2026 Team Preview: Midland Trail Patriots

<!-- 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 Jayden Roop - DL Xander Ooten - OL Gregory Cramer - WR Jamison Swafford - WR/LB Jacob Ewing - LB Max White - WR Xaylen Johns - TE Gage Johnson - OL Aiden O'Neal - OL/LS Nick Workman - OL/DL Kordell Brown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midland Trail had its best season since 2018, going 10-2 and picking up a playoff win for the first time in eight years. The Patriots were powered by a large senior class that accounted for most of their starters and played a major role in the program's resurgence. Those departures leave some significant holes to fill, but Midland Trail has another group ready to step into those spots. The goal now is to carry that success forward and reload rather than rebuild.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Clay County<br>9/4: vs Wahama<br>9/11: at Braxton County<br>9/18: vs Greenbrier East<br>10/2: at Nicholas County<br>10/9: at River View<br>10/16: vs James Monroe<br>10/23: at Liberty<br>10/30: vs Greenbrier West<br>11/6: at PikeView</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>10-2 (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>There will be plenty of new faces stepping into starting roles for Midland Trail this season, but don't expect the Patriots to take a major step backward. Head coach Jeremy Moore has done a nice job building the program, creating strong participation and developing a culture that expects to win. The 2026 team will look different from last year's group, but the expectations around the program remain high. Midland Trail has established a standard under Moore, and this year's Patriots will be looking to maintain it.</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":["2267765"],"_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>2027 WR/DB Brody Jones is one of the few returning starters Midland Trail returns from last year's team and could be in for another big season on the back end of their defense. Jones broke out as a junior with 6 interceptions, showing the instincts and range that make him a dangerous ballhawk at safety. He does a nice job reading the quarterback, adjusting on the fly, and tracking the football once it's in the air. Jones can play tight to the slot or play off the ball, using his athleticism to close quickly. He's also a reliable tackler, giving the Patriots a smart and versatile defensive back to build around this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18983726/69e2623895613be10f03d5a3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7ad9a2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2091010"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 FB/LB Aiden Weis should be in line for a much bigger senior season at Midland Trail. Weis has the physical tools at 5'10 210 to be an impotant factor in the backfield for what they want to do on offense, and he runs with purpose and welcomes contact. An injury limited him to just three games as a junior, making this season a crucial one as he gets healthy and shows what he can do. With the Patriots looking to replace their leading rusher, Weis has an opportunity to see more touches while continuing to be a punishing blocker and take a starting linebacker spot on defense as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19474718/69e3b91cf25d783f55a16b25u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7ad9f4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267772"],"_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-6a78bd929f151"} --> <!-- 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 Patriots have another experienced athlete to lean on this year in 2027 RB/LB John Neal. Neal saw plenty of varsity action as a junior, making most of his impact at linebacker with his speed, pursuit ability, and relentless motor. With Midland Trail needing to replace a significant amount of production in the backfield on offense, his role at running back should grow as well. Neal's athleticism and competitiveness will be needed as they transition to a largely new team, giving the Patriots a valuable two-way option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18279544/691b5f4f9b067e31548a1f5cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7ada38"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267771"],"_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>There is some intriguing upside to 2027 K Levi Shrewsberry as he continues developing his game at Midland Trail. Shrewsberry made the most of his opportunities as a junior, showing good leg strength while also getting experience handling both kicking and punting duties. His technique is a work in progress, but cleaning up his mechanics could lead to more consistency and better results as a senior. He'll compete for the starting job this season, but the physical tools are there for Shrewsberry to take a step forward and become a specialist prospect to know. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19495456/6a36e2c9162d7bf3165fa812u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7ada78"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267768"],"_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>A big part of Midland Trail's 2026 outlook could depend on the return of 2028 QB/ATH Rayce Dickerson. Dickerson won the starting quarterback job as a sophomore and showed plenty of promise as an athletic option, giving the Patriots a young player they could build around moving forward. An offseason accident has put his junior season in question, making his recovery the biggest factor in determining when he can get back on the field. If Dickerson is able to return healthy, he has the talent to pick up where he left off and continue developing into a standout quarterback for the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20090219/698e92d5885c3bc22acd71eeu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7adab6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267767"],"_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><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>The next two seasons could be big for 2028 WR/DB Jasper Swafford as he looks to earn a larger varsity role this year. The younger brother of Marietta signee Jamison Swafford, Jasper has developed many of the same traits that made his older brother a standout at Midland Trail. He's expected to compete for a starting job as a junior and should be ready to make an impact after developing steadily at the JV level. If his progress continues, Swafford could follow a similar trajectory and become an important two-way contributor for the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26619009/68b0e7d5ef558096d75dd048u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a78c8a7adaf1"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caden Morris - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daeland Ballard - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathen Brandstetter - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ray Stephens - 2027 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Harrah - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->