2026 WV Team Preview: Cabell Midland Knights

<!-- 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 Brad Edens - LB Turner Bailey - OL Caleb Ash</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabell Midland finished the 2025 season with a 1-9 record, but the final mark doesn't fully reflect how competitive the Knights were throughout the year. A coaching change, combined with the loss of many high-impact transfer departures, left the program in rebuilding mode. Despite the challenges, Cabell Midland remained competitive in several contests and gained valuable experience with a younger roster. The good news is that only a small senior class graduated, allowing many starters to return for 2026. After using last season as a foundation, the Knights are in a much better position to take a step forward this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Oak Hill<br>9/4: at Capital<br>9/11: vs George Washington<br>9/18: vs Spring Valley<br>9/25: at Hurricane<br>10/9: at Woodrow Wilson <br>10/16: vs Parkersburg<br>10/23: vs John Marshall<br>10/30: vs Huntington<br>11/6: vs Parkersburg South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>1-9<br><strong>2026 Prediction:</strong> 6-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SEASON OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabell Midland is one of the more improved teams in Class AAAA entering the 2026 season. The Knights return a veteran roster with several players now carrying multiple years of varsity experience after being thrown into the fire during last year's rebuilding campaign. Their schedule features a number of winnable games, giving Cabell Midland a legitimate opportunity to climb the standings. Expect the Knights to be a much tougher matchup every Friday night, and if they can capitalize on a few of the season's 50/50 games, earning a home playoff game is well within reach.</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":["1185571"],"_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-6a45638b2a2b6"} --> <!-- 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>Army commit Keian Shelton enters his senior season as one of the premier prospects in West Virginia, checking in as our #1 TE and a Top 10 player in the 2027 class. The 6'5 standout enjoyed a breakout offseason on the recruiting trail before committing to Army, validating the upside he showed throughout his junior campaign. Shelton possesses a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility, giving Cabell Midland a difference-maker as both a pass-catching tight end and disruptive defensive lineman. He'll once again be the focal point for opposing defenses, but don't expect that to slow him down. Shelton has all the tools to finish his high school career with his best season yet while leading the Knights' resurgence in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18282287/691c91fc5676cd9403bc7716u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a465"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920539"],"_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-6a45638b2a49f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabell Midland's defense will once again be led by one of the state's top defensive prospects in 2027 EDGE Eli Thompson. Ranked as our #1 EDGE and a Top 15 prospect in the 2027 class, Thompson enters his senior season after multiple years of productive varsity football. He has the 6'3 225 size and athleticism to impact the game in a variety of ways, whether rushing off the edge, standing up at linebacker, or sliding inside in certain situations. His combination of length, strength, and versatility makes him one of the most difficult defenders to account for in Class AAAA. Thompson has already established himself as the leader of the Knights' defense and is poised for another standout season while continuing to attract college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18285492/6971153b2972f4d7108797e3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a4b3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154944"],"_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-6a45638b2a4d5"} --> <!-- 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>Braeden Armstead has been a steady presence on Cabell Midland's offensive line for multiple seasons and enters his senior year as one of the top returning linemen in Class AAAA. Ranked among our Top 10 offensive linemen in the 2027 class, Armstead has continued to develop since first catching our attention as a freshman. He anchors the line at center, where he sets the tone with his physicality and consistently finishes blocks in the run game. As Cabell Midland looks to build on last season, Armstead will once again be a key piece up front and a prospect college coaches should continue to monitor throughout the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19548872/69113b4c74301bea69fb4b94u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a4e5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616160"],"_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-6a45638b2a503"} --> <!-- 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>Andrew LaFon returns as one of the more versatile players in Class AAAA and one of the state's top specialists. Ranked as our #2 kicker in the 2027 class, LaFon earned a Concord and Glenville State offer after a strong junior season that showcased both his consistency and leg strength. His value extends well beyond special teams, however, as he's expected to line up at running back, wide receiver, and defensive back while once again handling the Knights' kicking duties. Few players will be asked to contribute in as many ways this season, making LaFon one of the most important pieces of Cabell Midland's roster and a prospect college coaches should check out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16748006/68dbc69e3569737c6b7f42a0u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a512"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1589349"],"_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-6a45638b2a530"} --> <!-- 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 Cabell Midland OL Aiden Estep has quietly developed into a dependable linemen in Class AAAA over the past two seasons. Ranked among our Top 20 offensive linemen in the 2027 class, Estep has continued to improve each year and enters his senior season as a key piece of Cabell Midland's success in the trenches. His steady development and consistency have made him an under-the-radar prospect despite producing quality film against strong competition. With another productive season, Estep has a great opportunity to earn the college attention his play has warranted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19551033/6910f1f0626691989133239fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a53e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2232902"],"_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-6a45638b2a55b"} --> <!-- 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 Cabell Midland ATH Brody Mabry could be one of the biggest risers in West Virginia by the end of the 2026 season. The 6'5 220 athlete has very little varsity film available, but the physical tools are impossible to ignore. Mabry projects extremely well as a tight end and has already turned heads during the Knights' 7v7 competition this offseason. If that momentum carries into Friday nights, he has the potential to emerge as another high-level prospect from Cabell Midland's program. Once Mabry puts together a full season of film, expect his recruitment to gain traction in a hurry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BrodyMabry1/status/2067787042071744884","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/BrodyMabry1/status/2067787042071744884 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225956"],"_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-6a45638b2a57b"} --> <!-- 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>Getting 2028 ATH Carson Christian back in the program was one of Cabell Midland's biggest offseason wins. After returning from Northwest (OH), the Top 5 prospect in the 2028 class gives the Knights another high-end athlete to build around as they continue trending upward. Christian has the versatility to contribute in several roles, and his presence adds another explosive element to a roster that returns plenty of experience. While he's still just entering his junior season, Christian has the talent to become a cornerstone of the program and a player opposing defenses must account for every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22731756/690f9e92d20be4fe96b64348u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a58a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221845"],"_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-6a45638b2a5a6"} --> <!-- 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 player poised for a much larger role in Cabell Midland's offense is 2028 Cabell Midland RB/FB Mason Bryant. The rising junior is expected to carry the load from the fullback position, bringing the physical, downhill running style that has long been a staple of the Knights' offense. Bryant has continued to develop since flashing as a sophomore and gives the offense another reliable option between the tackles while possessing enough athleticism to break off bigger runs. In a system that values tough, physical football, Bryant looks like a natural fit and could become an important piece of the Knights' offensive identity this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22737354/68da7639555cc2ed00efa284u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a5b4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1563300"],"_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-6a45638b2a5d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 Cabell Midland OL Grayson Tilley is already one of the building blocks of the Knights' future after earning a varsity starting job as a freshman. He backed that up with First Team All-MSAC honors, establishing himself as one of the top young offensive linemen in the state. Tilley brings the size, physicality, and athleticism to anchor Cabell Midland's offensive line for years to come, giving the Knights a dependable presence in the trenches. With three seasons still ahead of him, he has all the tools to develop into one of the premier offensive line prospects in West Virginia while helping lead the program's continued rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27139216/6923de706700aae655b94ddau0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a5de"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716375"],"_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-6a45638b2a5fa"} --> <!-- 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 Cabell Midland DB Zavion Beckett is another young player expected to build on an impressive freshman campaign. After earning All-MSAC honors, Beckett enters the season with valuable varsity experience and should continue to play a significant role in the Knights' secondary. His physical style of play and willingness to support against the run fit the identity Cabell Midland wants on defense, while another year of development should only make him more complete in coverage. The Knights have several promising underclassmen returning, and Beckett is firmly among the group they'll lean on as they continue moving the program forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27077437/68f03328a178211bc800af00u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a608"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111876"],"_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-6a45638b2a623"} --> <!-- 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 Cabell Midland ATH Tayten Nelson gained valuable varsity experience as a freshman and looks poised for an expanded role this fall. His versatility gives the Knights another athlete they can utilize in multiple phases of the game, adding depth and flexibility on both sides of the ball. Nelson may still be developing physically, but he has already shown the instincts and athletic ability to earn meaningful snaps. With another offseason under his belt, expect him to become a more consistent contributor as Cabell Midland continues to build around a talented young core.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/28052449/693d9cd16435a5b055e8ad22u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45638b2a630"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braylon Wing - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryson Smith - 2027 WR/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan Shull - 2028 QB/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Wortman - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bentley Meade - 2029 FB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Hayes - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brycen Wright - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rajan Thompson - 2030 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->