2026 Team Preview: Grafton Bearcats

<!-- 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/DB Cole Runner - LB Brayden Boggs - OL Michael Newbraugh - TE/LB Brayden White - OL Jacob Rollins - OL Rowan Pace </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grafton's 1-9 record doesn't tell the full story of the 2025 season. The Bearcats found themselves in several tightly contested games, suffering multiple one-score losses that could have easily changed the trajectory of the year. While the wins were hard to come by, the experience gained by a young roster should provide a solid foundation moving forward. A coaching change also brings renewed energy to the program, and with a strong group of returning talent already in place, Grafton has reason to believe better days are ahead in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Philip Barbour <br>9/4: at East Fairmont<br>9/11: vs Lincoln<br>9/18: vs Hampshire<br>9/25: at Berkeley Springs<br>10/2: vs Elkins<br>10/16: at Robert C. Byrd<br>10/23: vs Bridgeport<br>10/30: vs North Marion<br>11/6: at Lewis County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>1-9<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>A new era begins in Grafton with Bobby Beltner taking over the Bearcats' program. Beltner is no stranger to the community, having previously coached Grafton's middle school team and spent time leading the youth program, giving him strong relationships with many of the players now reaching the varsity level. As a Grafton native, he's motivated to restore the program and help the Bearcats move past a difficult stretch of seasons. Look for Grafton to embrace the Wing-T moving forward, a system that should fit the skill sets of its returning personnel and establish a more physical identity on offense. With a quality group of experienced returners in place, the Bearcats have a solid foundation to build on as they begin a new chapter in 2026.</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":["1616330"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5e27"} --> <!-- 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>2027 Grafton OL Abbott Dahl gives the Bearcats one of the top returning offensive linemen in Class AAA and will be a cornerstone of the offense this fall. Dahl combines strong fundamentals with physical play in the trenches, consistently creating running lanes while protecting the quarterback. His experience and leadership will be especially important as Grafton transitions into a new coaching staff and looks to establish its identity in the Wing-T. As one of the leaders up front, Dahl will be a player the Bearcats lean on to help set the tone every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19814582/692f566bcd06d6b43c369705u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e2e7e657bc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326533"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5ecf"} --> <!-- 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>Grafton's shift to the Wing-T should play right into the strengths of 2027 RB/LB Cash Nestor. A big, physical athlete, Nestor runs with a downhill style that makes him difficult to bring down and gives the Bearcats a back they can lean on throughout the season. He has the toughness to handle a heavy workload and should be one of the focal points of a more run-oriented offense under the new coaching staff. Nestor is also expected to make a major impact on defense, giving Grafton a dependable two-way contributor as the Bearcats look for a bounce-back season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19860323/6703045aeb7507751713d5c2u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e2e7e65844"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2090555"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f1a"} --> <!-- 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>2027 TE/LB Jacob Mlinarcik will fill an important role for the Bearcats on both sides of the football this season. His physicality and blocking ability make him a natural fit in Grafton's new Wing-T offense, where he'll help set the edge and create running lanes for the backfield. On defense, Mlinarcik gives the Bearcats an experienced linebacker with the chance to take another step forward during his senior year. As he continues to add strength and build on his frame, Grafton will count on him to be a steady two-way player throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19860084/68c56aa1c4628c0a802baef5u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e2e7e658bd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590026"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f66"} --> <!-- 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 Bearcats have an exciting playmaker to build around in 2028 ATH/QB Chace Kinsey as he enters his junior season. After making the transition from receiver to quarterback as a sophomore, Kinsey accounted for more than 1,200 total yards and 12 touchdowns, proving he can impact the game with both his arm and his legs. His versatility and athleticism make him a natural fit to lead Grafton's offense, especially as the Bearcats move toward a Wing-T system that can take advantage of his ability as a runner. With another offseason to grow into the position, Kinsey gives Grafton a dynamic centerpiece to build around on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23041142/69386a235f0564b29d337e3eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e2e7e65935"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1322322"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5fab"} --> <!-- 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>The Bearcats have a dependable piece in the middle of the offensive line with 2028 OL Logan Jones returning at center. Taking over that position as a sophomore is no small task, and Jones handled the responsibility well. His experience should prove valuable as the Bearcats transition into a new offensive system, where communication and consistency up front will be critical. With two more seasons to continue adding strength and experience, Jones has the opportunity to become one of the steady leaders of Grafton's offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16731712/68d48bb01d1e649e7417820du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5e2e7e659ab"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caden Taylor - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeremiah Quinn - 2027 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Poling - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tanner Lipscomb - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wyatt Cunningham - 2027 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braydon Taylor - 2028 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Randall Grogg - 2028 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JW Nestor - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Micah Barbe - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxson Hussion - 2029 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->