2026 Team Preview: Elkins Tigers

<!-- 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 Logan Beam - LB Jayden Harding - TE Preston Eversole</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elkins finished 7-4 in 2025, with its season ending in a hard-fought 13-10 loss to a talented Spring Valley team in the opening round of the Class AAA playoffs. The Tigers graduated a small senior class led by top rusher Logan Beam, but much of the production from their Wing-T offense returns, helping soften that loss. Just as importantly, Elkins secured back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the 2011 and 2012 seasons, another sign the program continues to move in the right direction under head coach Chad Ware. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Lincoln<br>9/4: at Moorefield<br>9/11: vs Lewis County<br>9/18: at Buckhannon-Upshur<br>9/25: vs Philip Barbour<br>10/2: at Grafton<br>10/9: vs North Marion<br>10/23: at Fairmont Senior<br>10/30: at Brooke<br>11/6: vs Preston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>7-4 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elkins returns the bulk of its roster and production from last season, putting the Tigers in a strong position to build on last year's playoff appearance. The backfield should again be the strength of the offense with Jaden Hatfield and Seth Robinson providing a pair of complementary playmakers who bring different styles to the Wing-T attack. Up front, Elkins has the size and physicality to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, giving the Tigers the foundation they've built their success around. With so much continuity returning, expect Elkins to be back in the playoff mix and capable of taking another step by making a deeper postseason run.</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":["864596"],"_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>Jaden Hatfield gives Elkins a home-run threat every time he touches the football. One of the fastest players in the state, Hatfield's track speed translates directly to Friday nights, allowing him to turn the corner and break free for explosive runs. He'll thrive in the Tigers' Wing-T attack as a senior after a year adjusting to it, where his explosiveness creates big-play potential every carry. Hatfield also put together an impressive offseason on the camp circuit, reinforcing what shows up on film. Most weeks, he'll be the best athlete on the field and a player opposing defenses must account for on every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19819164/69a70f85741fa267c9d0dc6cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a510919aed81"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326532"],"_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 OL/DL Owen Stanley will be one of the anchors of Elkins' line on both sides of the ball this season. Stanley brings the size and strength to control the line of scrimmage, making him a difficult matchup whether he's opening running lanes or plugging them. His two-way value is a major asset for the Tigers, providing stability in the trenches and allowing Elkins to maintain its physical identity throughout the game. As one of the veteran leaders returning up front, Stanley will have a big hand in the Tigers' pursuit of another playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7116960/6915e5ac88338633aaafc4b8u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a510919aede3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155298"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 RB Seth Robinson enters his senior season as one of the steady forces behind Elkins' Wing-T attack. The 6'1 215 back brings a strong blend of size, balance, and athleticism, making him difficult to bring down in the open field while also being capable of grinding out tough yards between the tackles. Robinson has developed into a reliable producer who understands the rhythm of the Tigers' offense and consistently keeps drives moving. His running style complements Jaden Hatfield well, giving Elkins two backs with contrasting strengths that force defenses to prepare for multiple looks. With the experience returning around him, Robinson should remain one of the focal points of an offense that expects to be among the better rushing attacks in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26364271/691d92bf2727ce863ba29968u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a510919aee30"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2196069"],"_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>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the new faces to know at Elkins is 2027 QB/ATH Cyrus Kump, who transfers in from Moorefield. Kump brings an impressive 6'4 215 frame and is set to take over the Tigers' offense this fall at quarterback. His arrival gives Elkins another dimension at quarterback and could allow the Tigers to open up the passing game while still staying true to their Wing-T roots. As he settles into his new team, Kump has a chance to become an important piece of another playoff contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/CyrusKump2/status/2071432840219107553","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://x.com/CyrusKump2/status/2071432840219107553 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125763"],"_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>2028 WR/DB Xavier Workman gives Elkins versatility heading into the season. While the Tigers' Wing-T offense doesn't generate a high volume of passing opportunities, Workman made the most of his chances and showed the ball skills to be a dangerous target when called upon. His biggest impact came in the secondary, where he recorded 55 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Workman has the length and athleticism to influence the game in multiple ways, and Elkins will look to capitalize on that versatility throughout his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24426081/68ea64947c078622d778fc9du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a510919aeea8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2202690"],"_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-6a510919aeed5"} --> <!-- 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>Elkins has another dependable piece up front in 2028 OL/DL Isaac Workman. The junior fits the Tigers' Wing-T offense well, showing the mobility to get out on pulls and the physicality to thrive in a run-first system. He's just as capable of contributing on the defensive side, giving Elkins another experienced lineman who can impact the game in multiple ways. Workman should play a key role in helping the Tigers maintain one of the more physical fronts in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23187206/696aa1a4fb12e3b0d601099bu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a510919aeeea"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devin Hulver - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tony Silvester - 2028 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dyer Barger - 2028 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->