2026 Team Preview: Williamstown Yellowjackets

<!-- 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 Jackson Kerr - OL Blake Brown - WR/DB Carson Haines - TE/LB Jenner Burge - OL Gavin Martin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamstown finished 5-6 in 2025, a down year by the program's usual standards, but the Yellowjackets kept their remarkable playoff streak alive, reaching the postseason for the 26th straight season dating back to 1999. Much of last year's roster was made up of younger players who took their lumps while gaining valuable varsity experience. The good news is Williamstown graduated only a few impact seniors, meaning much of that young talent returns. The Yellowjackets are still young, but they're no longer inexperienced, which should put them in position to take a step forward in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Ravenswood<br>9/4: at Tyler Consolidated<br>9/18: vs Roane County<br>9/25: at Chapmanville<br>10/2: at Marietta (OH)<br>10/9: vs Poca<br>10/16: vs South Harrison<br>10/23: at Doddridge County<br>10/30: vs Wayne<br>11/6: vs Wheeling Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>5-6 (Playoffs Round One)<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>Williamstown still has a relatively small senior class, but that could work in the Yellowjackets' favor with so many juniors and sophomores already holding starting roles. The experience those players gained through last year's growing pains should show up in 2026, and we expect Williamstown to improve on its five-win season and return to the playoffs. Head coach Chris Beck has consistently kept the Yellowjackets in the postseason and has built one of the state's top small-school programs. The move into Class AA beginning last year has made the road to another state title more difficult, but with this much young talent already getting varsity experience, Williamstown can build towards those high standards again. </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":["897609"],"_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>Williamstown has an alpha in the trenches with 2027 OL/DL Christian Hoosier returning after a dominant junior season. Hoosier finished with 71 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 6 sacks while earning First Team All-State honors and LKC Defensive Player of the Year. His strength and violent hands stand out immediately, allowing him to jolt blockers off the snap and create movement with a powerful bull rush. Hoosier combines that physicality with high-level athleticism that makes him one of the top prospects in his class. He's the type of defensive lineman who can take over a game, and Williamstown will lean heavily on him as one of its best leaders in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19514359/691a4d204a50c91c2d7d9ad0u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9aca"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2339357"],"_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>Williamstown has a playmaker to watch in 2027 WR/DB Mason Kern, who you'll see more of as a senior. Kern finished fourth on the team in receiving as a junior with three touchdowns in a balanced passing attack that featured four players with more than 300 receiving yards. His 6'0 frame gives the Yellowjackets a longer target on the outside, while his reliable hands and ability to get upfield quickly after the catch give him big-play potential. Kern also contributed 28 tackles defensively and should be in line for increased production on both sides of the ball in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19371813/68ff5de6dc281c6f33aa354eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9b90"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624330"],"_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>2028 Williamstown QB Breck Allen already has a full season of varsity experience under his belt after taking over the starting job as a sophomore. Allen threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding another 500 rushing yards and 7 scores, showing the dual-threat ability that makes him difficult to defend. He has the athleticism to extend plays and create with his legs, but another year at quarterback should help him become more comfortable managing the offense and make consistent decisions from the pocket. Allen's early production is promising, and with continued development as a passer, he has a chance to become one of the top quarterbacks in Class AA 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/3/22506775/691a0108750b30681085843fu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9c4b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2339364"],"_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>Williamstown has another junior returning with plenty of varsity experience in 2028 FB/LB Jack Moore. Moore led the Yellowjackets in tackles as a sophomore with 82 stops and an interception, showing how quickly he could shine on Friday nights. He also started at fullback and did a nice job as a blocker in the Yellowjackets' offense, but could see more carries as a junior following the graduation of Jackson Kerr. With his established production on defense and more opportunities potentially coming offensively, Moore will be a key player again in 2026 for his junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22555084/68f566745350bceeec66dd80u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9d0b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624379"],"_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-6a860672b9d83"} --> <!-- 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 WR/DB Jackson Fulton was one of Williamstown's more productive young players as a sophomore and returns with plenty of room to grow in 2026. Fulton finished second on the team in receiving with more than 300 yards and three touchdowns while adding 42 tackles and an interception in the secondary. His long, lanky frame gives him the ability to win vertically, while his combination of length and speed makes him a difficult matchup from the slot against linebackers and nickel defenders. Another offseason of adding size and strength should only help Fulton become a more complete player and expect him to take another step forward as a junior as one of the Yellowjackets' top playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22555005/68a38c3a3257978685aea77cu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9dba"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2339375"],"_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>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamstown has a high-upside athlete to keep an eye on the next two years in 2028 WR/DB Tyrell Miller. Miller spent much of last season in a reserve varsity role, but his 6'3 160 frame and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect as he learns the game and physically matures. Expect Miller to flash more of that upside over the next two seasons as his development catches up with his natural tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22555002/68f42cb32501cee401cb4540u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9e35"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1971728"],"_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>2029 Williamstown LB JP Strobl wasted no time making an impact on varsity as a freshman, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles. Strobl plays with good instincts and a high motor, allowing him to consistently stay around the ball and play up versus older competition. Having that kind of production and experience as a freshman gives Strobl a strong starting point, and he should continue developing into a major piece of the Yellowjackets' defense over the next three years and potentially develop into one of the top defenders in Class AA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25657195/692f039c0b1d733e9a13fa91u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a860672b9f2b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miles Flanigan - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Hoops - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Stull - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colin Jones - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jacob MacIvor - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominick Thomas - 2029 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel Cunningham - 2029 ATH/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->