624456' first='Wyatt' last='Bartley'] gives Parkersburg South that benefit. A varsity starter since his freshman season, Bartley has been a steady presence for the Patriots and has established himself as one of the top kickers in the 2028 class. His experience gives Parkersburg South stability on special teams, an area that often proves to be the difference in close games. With two years of varsity success already behind him, Bartley enters the season as one of the program's most dependable players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/bartley_wy2638/status/2027516799151964399","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/bartley_wy2638/status/2027516799151964399 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624438"],"_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>After spending last season working his way into the outside linebacker rotation and on the JV team, 2028 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1624438' first='Jonathan' last='Kaufman'] is ready for a much larger role in Parkersburg South's defense. Kaufman has been patient throughout his development, and that experience should pay off as he steps into a potential starting opportunity this fall. This season gives Kaufman the chance to establish himself as one of the defense's key contributors as he makes his mark at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23742841/69363ce45079fbd81953215fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4bf897eaf15"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716385"],"_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-6a4bf897eaf76"} --> <!-- 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 Parkersburg South WR [player_tooltip player_id='1716385' first='Ledger' last='Corwin'] is one of the next young playmakers ready to make the jump to Friday nights this season. After an impressive freshman season, Corwin enters the year with a chance to carve out a meaningful role in the Patriots' varsity passing attack. He has shown reliable hands, natural instincts at receiver, and the athleticism to become a dependable target as his opportunities increase. If he carries his early success over to the varsity level, Corwin could quickly become one of the top emerging receivers in the 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LedgerCorwin/status/2027179934532178369","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/LedgerCorwin/status/2027179934532178369 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716387"],"_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>2029 Parkersburg South TE [player_tooltip player_id='1716387' first='Titan' last='Baruwa'] is a young prospect with the tools to become a key part of the Patriots' offense over the next few seasons. After a strong freshman campaign on their younger squads, Baruwa enters the year with a chance to earn a varsity role thanks to his ability as a receiving threat. His 6'2 205 frame already gives him the size to create matchup problems, and he has shown natural ball skills that make him an appealing target in the passing game. As his all-around game continues to develop, Baruwa has the potential to become one of the top young tight ends in West Virginia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BaruwaTita70293/status/2037495212340047891","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/BaruwaTita70293/status/2037495212340047891 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716382"],"_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>Parkersburg South has another promising young player in 2029 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1716382' first='Asher' last='Prunty']. After leading the Patriots' JV offense as a freshman, Prunty enters the season with valuable experience and the dual-threat ability to impact the game with both his arm and his legs. His athleticism allows him to extend plays and create outside the pocket, giving the offense another dynamic option for the future. As he continues to develop as a passer and gains more varsity opportunities, Prunty has the potential to emerge as a top athlete in the Patriots' program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/APrunty95535/status/2024324380529209357","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/APrunty95535/status/2024324380529209357 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2242276' first='Peyton' last='Cline'] - 2027 ATH/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaqwae Brown - 2028 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Asa Yost - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eli McCallister - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112392' first='Carson' last='Nutter'] - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716473' first='Jackson' last='Gerber'] - 2029 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Garrett Moon - 2030 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231368' first='Paxton' last='Baughman'] - 2030 QB/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->