2026 Team Preview: Weir Red Riders

<!-- 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 Daniel Howland - DL Ben Bryan - WR/DB Donte Masters - OL Hunter Antol - TE/LB Matthew Geer - ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1657565' first='Connor' last='Lancaster'] (TR) - RB [player_tooltip player_id='2213412' first='Thomas' last='Davidson'] (TR) - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weir went through a difficult 0-10 season in 2025, struggling to find the consistency needed to get the program back on track. The result was a long way from where the Red Riders were just a few years ago, when they reached the Class AA semifinals in 2023. Chris Hill now takes over after serving as an assistant, providing continuity while also bringing a fresh voice to the program. Weir has a winning tradition as a program, and the next step is getting the pride back onto the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/27: at Oak Glen<br>9/4: at John Marshall<br>9/11: at Indian Creek (OH)<br>9/18: vs Edison (OH)<br>9/25: vs Tyler Consolidated<br>10/2: at Keyser<br>10/9: vs Cambridge<br>10/16: vs East Liverpool<br>10/30: vs Moorefield<br>11/6: at Brooke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>0-10<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New head coach Chris Hill has made changing the culture a major priority as he takes over the Weir program, with an emphasis on rebuilding the brotherhood and getting everyone pulling in the same direction. There's been plenty to fix beyond what happens on Friday nights, and overhauling how the program operates will be just as important as improving the results. The Red Riders have talent to get back in the win column this season, but establishing a stronger foundation within the team will be the first step. How quickly that new culture takes hold could determine just how much progress Weir makes in 2026 and beyond. </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":["2149404"],"_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>Weir has a dangerous playmaker returning in 2027 WR/DB Izaigha George, who earned Honorable Mention All-OVAC honors as a junior. George is a dynamic, quick, and shifty athlete who can change a game with the ball in his hands, giving the Red Riders versatility in how they use him. He can line up in different spots and be moved around to create favorable matchups and easy ways to get him the ball, as the type of player coaches can get creative with. With more consistency expected at quarterback this season, George should have more opportunities to make plays and is poised for a big senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19834568/69f67dd0e40619c604cbd945u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083bfe5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337935"],"_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>Speed is a major part of Weir's returning skill talent, and 2027 WR/DB Landon Haught adds another explosive option to the mix. A standout track athlete, Haught has the burst to be a dangerous weapon from the slot and can create issues for defenses when he gets the ball in space. The biggest key will be finding ways to get him more consistent opportunities in the passing game as a senior that should result in a potential big senior campaign. Haught also brings that speed to the defensive side, where he can cover ground and use his range effectively at corner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19834663/6908b925c00a74106a23aa29u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083c097"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2337933"],"_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>A year of experience and a good offseason should go a long way for 2027 Weir QB Nick DiMatteis after taking over the offense as a first-year starter in 2025. DiMatteis took his lumps during an 0-10 season, but there were flashes as he grew more comfortable with the position and improved each week. He's in a quarterback competition with 2028 ATH Ryant Lyons, and the competition should push both of them to become better players along the way. If DiMatteis wins the job, he has the experience and upside to make a major jump as a senior and give the Red Riders a better chance to get back in the win column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1674257"],"_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 Weir DB Tyrek Petteway is one of the top returning seniors for the Red Riders and brings a physical edge to the secondary. Petteway had a quality junior season and combines good size and athleticism to get himself involved every play. He is a true downhill thumper who embraces contact and likes to punish ball carriers every opportunity he gets. Petteway also does a nice job finishing tackles, giving Weir an experienced and physical presence to lean on defensively as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19811520/68c5b770d54522d550a4dd22u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083c1b3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1701485"],"_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 Weir RB/LB Logan Lemmi returns plenty of varsity experience as a junior this season. Lemmi has been in the lineup since his freshman season and has developed into a standout linebacker early on, where his quickness and high motor allow him to quickly close on the ball and be in every play. What he lacks in size, Lemmi overcomes by consistently getting involved in plays with high effort. The Red Riders could also give him more opportunities in the backfield as a junior on offense, adding more ways for him to make an impact in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22655141/69b84524de028dde915f47acu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083c255"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624447"],"_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><strong><strong><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></strong></strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weir has another intriguing athlete to work with in 2028 ATH Ryant Lyons, who's in a quarterback competition with Nick DiMatteis after a standout sophomore season at safety. Lyons brings good size and athleticism to the field and has spent the offseason getting stronger in the weight room, which should help him take another step as a junior. Whether he wins the quarterback job or not, the Red Riders have plans to get him involved offensively and take advantage of his skill set. His defensive ability gives Weir a proven playmaker on the back end, and with his physical development continuing, Lyons could have a big junior season on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23087064/66de54f2464ccae964f99addu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083c2f7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1674258"],"_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 --> <p><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weir has another dynamic young athlete to get involved more this season with 2028 WR/DB Elijah McShan. McShan is one of several smaller but dynamic athletes on the roster and has the speed and quickness to be a game changer. He'll return as a starter in the secondary while also pushing for more opportunities at receiver. Improved quarterback play will be important for McShan, as more consistent touches in the passing game would allow him to show how dangerous he can be with the football. Expect to see much more of McShan the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24151673/68b343e0c17f6101ffc83906u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8489083c394"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aleks Zanieski - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max Klink - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2337931' first='Andy' last='Caprarese'] - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zackary Howland - 2028 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Scott - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674259' first='Chandon' last='Slusarek'] - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111871' first='Xavier' last='Cunningham'] - 2029 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2230867' first='Nicholas' last='Potock'] - 2029 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->