2026 WV Team Preview: Huntington Highlanders

<!-- 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: QB/ATH Tayveon Wilson - OL Mason Ramsey - OL Caleb Parlier - OL Aryn McPherson - DL Max Bohren - LB Bryce Winkfield - DL Braxton Mount </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntington finished the 2025 season with a 9-3 record, advancing to the Class AAAA state semifinals before falling to an emerging University squad. The Highlanders' record included a pair of challenging out-of-state losses, but they once again proved to be one of West Virginia's top programs with another deep playoff run. They graduated several high-level contributors, particularly in the trenches, creating some important holes to fill this offseason. Despite those losses, Huntington returns the bulk of its skill talent and enters 2026 with another roster capable of competing near the top of Class AAAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at George Rogers (KY)<br>9/11: at Spring Valley<br>9/18: at Hurricane<br>9/25: at Woodrow Wilson<br>10/2: vs Capital<br>10/9: at Parkersburg<br>10/16: vs George Washington<br>10/23: vs Parkersburg South<br>10/30: at Cabell Midland<br>11/6: vs Herbert Hoover</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>9-3 (Playoff Semifinals)<br><strong>2026 Prediction:</strong> 10-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SEASON OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntington once again has the pieces to contend for a Class AAAA state championship despite graduating several key starters in the trenches. Replacing that experience up front will be the biggest challenge, but few programs in the state develop offensive and defensive linemen as consistently as the Highlanders. A promising sophomore in [player_tooltip player_id='1581941' first='Marek' last='Midkiff'] takes over at quarterback with an experienced and talented group of skill players around him, giving the offense plenty of firepower. If the new faces up front settle in quickly, Huntington has every opportunity to be playing in Charleston with a chance to bring home another state title.</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":["1260046"],"_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-6a46def0c89bb"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1260046' first='Donte' last='Newsome'] will once again be one of the focal points of the Highlanders' offense and defense after proving he can impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether it's carrying the football, making plays as a receiver, or contributing defensively, Newsome's versatility gives Huntington one of the most dynamic weapons in Class AAAA. With a new quarterback taking over, expect the Highlanders to lean on their top playmakers early, and Newsome has the ability to change a game every time he touches the ball. His all-around skill set will be a major reason Huntington enters the season as one of the favorites to reach Charleston.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22270824/69113b769b365dab526deee7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a9566da"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["863631"],"_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-6a46def0c8ab4"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington LB [player_tooltip player_id='863631' first='Ilias' last='King'] enters his senior season as the leader of the Highlanders' defense after a breakout junior campaign. One of the top linebackers in the state, King brings a physical presence to the middle of the defense and thrives attacking downhill against the run. His ability to control the box allows Huntington's defense to play fast around him, making him one of the unit's most important pieces. With another year of experience under his belt, expect King to build on last season and once again be among the state's most productive linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19797750/69109fa4626691989132d968u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a956793"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272661"],"_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-6a46def0c8b1c"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington TE/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1272661' first='Antonyo' last='Paschall'] has been one of the Highlanders' most important two-way players, and that won't change during his senior season. Whether he's lined up at tight end creating mismatches or making plays along the defensive front, Paschall gives Huntington production in multiple phases of the game. His ability to impact both sides of the ball allows the Highlanders to keep one of their best athletes on the field as much as possible. Expect Paschall to remain one of the steady, reliable players that Huntington leans on every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21536904/69a5b7aad96be6ec3fa69402u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a9567e2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272161"],"_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-6a46def0c8b7c"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington DL [player_tooltip player_id='1272161' first='Jeremiah' last='Lyles'] returns as one of the anchors of the Highlanders' defensive front heading into his senior season. A steady, reliable presence in the trenches, Lyles has developed into one of Huntington's top returning players and has started drawing college attention this offseason. While his primary impact comes on defense, he also has the versatility to step in along the offensive line if needed. With the Highlanders replacing several experienced linemen, expect Lyles to take on an even greater leadership role up front this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19715363/6930990acc386d237961841au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a956824"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1330188"],"_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-6a46def0c8c08"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington OL [player_tooltip player_id='1330188' first='Collin' last='Gadd'] will be one of the leaders of a retooled offensive line after returning as one of just two starters from last season. As the lone returning senior up front, Gadd's experience will be invaluable as the Highlanders work several new faces into the lineup. His play has already started to draw college attention this offseason, with offers beginning to come in. If Huntington's offensive line comes together quickly, Gadd's leadership and consistency will be a major reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20222112/697c136963695cb4e984c606u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a956866"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1334981"],"_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-6a46def0c8c73"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington LB [player_tooltip player_id='1334981' first='CJ' last='Quinn'] gives the Highlanders another proven playmaker at linebacker alongside [player_tooltip player_id='863631' first='Ilias' last='King'], forming one of the stronger duos in Class AAAA. After totaling 80 tackles and 8 TFLs as a junior, Quinn enters his senior season with the experience and confidence to build on that production. His ability to play inside or outside gives Huntington flexibility, while his downhill style and pass-rushing ability allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. With the Highlanders replacing experience up front, Quinn's presence behind the line will be even more important this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26765792/69307ecb534259fcb9f79cf1u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a9568a9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1708425"],"_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-6a46def0c8d5b"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington DB [player_tooltip player_id='1708425' first='Dreydon' last='Barber'] has all the tools to be one of the Highlanders' breakout players this season. Limited to just six games as a junior, Barber still flashed the athleticism and physicality that make him an intriguing piece in the secondary. He thrives playing closer to the line of scrimmage, giving Huntington another defender capable of making plays against the run while providing support in coverage. With a healthy senior season ahead, expect Barber to take a significant step forward and become a bigger factor for the Highlanders' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19715385/6904c6b2ab529b1a0ee5c3ebu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a9568eb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624328"],"_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-6a46def0c8df9"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1624328' first='Travon' last='Okonkwo'] returns looking to pick up where he left off before an injury cut his sophomore season short. He had emerged as a powerful, big-bodied option in the backfield and played a major role in several of the Highlanders' biggest wins before being sidelined. With a full offseason to get healthy, Okonkwo gives Huntington another physical playmaker alongside an already talented group of skill players. If he can stay on the field, don't be surprised to see him put together one of the bigger breakout seasons in Class AAAA and draw attention from some big college programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23007791/69036e2d8b3e5d2214718f8du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a95692d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624358"],"_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-6a46def0c8ed1"} --> <!-- 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>2028 Huntington RB [player_tooltip player_id='1624358' first='Mayshaun' last='Okonkwo'] gives the Highlanders another explosive weapon in an offense loaded with playmakers. After rushing for 995 yards and 7 TDs while averaging 10.7 yards per carry as a sophomore, Okonkwo enters the season ready for an even larger role in the backfield. Every touch has the potential to become a big play, and his speed adds another dimension to an already dangerous rushing attack. With Huntington breaking in a new quarterback, expect Okonkwo to be heavily involved as one of the offense's most explosive options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22745284/695d52623156a0af317d00cfu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a95696e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221856"],"_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-6a46def0c8e63"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington OL [player_tooltip player_id='1221856' first='Tyler' last='Avery'] returns as one of the cornerstones of a reloaded offensive line after gaining valuable varsity starting experience as a sophomore. The biggest body in the unit, Avery gives the Highlanders a physical presence up front and enters the season with a D1 offer from Grambling State already in hand. As Huntington replaces several starters in the trenches, Avery will be counted on to help lead the next group while continuing to build on a good sophomore campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22546373/68f12e43db3d6f718dafe513u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a47d7a9569b0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2141718"],"_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-6a46def0c8f35"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2141718' first='Johnathan' last='Garrett'] adds another playmaker to an already deep group of skill players for the Highlanders. After an impressive offseason that included a strong showing at 7v7 events, Garrett enters the season with the chance to carve out a larger role on both sides of the ball. His athleticism and playmaking ability give Huntington another option at receiver while also providing depth in the secondary. As the season progresses, don't be surprised if Garrett becomes another reliable weapon in an offense loaded with explosive athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1329943"],"_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-6a46def0c8f9a"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington WR [player_tooltip player_id='1329943' first='Kellen' last='Rife'] is one of the next young playmakers ready to emerge for the Highlanders. After flashing at both the varsity and JV levels as a freshman, Rife enters the season with the opportunity to earn a much larger role in an already talented receiving corps. His strong offseason, highlighted by an impressive showing at 7v7 events, reinforced why there's excitement surrounding his future. As Huntington breaks in a new quarterback, Rife could quickly become another dependable target and one of the breakout sophomores to watch in Class AAAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kellen_rife/status/1985552316469297513","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/kellen_rife/status/1985552316469297513 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581941"],"_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-6a46def0c9030"} --> <!-- 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 Huntington QB [player_tooltip player_id='1581941' first='Marek' last='Midkiff'] steps into one of the biggest roles in Class AAAA as the Highlanders' new starting quarterback. Taking over as a sophomore is never easy, but Midkiff will be surrounded by one of the state's deepest groups of skill players, giving him plenty of weapons as he settles into the offense. He's shown encouraging progress through JV action, limited varsity experience, and a strong offseason, and now gets the opportunity to put it all together on Friday nights. How quickly Midkiff adjusts to the starting role could go a long way in determining Huntington's offensive ceiling this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MakMidkiff2029/status/2067631521649877147","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/MakMidkiff2029/status/2067631521649877147 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Burcham - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gaige McClellan - 2028 DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tommy Conner IV - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TC Vaughn - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608448' first='Jaxson' last='Seals'] - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716389' first='Esau' last='Johnson'] - 2029 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1957200' first='Khyren' last='Chandler'] - 2029 DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112427' first='Xavier' last='Smailes'] - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2230243' first='Caiden' last='Davis'] - 2029 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136600' first='Tyler' last='Long'] - 2029 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Osyrus Moore - 2029 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->