2026 Team Preview: Philip Barbour Colts

<!-- 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: OL Malachi Cross - ATH Cameron Bennett - ATH Patrick Webster - WR/DB Malachi Poling - OL Dayton Morrison - LB Tyler Vance - DL Owen Johnson - DL Aidan Phillips</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philip Barbour reached new heights in 2025, having their best season in program history with a 10-3 record and a run to the state semifinals. Six seasons into his tenure, head coach Nick Mayle has completely changed the trajectory of the Colts and established them as one of the state's top Class AA programs. There will be some important holes to fill from last year's team, but they have built a reload, not rebuild, mindset. The Colts will remain in the playoff mix as they look to make another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Grafton<br>9/4: vs Buckhannon-Upshur<br>9/11: vs North Marion<br>9/18: vs Bridgeport<br>9/25: at Elkins<br>10/2: at South Harrison<br>10/9: at Petersburg<br>10/23: vs Lewis County<br>10/29: at East Fairmont<br>11/6: at Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>10-3 (Playoff Semifinals)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bringing back starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'] and 1,700-yard rusher [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'] gives Philip Barbour a strong starting point coming off last year's semifinal run. The biggest question will be finding replacements for the Colts' top three receivers, but they have the luxury of being able to lean heavily on their running game while those new pieces develop. With proven production returning in the backfield, Philip Barbour will be in position to host another playoff game this season. If they can win in November, the Colts have the potential to take the next step in 2026 and make a run to Charleston.</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":["2047488"],"_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 Philip Barbour RB [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'] wasted no time making an impact after joining the football team as a junior. Carpenter rushed for 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns while developing into one of the Colts' most important playmakers. He brings a physical downhill style to the position and consistently runs through contact with a one-cut approach that gets him north quickly. Carpenter also has the speed to turn those hard-earned runs into explosive plays once he breaks through the first level. With only one season of football under his belt, Carpenter still has plenty of room to develop and could be even better as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21579953/6931a6a155262ab8c7b8b860u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76995"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140647"],"_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>With several key linemen graduating from last season, 2027 Philip Barbour OL [player_tooltip player_id='2140647' first='Kaleb' last='Corder'] has a chance to take on a much larger role up front as a senior. Corder brings a sturdy 6'1 260 frame and the versatility to play at multiple spots along the offensive line. He moves well for his size when pulling or climbing to the second level, and those traits give him value in different blocking schemes. Corder will be one of the leaders of the unit as a senior and brings much-needed returning experience in the trenches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20475831/699872c24b4cd2d973057dd7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76ae6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2090796"],"_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>2027 Philip Barbour TE/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2090796' first='Sean' last='Dent'] is one of the top tight ends in the 2027 class and a key piece of the Colts heading into his senior season. Dent stands 6'1 and contributed on both sides of the ball as a junior, being an important blocker in Philip Barbour's run game while also flashing along the defensive line. With the Colts looking for pass catchers to emerge, there is an opportunity for Dent to see more touches as a receiver this fall. Dent may fly under the radar compared to some of the Colts' other names, but his impact on both sides of the ball makes him an important part of their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19468765/69d3d346696bcb6b9295a7c3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76a19"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154896"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 Philip Barbour LB [player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones'] has been a steady producer for the Colts throughout his career and enters his senior season as a leader of their defense. Jones finished second on the team with 129 tackles as a junior, adding 9 TFLs and an interception while consistently being around the football. He may be undersized, but Jones plays with a high motor and brings a physical, hard-nosed approach to the linebacker position. Entering his senior year, he has a chance to lead the Colts in tackles and put up big numbers again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19467877/6931a36e55262ab8c7b8b650u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76a85"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1430947"],"_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>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Experience at quarterback is a strength of the Colts with 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'], who has started since his freshman season and has improved each year. Jones threw for 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore and took a significant step forward. With several new receivers to work into the passing game, the Colts can lean on their strong running attack while Jones works to build chemistry with the new targets. A standout multi-sport athlete, Jones also brings playmaking ability to the defensive side of the ball and will be a key two-way playmaker. He's one of the top quarterbacks to know in Class AA heading into his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22604636/691dd69c356fb7ae26438747u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76c5c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2326636"],"_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>Philip Barbour has another undersized but highly productive linebacker ready to step up in 2028 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2326636' first='Parker' last='Herrod']. Herrod finished his sophomore season with 71 tackles, showing the same type of high-motor approach that made graduated senior Tyler Vance such a productive player for the Colts. He flies around the field and consistently finds ways to get involved despite not having ideal size for the position. With Vance's production now gone, Herod should see his role grow and has a chance to take a significant step forward as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23028301/6931942d4b2dba87d5275d6au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76c01"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2326637"],"_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>2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='2326637' first='Tristen' last='Price'] gives Philip Barbour an intriguing safety returning for his junior season. Price recorded 40 tackles and an interception as a sophomore, showing the ability to come downhill and make plays as a physical tackler while still having the range and athleticism to work in space and in coverage. With more experience and development, Price should take a step forward as a junior and has the tools to develop into a quality defensive back prospect over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22604576/690ec825d5009e3b19659386u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76cb7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719305"],"_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-6a7be21d76cf5"} --> <!-- 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>After a strong freshman campaign, 2029 Philip Barbour K [player_tooltip player_id='1719305' first='Ayden' last='Thorne'] will be a weapon for the Colts to utilize on special teams again. Thorne converted 55 of 61 PAT attempts and connected on 4/6 field goals, showing consistency and reliability in his first season at the high school level. He also displayed promising leg strength on kickoffs and handled punting duties. Thorne is the early top specialist in the 2029 class and a kicke rprospect that you'll want to know and follow closely over the next three years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26736901/695f0f7ed856f9ca4a430fbdu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7be21d76d13"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leon Brown - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bentley Heldreth - 2028 LB/RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rondo Koontz - 2029 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eli Tyler - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grayson Taylor - 2029 TE/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->