2026 Team Preview: Braxton County Eagles

<!-- 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 Adrian Ramsey - OL/DL Joel Sigman - WR/DB Jamie Nettles - WR/DB Brodi Smarr - WR/DB Elijah Marcum - DL Eliah Moore </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braxton County took an encouraging step forward in 2025, finishing 4-6 after winning just five games combined over the previous four seasons. Although the Eagles narrowly missed the Class AA playoffs, the season showed clear signs of progress and a program beginning to move in the right direction. They were competitive in several games and had opportunities to break through against quality opponents, but couldn't quite get over the hump. That experience should serve the Eagles well moving into 2026, as they'll look to turn those close losses into wins and position themselves for a return to postseason football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs South Harrison<br>9/4: at Gilmer County<br>9/11: vs Midland Trail<br>9/25: at Roane County<br>10/2: vs Poca<br>10/9: at Buffalo<br>10/16: vs Doddridge County<br>10/23: at PikeView<br>10/30: at Ritchie County<br>11/6: vs Clay County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>4-6<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braxton County returns a solid core that experienced meaningful progress last season and, more importantly, learned what it takes to compete and win on Friday nights. The next challenge is proving 2025 wasn't just a one-year jump by continuing to build on that momentum and establishing consistency within the program. The Eagles won't have an easy path, as another quality schedule awaits, but they have enough returning talent to take that next step. If Braxton County can capitalize against teams with similar talent, don't be surprised to see the Eagles exceed expectations and have another good season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264509"],"_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-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- 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 OL/DL Trevar Edgerton gives Braxton County a tough, physical presence in the trenches on both sides of the football. The 5'9 240 lineman recorded 37 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks along the interior of the defensive line as a junior. Edgerton's low center of gravity and stocky build allow him to play with natural leverage, and he's quick off the ball to create penetration into the backfield. He'll also be counted on as a starter along the offensive line, making him another important returning piece for the Eagles in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20317285/68bc8dafc5193763f87fb1bdu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a70f047530b9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264508"],"_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-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- 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 WR/DB Brady Toler heads into his senior season with an opportunity to expand his role for the Eagles. Most of his production came on defense and special teams as a junior, where he recorded 41 tackles and returned an interception 70 yards, but the graduation of six of Braxton County's top seven receivers opens the door for increased opportunities on offense. A standout on the basketball court as well, Toler brings the athleticism to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Even in a run-heavy offense, expect him to become a more involved piece of the passing attack while continuing to make his presence felt on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264510"],"_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-6a70f04753103"} --> <!-- 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>Opportunity is there for 2027 LB Hunter Short to become a bigger piece of Braxton County's defense this fall. Short finished his junior season with 33 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks while showing he could be a productive contributor in the middle of the defense. With several key defenders to replace, expect his role and production to increase as a senior. The Eagles will be looking for Short to emerge as one of the leaders of the defense and help build on the progress the program made a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689906"],"_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-6a4a7709211a4"} --> <!-- 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 injury last season has made 2027 RB/LB Dylan Foster one of Braxton County's biggest under-the-radar players. Foster was limited to just three games as a junior but still recorded 12 tackles, showing the type of impact he can make when he's on the field. Expect Foster to play a larger role for the Eagles and become a name more people are talking about by the end of his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624432"],"_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-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- 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 Braxton County RB Logan Payne has quietly become one of the more intriguing running back prospects in West Virginia. After earning Top Performer honors at the WV Exposure Series this offseason, Payne picked up an offer from WV Wesleyan and continued building momentum heading into his junior season. His physical development over the past two years has been noticeable, and it's translated to improved ability and production on the field. A strong junior campaign should bring even more recruiting attention and further establish him as one of the top backs in the 2028 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/Logan677529514/status/2035865885156507802","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/Logan677529514/status/2035865885156507802 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264504"],"_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-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- 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 TE/DL Landon Helmick emerged as one of the top producers of Braxton County's defense during his sophomore season. The 6'1 230 standout finished second on the team with 75 tackles while adding 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 12 QB pressures. His production speaks for itself and highlights the impact he made against varsity competition at an early stage of his career and earning Second Team All-LKC. With two more seasons still ahead of him, Helmick is in a strong position to build on that success and continue establishing himself as one of the top players in the Eagles' program with college attention to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Landon73096276/status/1988307750212997455","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/Landon73096276/status/1988307750212997455 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264529"],"_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-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- 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 K Zack McQuain is already among the top specialists in Class AA and his class after earning Second Team All-State honors as a sophomore. McQuain averaged 50 yards per kickoff and recorded 8 touchbacks, showcasing impressive leg strength for his age. He also connected on a 53-yard field goal, an impressive accomplishment for a sophomore and a glimpse of his long-term potential. The next step is improving his consistency on place kicks after converting 70 percent of his extra points and 3/8 field goals last season. With another offseason to continue refining his technique, expect McQuain to take another step and emerge as one of the state's top young kicking prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264503"],"_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-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- 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 QB/ATH Landon Mays returns with plenty of valuable experience after starting at quarterback since his freshman season for Braxton County. His growth from year one to year two was evident, and the Eagles will look for that progression to continue as he enters his junior year. Mays is now a leader of the offense, with the next step focused on becoming a more efficient passer, allowing the offense to got to the air more, and continuing to take care of the football. Another offseason of development should put him in position to make another noticeable jump for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264507"],"_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-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- 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>Even in a shortened season, 2028 RB/LB Jackson Lewis found ways to make a big impact for the Eagles. Lewis appeared in just seven games but still recorded 34 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with 4 sacks. He already possesses a quality 6'1 200 frame that gives him plenty to build on as he continues to develop. With two more seasons remaining, Lewis is a player we're eager to continue following as his role and production continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2264513"],"_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-6a70f047531d6"} --> <!-- 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 of the top young building blocks in Braxton County's program to know is 2029 RB/LB Mason Smarr. As a freshman, Smarr earned meaningful varsity snaps and finished with 43 tackles, showing he could contribute early on the defensive side of the ball. He also totaled more than 300 all-purpose yards, making the biggest impact in the return game, posting a kickoff return touchdown. With additional opportunities expected on offense this season, look for Smarr to continue his development as one of the Eagles' promising young playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MasonSmarr321/status/2012943103271788951","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/MasonSmarr321/status/2012943103271788951 </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>Kyler White - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Hammer - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryson Currence - 2029 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->