2026 Team Preview: Clay County Panthers

<!-- 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: WR/DB Jakoby Nichols - OL/DL James Grose - DL Jaden Morris - K Jaxon Brown - WR/DB Landon Delwarte - ATH Christian Bryant</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay County continued its steady rise in 2025 under head coach Jason Nichols, finishing 8-4 and advancing to the Class AA quarterfinals. The Panthers' biggest statement came in the opening round of the playoffs, where they avenged a 49-14 regular-season loss by upsetting Roane County on the road. That victory capped a five-game winning streak and highlighted the growth the team made as the season progressed. With the consistency Clay County has established in recent years, the Panthers proved they are a program capable of competing with anyone in Class AA and enter 2026 with expectations of extending their playoff streak to three years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Midland Trail<br>9/4: vs Poca<br>9/11: vs Roane County<br>9/18: at Sissonville<br>9/25: at South Harrison<br>10/2: vs Logan<br>10/9: vs Tolsia<br>10/23: at Ravenswood<br>10/30: vs Buffalo<br>11/6: at Braxton County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>8-4 (Playoff Quarterfinals)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay County will have to replace the production of 900-yard receiver and standout defensive back Jakoby Nichols along with some key contributors in the trenches, but don't expect the Panthers to take much of a step back. The program has developed a consistent winning culture and returns the talent to remain one of the stronger teams in Class AA. Another challenging schedule awaits, but Clay County has shown it can compete with quality opponents and won't be an easy matchup for anyone. If the Panthers continue building on last season's momentum, they have the potential to make another playoff run.</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":["2124385"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay County will rely heavily on 2027 RB/LB Brody Scarbro again after the senior put together a productive season on both sides of the football last year. Scarbro powered the Panthers' ground game with a team-high 877 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing 228 receiving yards and another score. He was equally important on defense, recording 64 tackles and 12 tackles for loss from his linebacker spot. Scarbro has good size and physical tools that give the team a change of pace from their fast and quick smaller athletes, and another strong season could elevate both his recruiting stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19402449/69d12785af3b115e5f1cd600u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db096d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155291"],"_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>Don't let the measurables fool you when watching 2027 Clay County LB Blake Coleman. Listed at just 5'5 145, Coleman consistently outplays his size and led the Panthers with 95 tackles while adding 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, and an interception as a junior. He plays with a relentless motor, flies to the football, and makes plays all over the field through effort and instincts. Clay County will also work him into the backfield in a reserve role, giving the Panthers another dependable option on offense. Coleman may not fit the prototype physically, but his production speaks for itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19402439/69191ba477420c484f99dd47u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db0ac5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2265252"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR/DB Kohan Ramsey returns as one of Clay County's most productive two-way players after contributing on both sides of the ball as a junior. Ramsey hauled in nearly 300 receiving yards as the Panthers' third option at receiver while also finishing second on the team with 73 tackles and tying for the lead with three interceptions. He's another undersized but athletic player that the Panthers know how to win with. He consistently plays with effort and energy, attacking the football both as a tackler and in coverage, and is an underrated player to know in Class AA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19407015/69b83eb75f1150cfe49be448u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db0c0c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2265253"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay County's aggressive defensive scheme allows 2027 LB Nick Williams to make the most of his athleticism. Williams turned in an outstanding junior season with 66 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks while consistently disrupting offenses from his outside linebacker spot. He reads plays quickly, gets downhill in a hurry, and is a constant threat as a pass rusher off the edge. The Panthers also move him around in different packages, lining him up inside along the defensive line to take advantage of his quickness against offensive linemen. His versatility and ability to create negative plays make him a key defender to know for Clay County again in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20007486/69287dec3f11789fee4714e5u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db0d50"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1580722"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay County's passing game will revolve around 2028 WR/DB Joel Elliott again after a breakout sophomore campaign. Elliott was one of two receivers with more than 900 receiving yards and tied with 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top receivers in the 2028 class. He catches the football naturally, tracks the ball well downfield, and consistently finishes through contact, making him a reliable target in contested situations. Elliott also produced on the defensive side of the ball with 42 tackles and three interceptions, giving the Panthers another proven playmaker in the secondary. Expect him to remain the focal point of the passing attack and one of the top receivers to watch in Class AA this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23556376/68fe7e0ee012c26d44325a23u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db0e99"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2079170"],"_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>Following in the footsteps of his older brother Noah, 2028 QB Cooper Collins handled the transition to Clay County's starting quarterback role with impressive confidence as a sophomore. Collins completed 63% of his passes for 2,600 yards and 28 touchdowns, keeping the Panthers' passing attack among the most productive in Class AA. Football runs deep in the Collins family with his father, Brian, calling the offense, and Cooper has embraced the aggressive, downfield style that has become a trademark of the program. With his first season as the starter now behind him, look for Collins to take another step as a junior protecting the football and continuing to produce big numbers in their offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22528887/68f8d02292004dbd7b9b112eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db0feb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864957"],"_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>Replacing multi-year starter at K/P Jaxon Brown to graduation won't be an easy task for Clay County, but 2028 K TJ Pritt has spent the past two seasons preparing for the opportunity. After developing behind one of the state's top specialists, Pritt now steps into a potential starting role with the possibility of taking over both the kicking and punting duties. He's made noticeable progress over the last two years and gives Clay County confidence that it can maintain stability in the specialist game despite Brown's graduation. While there are big shoes to fill, Pritt has put himself in position to handle the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19402436/6925fe1dcb5d1c8c80b1e09fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a72495db1121"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716513"],"_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-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- 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>The Elliott family will continue to play a major role in Clay County's success with 2029 ATH Collin Elliott beginning to carve out his own path. The younger brother of standout receiver Joel Elliott, Collin contributed as a varsity freshman by recording 27 tackles and an interception while gaining valuable experience on Friday nights. His athletic background gives the Panthers another versatile piece to work with, and his role is expected to expand significantly as a sophomore. With three seasons still ahead of him, Elliott is another young player who can develop into a playmaker for the Panthers sooner rather than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aidan Brouillard - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ghalton Stanton - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adam Canfield - 2029 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->