2026 Team Preview: Ripley Vikings

<!-- 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/LB Cody Lawrence - TE Carter Neal - WR/DB Caleb Parsons - OL Ryan Burdette - DB Mason Philyaw - DB Ryan Campbell - DL Cooper Merritt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ripley continued moving in the right direction during the 2025 season, finishing 4-6 and narrowly missing the postseason after reaching the playoffs in 2024 for the first time since 2018 in head coach Ryan Simon's first year. While a few key contributors graduated, the Vikings return the majority of their production on both sides of the ball, giving them plenty of experience entering 2026. Combined with a favorable schedule, Ripley has the pieces to put itself back in the playoff mix and continue the steady progress the program has made over the past two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Sissonville<br>9/4: at Ravenswood<br>9/11: vs Lincoln County<br>9/18: vs Point Pleasant<br>9/25: vs Nitro<br>10/2: at Brooke<br>10/9: at Winfield<br>10/16: vs Herbert Hoover<br>10/30: at Greenbrier East<br>11/6: vs Nicholas County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>4-6<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 6-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing the production and importance of RB/LB Cody Lawrence and TE/DL Carter Neal won't be easy, but Ripley has enough experienced returning talent to keep its momentum moving forward. Several players who contributed over the past two seasons are now ready for expanded roles and a brighter spotlight, giving the Vikings confidence despite those graduation losses. Ripley feels like one of the more under-the-radar teams in Class AAA entering 2026, and if everything comes together, this is a group capable of winning the most regular season games since 2018. Don't be surprised if the Vikings earn a trip to the playoffs this year and a scrappy team come playoff time. </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":["2090772"],"_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>Ripley will lean heavily on 2027 WR/DB Parker Keller as one of the leaders of its offense this season. Keller emerged as one of the Vikings' top playmakers a year ago, finishing with 506 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while adding 305 rushing yards and four more scores. His impact extended well beyond offense, contributing in the return game while handling punting and kicking duties. One of AAA's most versatile athletes, Keller can influence the game in all three phases and enters his senior season poised for another productive year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19708770/6937326614763efb9fce1b0au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e205"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924855"],"_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>Ripley's offensive line will be anchored by 2027 OL Ian King, who enters his senior season as one of the more underrated linemen in West Virginia. A physical blocker with a 6'3 290 frame, King consistently creates movement at the point of attack and plays through the whistle with a finishing mentality. He also moves well for his size, giving the Vikings an athletic presence up front who can climb to the second level and make plays in space. With his blend of size, strength, and mobility, King is a player who deserves more of a spotlight as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19666850/691f1af7da670837304ae1ffu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e2da"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2081703"],"_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>The Vikings will count on 2027 DB/ATH Peyton Keller to fill a variety of roles again this season. Keller made his presence felt on both sides of the ball as a junior, bringing a physical style of play to the secondary while also giving the Vikings another athletic option offensively in Wildcat packages. He plays with great effort, isn't afraid to come downhill and deliver a hit, and consistently finds himself around the football. The second Keller will also be an important piece of Ripley's success in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20303421/693c3634540685f13c776ed4u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e3a0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220807"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The secondary returns another experienced playmaker in 2027 DB Jace McCoy. McCoy brings good length with his 6'0 frame and has developed into one of Ripley's most dependable defensive backs thanks to his instincts and ball skills. He does an excellent job locating the football in the air, consistently putting himself in position to break up passes or come away with a pick. As one of several experienced seniors leading the Vikings' defense, McCoy has the tools to put together a strong final season while building his college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19666847/690f9d3674301bea69fa2b60u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e466"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896592"],"_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>Another senior expected to play an important role up front is 2027 OL Gavon Hamon. Hamon plays with solid technique, understands leverage, and consistently executes his assignment. His athleticism stands out when working in space, allowing him to reach defenders at the second level and move comfortably outside the tackle box. With room to continue adding strength to his 6'0 230 frame, Hamon is a prospect small college programs should keep an eye on throughout his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19708781/693df60e6435a5b055e8c2aau0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e529"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220808"],"_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>Ripley could see a noticeable jump from 2027 OL/DL Stephen Sutler this season. Sutler flashed the ability to be disruptive on defense as a junior, consistently firing off the ball with good explosion and using his power to generate vertical push into the backfield. He can already create issues at the point of attack by forcing displacement, and as he continues developing more pass rush counters and sharpening his play recognition, his production should take another step forward. Expect Sutler to play an even bigger role for the Vikings' defensive front as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27006129/6946d2721741b399cf9a18ceu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e5eb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2257214"],"_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>Getting 2027 LB Eli Huffman back at full strength could be one of the biggest additions to Ripley's defense this season. Despite appearing in just three games as a junior, Huffman still finished sixth on the team in tackles, highlighting the type of production he brings when healthy. He plays downhill with a physical mindset, works through traffic well, and closes quickly once he identifies the football. If Huffman stays healthy throughout his senior season, expect him to be a leader of the Vikings' defense and one of the more productive linebackers in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19708803/693c3bb5ca18215c3f13db26u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a68c2f91e6a9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2221286"],"_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>Year two as the starting quarterback should bring even more confidence and production for 2027 Ripley QB Jackson Moore. Thrust into the role as a junior, Moore responded by completing 67% of his passes for nearly 1,200 yards with 11 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions, giving Ripley steady and efficient play behind center throughout the season. With another offseason in the system and valuable experience now under his belt, Moore is in position to build on that success and help elevate the Vikings' offense during his senior campaign.</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>[player_tooltip player_id='2220813' first='Dayshawn' last='Burdette'] - 2027 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257219' first='Parker' last='Smith'] - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kyler Fisher - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Adkins - 2027 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1428188' first='Cayden' last='Serls'] - 2030 RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Smith - 2030 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->