2025 WV Team Preview: Independence Patriots

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Independence Patriots appear to be the early favorites to win the Class AA title this season after returning the bulk of their talent from a solid 2024 campaign. They leaned heavily on young players last year and will benefit from that experience as they took their lumps at times. A loaded schedule will have them battle-tested heading into the playoffs, as the Patriots will be well prepared in November to make a title run that they've grown accustomed to over the past five years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Herbert Hoover<br>9/5: vs Martins Ferry (OH)<br>9/12: at Warren (OH)<br>9/19: at Scott<br>9/26: vs Bluefield<br>10/10: vs Westside<br>10/17: vs Barnesville (OH)<br>10/24: at Princeton<br>10/31: vs Nicholas County<br>11/7: at Summers County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 8-3<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136973"],"_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-68a1042aee3bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1136973' first='Sylas' last='Nelson'] will return as the Patriots' leading rusher, where he nearly eclipsed 2,000 yards in 2024. His versatility as an athlete is highly impressive, as he's played all over the field at a high level during his career. Nelson will need to stay healthy for Independence to reach its goal of a state championship in 2025, with how important he is to their program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Nelson 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>"We also got to see 2026 Independence ATH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136973' first='Sylas' last='Nelson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/sylas-nelson/"></a> at the Fairmont State Prospect Camp earlier this summer, and he performed well as a receiver. He's played all over the field for the Patriots, giving him many options for which position he ultimately plays at the next level. With his frame and level of athleticism, Nelson could fit in well at linebacker in our eyes in college, but could excel at a few different spots. He's the type of athlete that you sign and figure out later which spot to put him in, a great problem to have."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17639124/671a81683349153b57f82892' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46ca67"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139374"],"_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-68a1f39f4dff4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Independence LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139374' first='Landon' last='Riddle'] will wreak havoc on defense for the Patriots again this season. He's posted 100+ tackles in each of the past two seasons and will likely repeat that feat again as a senior. His size and athleticism, paired with his pass-rushing ability, make him one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2026 class. Riddle is right in the mix for the #1 spot where he's ranked in the past, and will be one of the best players to watch in Class AA this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760513/67cb34091933ab98a4910c43' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46cabb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894671"],"_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-68a1f39f4e040"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Independence DL [player_tooltip player_id='894671' first='Aaron' last='Blankenship'] will look to have a rebound year in 2025. He's been a top player for the Patriots since his sophomore season and is a talented two-way player. Blankenship will be counted on to perform on both sides of the line, where he's done so the past two years. He's a tough, gritty player who may not have prototypical size, but certainly has shown he has the ability to be among the top defensive line prospects in the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17176820/66ec880d7120d59aec9537c9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46caf9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137685"],"_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-68a1f39f4e088"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most under-valued receivers in the 2026 class is Independence WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137685' first='Christian' last='Linksweiler']. He's deserving of D2 looks this fall and had a breakout year in 2024 as the Patriots' top target in the passing game. Linksweiler was an excellent safety net for freshman QB [player_tooltip player_id='1221843' first='Brock' last='Green'] last season and often made the young gunslinger look good. He placed on our Perfect WR Prospect Build earlier this off-season for his ball tracking ability, which is a trait he may be the best at in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760521/67573200456f57b71e1d6709' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46cb31"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692902"],"_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-68a1f39f4e0cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Independence WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1692902' first='Kaden' last='Bradbury'] was an underrated part of the Patriots' success in 2024 and will return as an under-the-radar prospect. He can be another weapon in the passing game for them to utilize, but he does a nice job locking down one of their corner spots on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Bradbury in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-3/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"An underrated defensive back to know in the 2026 class this season is Independence's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1692902' first='Kaden' last='Bradbury']</strong>. Bradbury plays corner for the Patriots, but looks like a natural fit at safety at the next level. He has good length with quality athleticism could also allow him to play more receiver this year. Bradbury can run step for step with most receivers with length that makes it difficult for quarterbacks to lay the ball over him."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760527/689fe56fa91ea644f3968e81' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46cb68"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139380"],"_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-68a1f39f4e132"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Independence LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139380' first='Landon' last='Phalin'] has quietly been a very good linebacker for the Patriots, even if he doesn't get the notoriety as some of his teammates. He's been productive on varsity since his sophomore year and will be a three-year contributor his senior season. Phalin may not have the same kind of size and athleticism as some of Independence's top linebackers over the past several years, but he's your typical gritty downhill player that you expect from their program at that position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17729019/678c361a742c6987c20d9fb4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46cb9c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605641"],"_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-68a1f5a46f7d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another underrated player for the Independence Patriots who is deserving of more attention this season is 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1605641' first='Cole' last='Laxton']. He can spell Nelson at running back to give him a breather and will also see time at safety and outside linebacker on defense. Laxton has the athleticism to play in coverage, but does a nice job reading the play and getting downhill and off of blocks to play the run and short passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20781415/677c24ba757ff217e497646b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46f83d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["862720"],"_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-68a1f39f4e17c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After getting film posted this off-season, 2027 Independence DL [player_tooltip player_id='862720' first='Isaiah' last='Conley'] quickly took over the top defensive line ranking in his class. He's a havoc creator for the Patriots whose coach has admitted to not always being able to practice with him due to that trait. Expect Conley to have another monster season for the Patriots and begin to see some college attention. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Conley 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>"We've been excited to get some film of 2027 Independence DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='862720' first='Isaiah' last='Conley']</strong>, and he delivered on that since our last rankings update. Conley quickly debuted inside the 2027 Top 15 as our #1-ranked defensive lineman in the class once we got some tape to back up the production and good things we've heard about him. Conley has a very good frame at 6'3 and could eventually end up at EDGE in our rankings depending on how his body and role develop over the next two seasons. He has the size and athleticism to earn D1 looks by his senior year and is a name that colleges will want to follow closely moving forward."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19439202/67dd6112ba7edc457b8b98ca' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46f888"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["865341"],"_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-68a1f39f4e1ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Disappointed to not get more film from his sophomore season, but we're still high on 2027 Independence K [player_tooltip player_id='865341' first='Micah' last='Cuthbert']. He broke out for the Patriots as a freshman and still remains as a Top 5 specialist in his class. Cuthbert set two school records in 2024 with the most single-season PATs and career playoff PATs, with still two more seasons to add to that latter record. He'll have the opportunity to pad these records with what should be a dynamic offense in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18440876/6718541db754e13df66a6b86' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46f8c6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1696014"],"_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-68a1f5a46f933"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1696014' first='Levi' last='Phalin'] was thrown into the fire as a sophomore starting center in 2024, but that experience will greatly benefit him and his fellow young offensive linemen this season. He has a bright future if he keeps progressing over the next two seasons and consistently improves. You saw Phalin's upside and potential as a young lienman last season, which should translate to future growth and success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19432135/6870996ad076fc0ce7017f4c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46f95c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221843"],"_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-68a1f39f4e211"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a breakout freshman season, we're hoping to see 2028 Independence QB [player_tooltip player_id='1221843' first='Brock' last='Green'] avoid the sophomore slump and take a step forward. He has all of the physical traits to be a D1 quarterback as he irons out some fundamentals for the position. If Green makes that jump in year two, expect the Patriots to be playing at Laidley Field in December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Green in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-10/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2028 Independence QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221843' first='Brock' last='Green']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brock-green/"></a> emerged at quarterback for the Patriots as a freshman and has a very high ceiling as a prospect at that position. He's an imposing presence behind center with a large frame that translates to arm strength. Green produced in his first season at the high school level and put some very good things on film that D1 programs are going to like as he continues to develop. He throws one of the best deep balls in the state, regardless of class year, and has impressive arm talent for his age. If Green can sure up his lower body mechanics and throw off a stronger base more consistently without relying so heavily on his upper body, his ability will climb even higher."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22349932/67e896cf011295104e50e484' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a1f5a46f99b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->