2026 Class A Preview: The North

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">CAMERON DRAGONS</h1>   Biggest Losses: QB/DB Kason Angel - OL/LB Carter Paczewski - LB Gunner Lilley - TE/DL Colin Magers - OL/DL Brody Hill   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Cameron brings back a strong core from last year's semifinal team, losing only a handful of seniors from a roster that gained plenty of postseason experience. Replacing QB/DB Kason Angel and standout LB Carter Paczewski will be the biggest holes to fill, but the Dragons have consistently found ways to reload when key players graduate. Their regular-season schedule should provide plenty of competition, with several quality opponents from both West Virginia and Ohio giving Cameron some valuable tests before the postseason. Health will be an important factor after injuries impacted the Dragons last year, but if they can keep their key players on the field, another deep playoff run will be within reach.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/27: at Clay-Battelle 9/4: vs Valley 9/18: vs River (OH) 9/25: at Tucker County 10/2: vs Bridgeport (OH) 10/9: at Frontier (OH) 10/16: vs Monroe Central (OH) 10/23: at Toronto (OH) 10/30: vs East Hardy 11/6: at Pendleton County   2025 Record: 8-4 (Playoff Semifinals) 2026 Prediction: 7-3   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 Cameron RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1154892' first='Marshall' last='Holland'] is coming off a monster junior season, and returns as one of the top running backs in Class A. Holland rushed for 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns, consistently showing the ability to keep plays alive and create yards after contact. His quick feet and natural feel for setting up defenders allow him to make the first tackler miss, and he has the toughness to keep driving through contact. Holland's combination of elusiveness and physical running makes him one of the biggest weapons Cameron has returning in 2026.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2028 Cameron WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2067954' first='Soier' last='Reed'] is stepping into a different role this season as the Dragons' new quarterback. Reed gives Cameron a plug-and-play athlete at the position after contributing in multiple areas as a sophomore, including 32 catches for 519 yards and four touchdowns while adding 43 tackles and three interceptions defensively. His ability as a runner should add another dimension to the offense, especially with his quickness and ability to make plays in space. Reed's versatility and athleticism will allow him to settle into the role quickly and could surprise teams with his arm. If he can make the transition seamlessly, Reed could have a big year for the Dragons in 2026.      RETURNING STANDOUT   A healthy 2028 Cameron LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='1583907' first='Talen' last='Brown'] will be a major factor for the Dragons in 2026 after battling through injuries last season. Brown made significant physical progress as a sophomore and looked natural moving to linebacker, where he can be a disruptive presence off the ball. Cameron also plans to get him plenty of touches at running back, giving Brown more opportunities on offense and utilizing one of their best athletes on that side of the ball. His physicality and athleticism make him a difficult player to account for on both sides of the ball in 2026 for opponents.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   Anthony Hall - 2027 OL/DL   Aikn Davis - 2027 WR/DB   [player_tooltip player_id='1624436' first='Griffen' last='Miller'] - 2028 RB/LB   Anthony Bellanco - 2028 OL/LB   Kaiden Chapman - 2028 OL/LB   Dawson Hill - 2028 OL/DL   Greysen Bonar - 2028 OL/DL   Maverick Lilley - 2028 WR/DB   Cale Winters - 2028 WR/LB   [player_tooltip player_id='2112408' first='Sterling' last='Reed'] - 2029 WR/DB   Austin Miller - 2029 ATH     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">CLAY-BATTELLE CEE-BEES</h1>   Biggest Losses: WR/DB Braden Ponceroff - OL/DL Kooper Statler - TE/DL Cooper Payton - WR/DB Colt Sandy - OL/DL Jaxon Huggins - WR/DB - Trey Huggins - OL/DL Cameron Mercer - OL/DL Alex Danser - WR/DB Tysen Price - OL [player_tooltip player_id='1615272' first='Zach' last='Gump'] (TR)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Clay-Battelle had a magical 2025 campaign, finishing 12-2 and reaching the Class A state championship game for the first time in school history. After opening the season with a loss to Cameron, the Cee-Bees rattled off 12 straight wins, carrying that momentum all the way to Charleston before falling to a very good Wheeling Central team in the title game. A lot of production and starting experience leaves with that senior class, but Clay-Battelle still brings back several impactful players from that runner-up team. The Cee-Bees may look different in 2026, but they should remain a tough out in Class A.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/27: vs Cameron 9/4: at Valley 9/18: vs Tucker County 9/25: vs Gilmer County 10/2: at Meadow Bridge 10/9: vs Richmond 10/16: at Tygarts Valley 10/23: vs Bridgeport (OH) 10/30: at Madonna 11/6: at Magnolia   2025 Record: 12-2 (State Runner-Ups) 2026 Prediction: 7-3   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   A strong junior season has 2027 Clay-Battelle WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2124381' first='Cody' last='Clovis'] ready for an even bigger year as a senior. Clovis earned Second Team All-State honors at defensive back while helping the Cee-Bees reach the state championship game, and his speed as a standout track athlete gives him another dimension on the football field. He has the length to make plays in the secondary and the athleticism and ball skills to be a dangerous weapon at receiver. Clovis will be one of the athletes Clay-Battelle leans on heavily in 2026, and another big year will put him in consideration for even more postseason recognition.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 Clay-Battelle ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1881425' first='Corey' last='Coen'] was the catalyst of the Cee-Bees' magical run to the state championship game last season. Coen is a natural playmaker at the position and a true dual-threat quarterback who beat teams with his arm and legs consistently last year. With several important pieces from last year's team no longer around, his ability to create explosive plays in multiple ways will be essential in 2026. Clay-Battelle will build its offense around him again and maximize his strengths. Coen will have another big year as a senior and has a great chance to repeat his First Team All-State honors from his junior year.      BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2027 Clay-Battelle RB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='864952' first='Caleb' last='Snodgrass'] is in line for a larger role in the Cee-Bees' backfield after making the most of his opportunities as a junior. Snodgrass showed good quickness and shiftiness as a runner, giving the Cee-Bees another reliable back when his number was called. He also runs hard and will put his shoulder down when needed, while also giving them a willing blocker in the backfield. After being a good role player for three years, Snodgrass should see his workload increase as a senior and has the chance to have his best season yet.      RETURNING STANDOUT   A First Team All-State sophomore season put 2028 Clay-Battelle ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1624352' first='Caleb' last='Hall'] among Class A's top playmakers heading into his junior year. Hall has the speed, quickness, and elusiveness to create explosive plays out of the backfield as a proven commodity at running back. With several senior receivers graduating, the Cee-Bees could find more ways to utilize Hall in the passing game and take advantage of his athleticism in space. He will remain one of Clay-Battelle's most dangerous offensive weapons in 2026 and has two more seasons to continue building on an already impressive start to his career.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   Eli Cottrell - 2028 WR/DB   [player_tooltip player_id='1624439' first='JJ' last='Doshen'] - 2028 OL/LB   Alden Shipman - 2028 OL/DL     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">MAGNOLIA BLUE EAGLES</h1>   Biggest Losses: OL/DL Anthony Lancaster - WR/DB Finn Loy   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Magnolia's rebuilding process continued in 2025 with the Blue Eagles finishing 2-8, extending a difficult stretch for a program that hasn't posted a winning season or reached the playoffs since 2018. Craig Mason enters his fourth season leading the program and continues to work toward restoring Magnolia to the powerhouse it once was. The Blue Eagles still have time to make progress before Wetzel County's planned consolidation into one school by 2030, and improving on last year's two-win mark is attainable with another tough schedule.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/28: vs Frontier (OH) 9/4: vs Wirt County 9/11: at River (OH) 9/18: at Bridgeport (OH) 9/25: at Ritchie County 10/9: at Tyler Consolidated 10/16: vs St. Marys 10/23: at Mount View 10/30: vs Valley 11/6: vs Clay-Battelle   2025 Record: 2-8 2026 Prediction: 3-7   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 Magnolia ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2132040' first='Brody' last='Vargo'] is coming off a junior season that earned him Honorable Mention All-OVAC and Class A All-State recognition as one of the Blue Eagles' top athletes. Vargo will be a featured player again as a senior and has a familiar name to Blue Eagles' fans as part of an athletic family. He'll be a game changer again in 2026 and someone that Magnolia can build around as they look to take a step forward this season.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   Ethan Harlan - 2027 RB/DB   Caydan Hall - 2027 FB/LB   Joshua Stine - 2027 OL/DL   Luke Stillwagoner - 2028 OL/DL   [player_tooltip player_id='1663621' first='Lucas' last='Anderson'] - 2028 QB/ATH   Jaxson Goddard - 2029 WR/LB   Willie Valentin - 2029 TE/DL   Kyrian Starkey - 2029 ATH     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">VALLEY LUMBERJACKS</h1>   Biggest Losses: OL/DL/FB Gryffith Briggs - OL/DL Ethan VanCamp   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Valley went through a difficult 1-9 season in 2025 as Jeff Derby took over the Lumberjacks for his first year as head coach. Being one of the smallest programs in Class A presents its own challenges, but Valley has proven it can compete, reaching the postseason as recently as 2024. Last year's record doesn't reflect the program as a bottom dweller, and the Lumberjacks could quietly be one of the more improved programs at the small school level in Derby's second season after a year of learning the system and a year older with a young team.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/28: vs Tygarts Valley 9/4: at Cameron 9/11: vs Clay-Battelle 9/18: at Frontier (OH) 9/25: at Meadow Bridge 10/2: vs Hancock (MD) 10/16: vs Calhoun County 10/23: at Wirt County 10/30: at Magnolia 11/6: vs Richwood   2025 Record: 1-9 2026 Prediction: 3-7   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   A strong junior season has 2027 Valley ATH Koleton Kinkade positioned for an even bigger finish to his high school career. Kinkade earned Honorable Mention All-State and First Team All-OVAC honors last year, having the combination of size and athleticism that makes him the Lumberjacks' top returning athlete. With Gaige Wichterman settling in at quarterback, Kinkade will take over a running back role full time and is someone they can lean on offensively and carry the load as a senior. He's still an under-the-radar name in Class A, but Kinkade could put up big numbers and make himself known across the state.     RETURNING STANDOUT   2028 Valley QB/ATH Gaige Wichterman is settling into a more defined role as the Lumberjacks hand him the reins at quarterback as a junior. Wichterman saw time at both quarterback and running back last season and flashed as a sophomore to give Valley confidence in making him the full-time option under center. His athleticism gives the offense a quarterback who can keep defenses honest with his legs while continuing to develop as a passer. Moving Wichterman to quarterback also allows Koleton Kinkade to settle in at running back full time, which could prove to be a great move for the Lumberjacks. Wichterman had a productive sophomore season and should build on that experience as he takes on a bigger role in 2026.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2340561' first='Koleton' last='Kinkade'] - 2027 ATH   Cason Haught - 2027 WR/DB   Ryder Gravette - 2027 WR/DB   Kyler Hayhurst - 2028 OL/DL   Wyatt Rogers - 2028 WR/DB     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">WEIRTON MADONNA BLUE DONS</h1>   Biggest Losses: N/A   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Blue Dons football is back! After a year hiatus due to low numbers, Madonna returns to the field in 2026 with a full varsity schedule and 17-20 players expected to suit up. That's a small roster, but getting the program back on Friday nights is an important first step for a school with a strong football tradition. Shawn McKinnon takes over as head coach and will look to build some momentum, get the Blue Dons back into the win column, and generate more interest around the program. With the right breaks, Madonna has a chance to surprise some teams this season while laying the groundwork for the future.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/28: at East Hardy 9/4: vs Van 9/11: at Southern Garrett (MD) 9/18: at Conotton Valley (OH) 9/25: vs Mathews (OH) 10/2: vs Calhoun County 10/16: at Lisbon (OH) 10/23: vs Leetonia 10/30: vs Clay-Battelle 11/6: at Tucker County   2025 Record: DNP 2026 Prediction: 3-7   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   The return of Madonna football gets a boost from 2027 ATH Connor Lancaster, who brings valuable varsity experience after transferring in from Weir. Lancaster can line up in several spots on either side of the ball and could even see some time at quarterback, giving the Blue Dons a versatile piece they can move around as needed. That flexibility will be especially valuable with a small roster as Madonna gets back on the field, and Lancaster will be one of the players counted on to begin that transition. He has the experience and versatility to become one of the leaders of this returning program and help the Blue Dons compete right away.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ConnorLanc44/status/2081722203704336787 </div></figure>     BREAKOUT CANDIDATE   2027 Madonna RB/LB Thomas Davidson could be one of the most important pieces of the Blue Dons' return to the field. Davidson brings experience from Weir and steps into a Madonna program that will need proven players to take on significant roles right away. He'll have an opportunity to make an impact on both sides of the ball while providing some much-needed experience and playmaking to a young roster. Davidson's athleticism will make him one of the Blue Dons' top players and a key part of their effort to get the program moving in the right direction.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   Evan Kaczmarek - 2027 QB   Justin Kaczmarek - 2027 WR/DB   Kevin Phillips - 2027 OL/DL   Tyler Dillon - 2028 WR/DB     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHEELING CENTRAL MAROON KNIGHTS</h2>   Biggest Losses: RB Kade Koroneos - TE/LB Max Olejasz - WR/DB Joey Hall - TE/DL Troy Mortakis - LB Wyatt Brady - DL Maddox Stillion - OL/DL Carver Bolon   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h3>   Wheeling Central Catholic added another championship to its storied history in 2025, beating Clay-Battelle in the Class A state championship game to finish the season as champions. The title was the 13th in program history and continued the Maroon Knights' remarkable run under Mike Young. Young improved to 9-0 in state championship games with the victory, an incredible mark that speaks to the consistency he has brought to the program. Now entering his 21st season, Young and the Maroon Knights remain the team everyone in Class A will have to beat.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h3>   8/28: vs Perry (PA) 9/4: vs Fort Frye (OH) 9/11: vs Ridgewood (OH) 9/17: at Union Local (OH) 9/25: at Monroe Central (OH) 10/2: at Windber (PA) 10/9: vs Nitro 10/16: at Barnesville (OH) 10/23: vs Cincinnati College Prep Academy (OH) 11/6: at Williamstown   2025 Record: 10-2 (State Champions) 2026 Prediction: 7-3   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 Wheeling Central QB/ATH Nico Kusic is one of the top overall prospects in the state and arguably the best small-school athlete to know. Kusic played a major role in the Maroon Knights' state championship run as a junior, accounting for more than 2,000 yards of total offense while showing the ability to hurt defenses with both his arm and legs. His athleticism stands out at quarterback, with the size, mobility, and vision to extend plays and create when the play breaks down. With Wheeling Central expected to open up its Spin Series offense more in 2026, Kusic should have even more opportunities to showcase what makes him such a special player. A big senior season could further cement his status among the state's elite and garner more college attention.      RETURNING STANDOUT   An injury cut 2027 Wheeling Central RB/LB Dustin Sanner's junior season to just five games, but he still showed why he's one of the most talented defenders in the class. The D1 Drake commit was among the Maroon Knights' top tacklers despite the limited action and brings a relentless motor and athleticism that allows him to create havoc and fly around the field. He sets the edge well against the run and plays with the physicality to make an impact from multiple spots on defense. Now healthy, Sanner should see a much bigger role at running back as well, giving Wheeling Central another way to utilize one of its best athletes.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2027 Wheeling Central K Clayton Petry has steadily developed into one of the best specialists in the state and enters his senior season ranked #3 in the 2027 class. Petry earned First Team All-State honors as a junior after producing 43 touchbacks, converting on 54/58 PATs, and hitting 2/3 field goals with a long of 45 yards. He also handled the punting duties, with eight of his 18 punts landing inside the 10. Petry has plenty of leg strength paired with consistent accuracy, and the steady improvement he's made throughout his career makes him a major weapon for the Maroon Knights.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/ClaytonPetry27/status/1998924989857407258 </div></figure>     RETURNING STANDOUT   Four years of varsity experience and production have made 2027 Wheeling Central OL/DL Dominic Paesani one of the top linemen in Class A. Paesani brings quality size and a physical presence to the trenches, making him a difficult matchup on both sides of the ball. He can create havoc defensively with his strength and aggression while doubling as a road grader on offense as a blocker. Now a senior, Paesani will be one of the veteran leaders up front and a key returning piece as Wheeling Central looks to defend its state title.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h3>   Brady Ernest - 2027 LB   Olen Ames - 2027 OL   Cooper Jones - 2027 OL   Joey Jerrome - 2027 WR/LB   Levi Rine - 2027 WR/DB   Trent Lander - 2027 OL/DL   Seth Woodusky - 2027 TE/DL   Will Wear - 2027 RB/DB   Eli Czapp - 2027 RB/LB   Trenton McCardle - 2028 RB/LB   Andrew Jones - 2029 OL/DL

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