2026 Team Preview: Keyser Golden Tornado

<!-- 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/LB Grayson Lambka - DB Camden Owens - DL Ian Braithwaite - LB Owen Rotruck - K Tommy Nash</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keyser put together a successful season in 2025, finishing 7-4 and earning a trip to the postseason. The Golden Tornado saw their season come to an end with a hard-fought 42-31 loss to a talented North Marion squad, but the year reinforced that Keyser remains one of the more competitive programs in Class AAA. Replacing workhorse RB/LB Grayson Lambka will be no easy task after everything he contributed on both sides of the ball, but the overall senior class was relatively small, which could ease their transition into this season. With much of the roster returning, the Golden Tornado have a solid foundation to build on heading into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: at Berkley Springs<br>9/4: at Lewis County<br>9/11: at Robert C. Byrd<br>9/18: vs Petersburg<br>9/25: vs Hampshire<br>10/2: vs Weir<br>10/16: vs Allegany (MD)<br>10/23: at Moorefield<br>10/30: vs Mountain Ridge<br>11/6: at Frankfort</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>7-4 (Playoffs Round One)<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>Keyser enters 2026 in a good position to build on last season's success. The Golden Tornado's Wing-T offense continues to provide a strong foundation, allowing the program to reload year after year by putting players in positions to succeed. While replacing the production of Grayson Lambka won't fall on one player, Keyser has several capable ball carriers ready for larger workloads and the depth to keep the ground game productive. Senior QB/ATH Addison Brafford returns to operate the offense, giving the Golden Tornado an experienced leader to keep everything running smoothly. If the new faces settle into their expanded responsibilities, Keyser has the pieces to remain in the AAA playoff picture.</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":["1589140"],"_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 Golden Tornado have one of Class AAA's most versatile playmakers returning in 2027 QB/ATH Addison Brafford. Brafford is the catalyst for Keyser's Wing-T offense, finishing last season with 1,738 all-purpose yards and 23 total touchdowns. He completed 41/85 passes for 863 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 775 rushing yards and 11 more scores on the ground, consistently finding ways to move the chains and create explosive plays. His athleticism gives Keyser the flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways, and his experience operating the offense will be invaluable as they replace several key contributors. Brafford's long-term position at the college level remains open, but his versatility and production should continue to generate interest from college coaches throughout his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19659789/691e6390c047e2e5a58f6913u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d53508"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624361"],"_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>One player who looks ready for a much larger workload is 2028 RB/DB Dominik Crawford. With the graduation of Grayson Lambka, Crawford has a great opportunity to emerge as Keyser's next featured ball carrier after showing flashes of his ability over the past two seasons. He's a well-built, physical runner who has already demonstrated the versatility to contribute at running back, receiver, and defensive back, giving the Golden Tornado another athlete capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. The experience he gained in a complementary role should prepare him for increased carries this fall, and if he embraces that responsibility, Crawford has all the tools to become one of the breakout running backs in WV.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22576317/6932fd6faf641c02818fbf40u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d5359b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1701489"],"_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>A healthy season from 2028 LB/RB Cole Holland could make a big difference for Keyser. Holland was limited to just five games as a sophomore, but the 6'0 200 linebacker has all the tools to become one of the Golden Tornado's top performers this fall. He's a physical, downhill defender who plays with the toughness and instincts to control the middle of the defense, and his size makes him well-suited for Keyser's physical style of football. Holland is also expected to contribute in their Wing-T backfield, giving the Golden Tornado another dependable option to help replace last year's production. If he can stay on the field, don't be surprised if Holland puts together one of the bigger stock-rising seasons in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22999525/69a5eee6eb26ffa089f54889u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d5360b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253306"],"_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>An under-the-radar player who could be in line for a breakout season is 2028 DL Wesley Hahn. After gaining valuable varsity experience as a sophomore, Hahn enters the offseason with a chance to take a significant step forward as he continues to develop physically. Added size and strength should allow him to be even more effective at the point of attack, and his versatility gives Keyser the option to use him on either side of the line of scrimmage. Hahn consistently plays with a high motor and works to the football, traits that should translate into increased production as his technique and fundamentals continue to improve. He has a real opportunity to establish himself as an important piece of both the offensive and defensive fronts this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22205069/693c29a96435a5b055e8634du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d5366d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253305"],"_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>2028 WR/DB Rio Simone put together a quality sophomore season and looks poised to take another step forward this fall. Despite his youth, Simone handled himself well as a varsity corner, competing with confidence and showing he could hold his own against older competition. He's a scrappy defender who isn't afraid to come downhill and support the run and short passes, consistently breaking down well in space and finishing tackles. As he continues to gain experience and polish his coverage skills, Simone has the potential to become an even bigger factor in the secondary. He's another important piece of Keyser's talented 2028 class and someone the Golden Tornado can continue building around over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22744792/693c3df9ee20cbea2d742674u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d536cc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2253307"],"_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>2028 LB Ryan Swingle proved he belonged on the varsity field during his sophomore season, earning meaningful time at outside linebacker and making the most of his opportunities. While he may not be the biggest defender on the field, Swingle consistently outplays his size with his athleticism, effort, and instincts. He does a good job setting the edge and maintaining outside contain, but also has the quickness to attack downhill, pressure the quarterback, and chase plays down from the backside. With another offseason of development and added strength, Swingle is in a good position to build on last year's production and become an even more reliable piece of Keyser's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23283577/695ff1c8fa1d6072c74c8101u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a61d07d5372a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zeke Eye - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maddox Tysinger - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->