2025 WV Team Preview: Fairmont Senior Polar Bears

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairmont Senior will look different this season in more ways than one after graduating a talented senior class and offensive coordinator Mark Sampson taking over the program as the Polar Bears' new head coach. There's still plenty of talent in the program to continue their winning ways that fans are accustomed to over the past decade. A challenging schedule will test the new athletes stepping up for Fairmont Senior this season, with the potential of some big resume wins throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/5: vs Robert C. Byrd<br>9/12: vs Preston<br>9/19: vs North Marion<br>9/26: at University<br>10/3: vs Buckhannon-Upshur<br>10/10: at Wheeling Park<br>10/17: vs Elkins<br>10/24: at Connelsville (PA)<br>10/31: at Bridgeport<br>11/7: vs East Fairmont</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record: </strong>11-2<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1518161"],"_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-689b5c5039f0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Fairmont Senior OL [player_tooltip player_id='1518161' first='DaeShaun' last='Floyd'] has been flying up our rankings and generating a ton of college interest this off-season. He's peaking at the right time as a prospect and has made tremendous progress in his development since last season. Expect Floyd to earn more D1 offers this fall with a strong senior year to add to his Morehead State offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Floyd in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-offensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2026 Fairmont Senior OL&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1518161' first='DaeShaun' last='Floyd']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/daeshaun-lattrell-floyd/"></a>&nbsp;has impressed at many different camps this off-season and has been rewarded with numerous college offers and a nice jump in our rankings. He now ranks as a Top 5 offensive lineman in this class with a D1 ceiling in our eyes as he is progressing exponentially heading into his senior year. His final form as a player is still well ahead of him, but the improvement Floyd has shown in a short amount of time has been eye-opening for us and college programs."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20790018/676ee4f6a83badec5e30f60e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689b5c503a3a3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138994"],"_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-689b5c503a403"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1138994' first='Tarran' last='Boda'] was another 2026 Fairmont Senior stock riser in our rankings update this summer and should have a big senior season for the Polar Bears. He's been moved to ATH in the rankings to better represent his athletic versatility as a player and could play a few different positions at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Boda in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-offensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Fairmont Senior's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138994' first='Tarran' last='Boda']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tarran-boda/"></a>&nbsp;flips to ATH in our rankings after showing versatility this summer at camps. He was previously ranked as a DB, although he has mostly only played linebacker to date. Boda has a good frame and impressive athleticism to play safety at the next level, but showcased his offensive ability at running back at the Fairmont State Prospect Camp, where we were able to see him live. He has a ton of raw athletic ability to utilize at a few different positions and should see some college offers this fall."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19514210/67fa9f18ce6e55d31a448b74' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689b5c503a42f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138225"],"_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-689b5c503a4a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another senior leader and team captain on the Polar Bear offensive line this season will be 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1138225' first='Triston' last='Ramsey']. Ramsey was a valuable addition to Fairmont Senior last season and will anchor the line from the center position. He has the potential to garner some D2 attention this fall, even with some size limitations, as the ability is there. Ramsey is a people mover in the running game as a strong, powerful blocker who plays with low leverage. His stature benefits him in that regard, which is why we feel D2 schools may get in the mix for his services. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16340885/6794f668bd2906d890615bc0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689b5c503a4cb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683761"],"_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-689b5c503a50e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're anxious to see 2026 Fairmont Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1683761' first='Jaevin' last='Papal'i'i'] post some game film this season after seeing him at camps this summer. His potential as a player is high as a late bloomer who is still growing into his long frame and developing as a player. It wouldn't surprise us if Papal'i'i eventually grows into an offensive lineman after a couple of years developing at the next level with high upside there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Papal'i'i in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-200/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2026 Fairmont Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1683761' first='Jaevin' last='Papal'i'i'] is a raw talent for the Polar Bears who is capable of climbing much higher in the rankings. If he puts it all together during his senior year, Papa'i'i has a chance to earn some scholarship opportunities this fall with the physical traits that he possesses. He has the length and frame to significantly transform into a different-looking athlete after a couple of years in a college program and is a late bloomer worthy of taking a flyer on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last week I took the opportunity to compete down in Charleston <a href="https://twitter.com/UCWV_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCWV_Football</a> Elite Camp💪 Had a great time and learned from the great coaching staff there!<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSampson90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSampson90</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hardbody_jj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardbody_jj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKG93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKG93</a> <a href="https://t.co/TFtuAWa9E9">pic.twitter.com/TFtuAWa9E9</a></p>&mdash; Jaevin Papalii (@jpapal11) <a href="https://twitter.com/jpapal11/status/1933312109406007643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326535"],"_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-689b5c503a552"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fairmont Senior has a high-level athlete to utilize on both sides of the ball with 2027 DB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1326535' first='Rudy' last='Carrillo']. He'll be another option in their backfield to give Boda a rest with no drop off when he's in the game. Defensive back is where we like Carrillo the most right now, where he had a strong sophomore season there in 2024. Carrillo is a plus athlete with impressive raw athleticism for him to continue utilizing as he develops for two more years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19459067/67f6a752142f311fe5444859' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689b5c503a573"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1666004"],"_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-689b5c503a5b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Fairmont Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1666004' first='King' last='Abercrombie'] impressed us at our Combine Series camp this summer and made his debut as a Top 5 DL prospect in the latest rankings update. He hasn't posted game film yet, but expect Abercrombie to make a big impact for the Polar Bears this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Abercrombie in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-50-2/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2027 Fairmont Senior defensive lineman&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666004' first='King' last='Abercrombie']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/king-abercrombie/"></a>&nbsp;was someone who impressed us in person at our Combine Series Camp in May, and now makes his debut in the rankings as a Top 50 player and #5 DL prospect in the class. He's physically impressive with a well-developed build for a lineman and should have a breakout year for the Polar Bears as a junior this fall. There's no game film to evaluate from Abercrombie yet, but he's someone that we can vouch for from seeing him compete in person. Look for him to have a big junior season, potentially on both sides of the line."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great day at <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> camp in tridelphia wv top 3 at the camp can't wait to compete again <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSampson90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSampson90</a> <a href="https://t.co/FSAaq9ae9Q">pic.twitter.com/FSAaq9ae9Q</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1666004' first='King' last='Abercrombie'] (@KingAbercrombi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingAbercrombi/status/1919111243282952677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1087022"],"_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-689b5c503a5f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fairmont Senior will have another Bigelow making plays on defense this season as older brother Hunter and cousin Trevor graduated from last year's squad. That would be 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1087022' first='Parker' last='Bigelow'], who forced his way onto the field as a sophomore for the Polar Bears last season and produced at a high level. He has a knack for the ball and an old-school mentality for the linebacker position, which translated to immediate success when his opportunity came. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22503954/66c2480de36db40309fdecc9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689b5c503a612"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681024"],"_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-689b5c503a650"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2027 big man expected to make a big impact on the Fairmont senior varsity squad this season is OL [player_tooltip player_id='1681024' first='Cooper' last='Keener']. He was another Polar Bear who impressed us at a camp this summer and should do some good things on varsity this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Keener in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-70/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another 2027 offensive lineman whom we saw in person this summer and liked a lot is Fairmont Senior's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681024' first='Cooper' last='Keener']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cooper-keener/"></a>&nbsp;. He'll likely be the starting varsity center for the Polar Bears this season and has very good size at 6'4 305 that he can continue to develop. Keener has shown a lot of potential and upside to date, and we're looking forward to seeing him apply that to Friday nights this fall on a larger scale. Colleges will want to keep close tabs on him the next two seasons as he puts together some starting varsity film."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore Season Highlights<br>6&#039;4 305<br>Class Of &#039;27<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSampson90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSampson90</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RealCoachRod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealCoachRod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBicknell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBicknell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Dressler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Dressler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HirschGarrett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HirschGarrett</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TArlesic12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TArlesic12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BankstonNic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BankstonNic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMcCook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMcCook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBarker_99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBarker_99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachsmitttty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachsmitttty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Tavita?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Tavita</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallCoachJoeMo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallCoachJoeMo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_J_Rod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_J_Rod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoalfieldsCo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoalfieldsCo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> <a href="https://t.co/BNu7qLAoxk">pic.twitter.com/BNu7qLAoxk</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1681024' first='Cooper' last='Keener'] (@cooperkeener62) <a href="https://twitter.com/cooperkeener62/status/1901990551198544193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793789' first='Jason' last='Walker'] - 2026 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1700918' first='Christian' last='Hrapchak'] - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221859' first='Ben' last='Smith'] - 2028 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716419' first='Lynex' last='Williams'] - 2029 RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->