2026 Team Preview: East Fairmont Bees

<!-- 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 Gavin Murphey - DL Larry Nichols - K Karson Church - RB/LB Adrian Fleming - ATH Anthony Corwin </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Fairmont endured a rebuilding season in 2025, finishing 3-7 and missing the Class AAA playoffs. While the record wasn't what the Bees had hoped for, there were still encouraging signs throughout the season from several returning players who gained valuable experience. That foundation gives East Fairmont something to build on as it looks to work its way back toward the level of play that produced a successful 2022 &amp; 2023 campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/27: vs North Marion<br>9/4: vs Grafton<br>9/11: at Bridgeport<br>9/18: vs Lewis County<br>9/25: at Preston<br>10/2: vs Robert C. Byrd<br>10/9: vs Lincoln County<br>10/16: at Buckhannon-Upshur<br>10/29: vs Philip Barbour<br>11/6: at Fairmont Senior</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>3-7<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>East Fairmont returns a large portion of its core from last season, with a relatively small senior class leaving behind plenty of experienced players for 2026. The Bees have talent at every level of the roster and should benefit from the continuity that comes with so many returning contributors. The next step will be finding a few more players who can consistently create big plays and swing close games. If that happens, East Fairmont has the pieces to get back to .500.</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":["1154942"],"_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>The tone in the trenches starts with 2027 OL/DL Chris Garlow for the Bees. A multi-year starter and East Fairmont's top college prospect, Garlow brings the size, strength, and physicality every offense wants leading the way. He's a technically sound lineman who finishes blocks and plays with an edge, while also making his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. With Glenville State offering this offseason, don't be surprised if more D2 programs join the mix as he puts together another strong season as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16419192/697666ef6b510df37516dde3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a50162fa9239"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1271744"],"_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 LB/FB Kaeden Barr is a player East Fairmont will lean on heavily this season. Barr brings a strong, physical build to the middle of the defense and plays with the downhill mentality coaches want from their linebackers. He'll also contribute offensively as a fullback/H-back, giving the Bees another tough, unselfish player. With an important role on both sides of the ball, Barr has an opportunity to put together a very productive senior season and earn college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17557292/69f95bdf9f5182dbafbbb2efu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a50162fa92df"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125761"],"_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>East Fairmont has one of the better returning playmakers in the 2028 class with WR/DB Jaxson Heskett. Heskett earned All-Conference honors after a strong sophomore season and gives the Bees a reliable target who can impact the game at every level of the passing game. Whether working underneath to move the chains or stretching the field vertically, he consistently found ways to get open and make plays with the football in his hands. Heskett is just as valuable on the defensive side, giving East Fairmont a proven two-way contributor as the Bees look to climb back into the playoff picture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22967172/6939e178f73131d7c8fa39b0u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a50162fa935e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624416"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the players to watch this season for the Bees is 2028 OL/DL Miles Kidder. After spending much of last year on the JV level, Kidder has put himself in position to compete for a starting job on both sides of the line. He has the size and physical tools East Fairmont looks for in the trenches, and the Bees are hopeful that translates into production on Friday nights. If Kidder makes the jump we expect, he'll give East Fairmont another quality player up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17286214/6a18f4143f3fa66bf5b8d3afu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a50162fa93c4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716500"],"_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>East Fairmont has an exciting young athlete to watch in 2029 RB/LB Jahmier Hardesty. After a strong freshman season on the JV team, Hardesty looks ready to compete for varsity snaps and bring another burst of speed to the roster. His athleticism stands out whether he's carrying the football or tracking plays down on defense, giving the Bees another versatile option to work into the lineup. As his opportunities increase, Hardesty has the tools to become an impact player over the next three seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23223179/69a1aba43f6009dbc91134f9u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a50162fa9429"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trent Culp - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Connor Wilson - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Brunett - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan Eakle - 2028 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Weslee Heflin - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Forrest Gober - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->