2026 Team Preview: Greenbrier East Spartans

<!-- 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: DL Harrison Smith (TR) - RB AJ Godfrey - WR/DB Nathan Suttle - QB Brody Hamric - WR/DB Kaden Stone - TE Grant Burdette - OL Jackson Morgan - OL Gage Blevins - WR/DB Jysheim Green - LB Zayir Lee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenbrier East finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 record before falling to a talented Chapmanville squad in the opening round of the playoffs. While reaching the postseason was another step in the right direction, the Spartans likely expected more after spending the previous few years developing a talented core of young players into experienced contributors. That senior class featured several multi-year starters who helped lay the foundation for the program's return to playoff contention and will leave behind big shoes to fill. Replacing that group won't be easy, but their impact helped move Greenbrier East back in the right direction and established a standard for the players who follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at James Monroe<br>9/4: vs Woodrow Wilson<br>9/11: at Alleghany Highlands (VA)<br>9/18: at Midland Trail<br>9/25: at Winfield<br>10/2: at Shady Spring<br>10/16: vs Nicholas County<br>10/23: vs Bluefield<br>10/30: vs Ripley<br>11/6: vs Independence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>6-5 (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>Greenbrier East enters 2026 facing a much different challenge after graduating a senior class that had become the backbone of the program. Several key returners provide a foundation to build around, but the Spartans will need many younger players to step into larger roles as they replace production across the roster. In many ways, this group resembles the one that began the climb a few years ago, with talented underclassmen expected to gain valuable experience through the season. There could be some growing pains along the way, but if those young players develop as expected, Greenbrier East should be well-positioned to make another push toward playoff contention 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":["1695972"],"_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>Greenbrier East will lean on 2027 LB/RB Keshawn Bland to lead the defense after an impressive junior season and could see an offensive role as a senior. Bland brings outstanding size and athleticism to the linebacker position, giving the Spartans a physical presence in the middle of the defense and someone capable of making plays all over the field. As the team's top returning defender, he'll be counted on to help steady a young group that will feature several new faces this fall. With another offseason of development behind him, Bland has all the tools to put together a standout senior season and generate continued recruiting attention and postseason accolades. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20886149/68da95ce364a4eed0dac8401u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5f811226450"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2251484"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new quarterback will appreciate having a reliable target like 2027 TE/ATH Braylen Godfrey lining up on the outside this season. Godfrey possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism with his 6'5 215 frame, giving Greenbrier East a matchup problem in the passing game and a player capable of bringing down 50/50 balls consistently. A standout on the basketball court, his athletic upside has already drawn college football attention with offers from WV State and Concord despite having no football film available. If he puts together the senior season many expect, Godfrey has the potential to emerge as one of the bigger breakout players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Braylen_Godfrey/status/2069870044318724464","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/Braylen_Godfrey/status/2069870044318724464 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111892"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new era begins under center with 2029 QB Sam Gabbert expected to take over the Spartans' offense after spending last season learning behind multi-year starter Brody Hamric. While still early in his development, the Spartans believe Gabbert has the makeup to grow into the position and lead the program moving forward. He'll likely experience the normal ups and downs that come with a first season as a varsity quarterback, but each week should provide valuable experience as he settles into the starting role. If his development continues on its current trajectory, Gabbert has the potential to become a cornerstone of Greenbrier East's future over the next several seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20358142/68a34b9224539a05b9cf5073u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5f811226ce7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danny Butler - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dravin Ambler - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Trout - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Tomlinson - 2028 TE/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Stewart Jr - 2028 TE/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DP Seams - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Austin Whitt - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peyton Ervin - 2030 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Godby - 2030 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeremiah Marshall - 2030 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->