2026 Team Preview: PikeView 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 Peyton Mounts - RB Braydon Mullins - OL Kit Bishop - LB Logan Cook - DL Owen Underwood - TE/LS Eli Horton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PikeView took a major step forward in 2025, finishing 7-4 and reaching the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. It marked a huge milestone in head coach Jack Turner's second season, as the Panthers fully embraced the Wing-T offense and had the personnel to execute it at a high level. The identity of the program became clear as PikeView played physical, disciplined football and earned its way back into the postseason. While the Panthers graduated several key contributors from that playoff team, enough experienced talent returns to soften those losses and keep the program moving in the right direction heading into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Summers County<br>9/4: vs Liberty<br>9/11: at Shady Spring<br>9/18: at Westside<br>9/25: at Buffalo<br>10/2: at Sissonville<br>10/9: vs Wyoming East<br>10/23: vs Braxton County<br>10/30: at Castlewood (VA)<br>11/6: vs Midland Trail</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>7-4 (Playoffs Round One)<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>Replacing the production of running backs Peyton Mounts and Braydon Mullins won't be easy after both topped 1,000 rushing yards while carrying major responsibilities on both sides of the ball. Even with those departures, PikeView has enough returning experience to believe several players can step into larger roles and keep the offense moving. The Panthers may not have the same star power they featured a season ago, but they should continue to play the physical brand of football that has become the foundation of Turner's program. If PikeView can come out on the right side of a few 50/50 games and stay healthy with a smaller Class AAA roster, another playoff appearance is well within reach. Just as important, 2026 is an opportunity to continue building the culture and prove last year's breakthrough was the beginning of sustained success rather than a one-year run.</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":["1649978"],"_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>Physicality is the name of the game for 2027 TE/DL Blake Basham. The big-bodied athlete flashed plenty of potential as a junior and looks poised to take another step forward as one of PikeView's leaders in the trenches. Defensively, Basham has the size and strength to be a disruptive force off the edge, while offensively he'll play an important role as a blocker in the Panthers' Wing-T attack, where winning at the point of attack is essential. PikeView will lean on Basham to make an impact on both sides of the ball, and all signs point toward him putting together his best season as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20016356/6a03f11b6448da7e253f06f7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a678005bdc48"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220798"],"_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>Another player expected to see an expanded role this fall is 2027 RB/LB Moose Hedrick. PikeView's Wing-T offense thrives on utilizing multiple backs, and Hedrick has the skill set to become an effective complement in the backfield as a physical downhill runner who isn't afraid to do the dirty work as a lead blocker when called upon. His impact should be just as noticeable on defense, where he'll be counted on to help replace the production lost with Logan Cook's graduation and emerge as one of the Panthers' top linebackers. Hedrick embodies the tough and physical identity PikeView has worked to establish and should be a key contributor on both sides of the ball throughout his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19797304/69e2f0d2a625f1463bc60239u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a678005bdcc3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140641"],"_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>A much bigger role awaits 2027 RB/LB Kyle Williams entering his senior season. With PikeView graduating its top two 1,000-yard rushers, the Panthers will be looking for someone to help carry the load in their Wing-T offense. Williams appears to be one of the leading candidates as he flashed his potential in limited offensive opportunities as a junior, rushing 51 times for 369 yards while also recording 49 tackles on defense. Williams showed the toughness and versatility to contribute on both sides of the ball and has the size and athleticism to take on a much heavier workload. If he continues to build on last season's production, expect him to play a major role in helping replace PikeView's rushing output while putting together a breakout senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19767187/6a28cbaeaa6352f76967efaeu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a678005bdd32"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1695986"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Experience in the middle of the offensive line will be invaluable for PikeView, and 2027 OL Ryan Cochran provides exactly that. Although he may not have ideal size, Cochran returns as an important starter who provides continuity to an offensive line critical to the Panthers' Wing-T attack. While there isn't junior film available to evaluate, his experience in the system and understanding of the responsibilities at center make him a steady presence up front. Cochran's leadership and familiarity with the offense should help keep PikeView's line operating efficiently as the Panthers look to build on last season's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21363524/680c54dde711215a6ca363a6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a678005bdd98"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224119"],"_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>An under-the-radar player to keep an eye on for PikeView is 2028 WR/DB Gabe Weiss. Although there isn't much varsity film to evaluate at this point, Weiss has already begun attracting college attention, picking up an offer from Concord this offseason. That early interest speaks to the athletic upside he brings to the Panthers' roster and the potential he has as a player. Expect Weiss to become more involved offensively this fall while also returning as one of PikeView's top defensive backs. With two seasons still ahead of him, he's a player whose stock should continue to rise as his role and production grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GabeWeiss21/status/2061579793141780915","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/GabeWeiss21/status/2061579793141780915 </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>Henry Cox - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryson Thompson - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braden Huggins - 2028 QB/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brendon Hunley - 2028 RB/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dalton Lester - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley Tupper - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->