2026 Team Preview: Wheeling Park 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: RB Brennan Wack - LB Nolan Yanchak - WR Owen Dobrzynski-Hines - DB Jed Hunley - OL/DL Reuben Rouse - OL/DL Kam Dietrich - OL/DL Kayden Fortney - OL/DL Kayden Coyle - RB/DB Isaac Sands - LB Briar Works - OL Liam Waldeck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeling Park put together another quality season in 2025, finishing 7-5 and advancing to the Class AAAA quarterfinals before falling 55-35 to Martinsburg. The Patriots leaned heavily on standout running back Brennan Wack throughout the past two seasons, and his graduation to Yale marks the departure of one of the program's most productive players in school history. Wheeling Park also says goodbye to an impactful senior class that played a major role in the team's recent success, leaving several important positions to replace 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: at Parkersburg South<br>9/4: vs Spring Mills<br>9/11: at Musselman<br>9/18: at University<br>9/25: at St. Clairsville (OH) <br>10/2: vs Morgantown<br>10/9: vs Canfield (OH)<br>10/16: vs Jefferson<br>10/23: at Oak Hill<br>11/6: vs John Marshall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 7-5 (Playoff Quarterfinals)<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 Brennan Wack and the majority of the offensive line won't be an easy task, but Wheeling Park has consistently done a good job developing talent in the trenches. Expect the Patriots to rely on a running-back-by-committee approach rather than asking one player to replace Wack's production. With senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='658279' first='Jay' last='Bordas'] back under center, the offense also has a chance to look different this fall, putting greater emphasis on the passing game than in recent seasons. If the new pieces up front come together, Wheeling Park has enough returning talent to remain a Top 8 team in Class AAAA.</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":["658279"],"_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 QB [player_tooltip player_id='658279' first='Jay' last='Bordas'] gives Wheeling Park an experienced leader back under center after another productive season directing the Patriots' offense. Bordas threw for 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior while helping lead an offense that relied heavily on the ground game. With standout running back Brennan Wack graduated, the passing attack will take on a larger role this fall, giving Bordas more opportunities to showcase his arm and command of the offense. Already ranked as the state's #2 quarterback in the 2027 class, he'll be a key reason Wheeling Park expects to remain among the top teams in Class AAAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19476177/692a21c8ee61bcc45223fe8eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc9016"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616261"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 TE/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1616261' first='Preston' last='Heatherington'] returns as Wheeling Park's leading receiver from a season ago after finishing with 350 yards and a touchdown as a junior. While we project him as a tight end at the next level, he'll continue giving the Patriots a bigger target in the passing game this fall. With several changes around the offense and an increased emphasis on throwing the ball, Heatherington should see plenty of opportunities to expand his production. Don't be surprised if his name is mentioned much more often by the end of his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19882235/69231e8e776090401cce1095u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc91ad"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272162"],"_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-6a4e5f2db605f"} --> <!-- 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>2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1272162' first='Akeem' last='Davis'] returns as one of the more expereinced players on Wheeling Park's defensive front after putting together a quality junior season. Davis gained national attention with his viral pick-six, but there was plenty more to his season than just one highlight. He gives the Patriots a big, physical presence in the middle and should be counted on to anchor the defensive line throughout his senior year. With another offseason behind him, Davis is in a good position to build on last year's success and bring in college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19881627/692bb810733bfca19ff7d2a8u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc9313"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2091009"],"_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>With Nolan Yanchak graduated, 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2091009' first='Quentin' last='Scott'] is in line to take on a much bigger role in the middle of Wheeling Park's defense. Scott gained valuable experience alongside one of the state's top linebackers and now has the chance to lead a position group that has been a strength of the program for years. He brings good size, moves well, and plays an aggressive brand of football that fits what the Patriots want from their linebackers. Scott has the traits to attract college attention, and a productive senior season could elevate his recruiting stock while helping anchor Wheeling Park's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19882030/68b9b357957cdbb717792711u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc9473"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855612"],"_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 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1855612' first='Michael' last='Neider'] gives Wheeling Park another experienced starter back in the secondary after putting together a strong junior campaign. A two-year starter, Neider has developed into a steady presence on the back end and earned his way into the state rankings with his play last season. He consistently puts himself in good position and gives the Patriots a corner they can trust in coverage. Another strong year should keep him on the radar of college programs, with D2 and D3 schools both worth watching as his recruitment develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19881743/693ee5b8f56a71fc48ddd697u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc95db"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1880866"],"_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>2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1880866' first='Jake' last='Franke'] gives Wheeling Park another experienced defender back along the defensive front after making the most of his opportunities last season. Franke earned his way into the state rankings by consistently producing in a talented rotation and showing a knack for getting into the backfield. He'll be in line for an even bigger role as a senior, giving the Patriots another reliable pass rusher to build around up front. Franke also remains a player worth following on the recruiting trail, with D3 programs likely to continue evaluating him throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19882066/68dc133761250f60ec94228eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc973d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2243692"],"_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-6a4e5f2db6019"} --> <!-- 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>2027 K [player_tooltip player_id='2243692' first='Jacob' last='Robinson'] could take on a much larger role for Wheeling Park following graduation losses on special teams. Robinson handled kickoff duties last season, averaging 45 yards per kick with 11 touchbacks, and now finds himself in the mix for both the punting and place kicking jobs. His 6'5 200 frame gives him intriguing long-term potential, with the size and leg strength colleges like to see in specialists. Robinson is one of the more under-the-radar players on the roster and could quietly become an important part of the Patriots' success this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19881187/69e2fd62d52c73a76ac17f13u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc989d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1652645"],"_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-6a4e5f2db60c5"} --> <!-- 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>2027 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1652645' first='Logan' last='Wilson'] is another senior who could see his responsibilities increase after spending the past two seasons providing depth for the Patriots. Wilson has put in the work at the JV level and looks ready to compete for a larger role on Friday nights this fall. As Wheeling Park replaces an experienced senior class, he'll have the chance to make his presence felt on defense to fill some voids left by some high-impact players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19881708/6925d333cb5d1c8c80b1c579u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc99fb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624397"],"_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-6a4e67dbc9b81"} --> <!-- 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>2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1624397' first='Jeremy' last='Porter'] is one of the few returning linemen with varsity experience after working his way into Wheeling Park's rotation last season. His 6'5 340 frame immediately stands out and has already helped him earn an early offer from Glenville State. While there isn't game film available to evaluate yet, Porter has all the physical traits to become a highly intriguing prospect as he develops. With many openings up front, he'll have a great opportunity to establish himself as a key part of the Patriots' offensive line this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PorterJere30959/status/2014762853798998524","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/PorterJere30959/status/2014762853798998524 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112436"],"_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-6a4e67dbc9cf7"} --> <!-- 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 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2112436' first='William' last='Burger'] gives Wheeling Park one of the more intriguing young linemen in the state thanks to a frame that's hard to find at the high school level. Already checking in at 6'6 290, Burger picked up an early offer from Glenville State and has the physical tools that naturally attract college attention. With varsity opportunities expected to increase this season, he'll have the chance to gain valuable experience against AAAA competition. As Burger continues growing into his frame and developing athletically, he has the potential to become a major piece of Wheeling Park's offensive line over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/i-6ojPVLI3c?si=fmF4OkMO19m3Cq8o","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/i-6ojPVLI3c?si=fmF4OkMO19m3Cq8o </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1736010"],"_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-6a4e67dbc9e47"} --> <!-- 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 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1736010' first='Cailiek' last='Demello'] is another sophomore expected to carve out a larger role for Wheeling Park. Demello could see varsity time at both receiver and linebacker with a running back background as well. His 6'1 190 frame gives the Patriots plenty of options as he continues to grow into his game, wherever he ultimately settles. Demello is a name to watch as Wheeling Park continues developing one of the better young athletes in the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24172325/697c5fda562543c645b22680u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4e67dbc9efc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Austin Eikey - 2027 DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nate Hodge - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maddox Richards - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tatum Justice - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxson Updegraff - 2028 TE/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Neal - 2029 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->