2026 Team Preview: Chapmanville Tigers

<!-- 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: WR/DB Trey Ward - TE/DL Benji Adkins - RB/LB Preston Kovach - WR/DB Austin Adkins - ATH Jeremy Collins - DL Josh Porter - OL Dawson Adkins - WR/DB Evan Whitt </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapmanville put together the best season in program history in 2025, finishing 12-1 and advancing to the Class AAA semifinals for the deepest playoff run the school has enjoyed. The Tigers' postseason was highlighted by a statement upset of perennial power Bridgeport, proving they belonged among the state's elite. That remarkable season was driven by an outstanding senior class that helped elevate the program to new heights and leaves behind a standard the next group will look to uphold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Scott<br>9/4: vs South Charleston<br>9/11: at Point Pleasant<br>9/18: vs Princeton<br>9/25: vs Williamstown<br>10/9: at Man<br>10/16: vs Wayne<br>10/23: vs Logan<br>10/30: at Mingo Central<br>11/6: at St. Albans</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>12-1 (Playoff Semifinals)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 9-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing the senior class that led Chapmanville to the best season in program history won't be easy, but the Tigers look more like a team that's reloading than rebuilding. A talented group of underclassmen is ready for larger roles, and the addition of several key transfers should help soften the impact of those graduation losses. It also doesn't hurt to have one of the state's top quarterbacks back under center, as Dakota Dalton gives Chapmanville a proven leader to build around over the next two seasons. With that combination of returning talent and new faces, expect the Tigers to remain firmly in the Class AAA title conversation.</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":["1154939"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5ecf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapmanville addressed one of its biggest offseason needs by bringing in 2027 WR Kai Martin from George Washington. Martin adds size, length, and athleticism to a receiving corps that graduated several key contributors, giving the Tigers another matchup problem on the outside. If Martin settles in quickly, he could become one of the new faces who helps keep Chapmanville's offense among the best in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20102099/6910899c74301bea69faa95au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692aa63"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1184532"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5e27"} --> <!-- 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>The tone up front for the Tigers is set by 2027 OL/DL Jaxon Topping. A key piece of Chapmanville's success in the trenches last season, Topping brings a physical, hard-nosed style that shows up on every snap. He plays through the whistle, finishes blocks, and brings that same mentality to the defensive side of the ball. With the Tigers replacing several experienced linemen, Topping will be one of the players counted on to keep that physical identity intact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22939456/69fa21c4a2421a5125722b5du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692aa99"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1315124"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f1a"} --> <!-- 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>With Dakota Dalton back under center, Chapmanville has one of the state's top quarterbacks leading the offense. The 2028 signal-caller threw for over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing an outstanding 83% of his passes during the Tigers' semifinal run. He plays with great accuracy, makes good decisions with the football, and has the size to continue developing into a high-level prospect. Dalton gives Chapmanville the stability every championship contender wants at the most important position on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/6Waq9f_PSiA?si=DUrcjwtHPblOmcjE","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/6Waq9f_PSiA?si=DUrcjwtHPblOmcjE </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311031"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5f66"} --> <!-- 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 OL/DL David Browning emerged as one of the Tigers' most dependable players in the trenches during his sophomore season. Whether lining up on the offensive or defensive line, Browning brings the toughness and consistency Chapmanville wants up front. His ability to contribute at a high level on both sides of the ball gives the Tigers valuable versatility as they replace several graduated seniors. With another offseason of physical development, Browning is poised to for an even bigger year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16589562/6935b26f1732353c1b8d26d3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692ab5a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1625334"],"_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-6a4fd5692ab0d"} --> <!-- 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>Special teams remain in good hands with 2028 K Ashton McClanahan back for another season. McClanahan has been a steady presence for the Tigers and gives Chapmanville confidence whenever the kicking game is called upon. McClanahan has continued to build on a strong sophomore season and gives Chapmanville another experienced returning starter in an often overlooked phase of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/McCl8822/status/2065517968948162812","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/McCl8822/status/2065517968948162812 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2244706"],"_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-6a4e5f2db5fab"} --> <!-- 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>Keegan Craddock is a name that could become much more familiar this fall. The 2028 TE/DL brings an impressive 6'5 210 frame and is coming off a sophomore season where he recorded 50 tackles for the Tigers. With Benji Adkins graduating, there's a clear opportunity for Craddock to become a larger part of Chapmanville's offense too at tight end while continuing to make an impact on defense. His combination of size, production, and untapped upside makes him one of the more intriguing players on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19998544/69e183d84b1c859bcf9078ecu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692aba2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716499"],"_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-6a4e5f2db6019"} --> <!-- 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>Chapmanville has an exciting young piece to build around in 2029 TE/LB Jaxon Lusk. Lusk earned varsity snaps as a freshman and embraced the physical style the Tigers pride themselves on, doing much of the dirty work as a blocker at tight end and H-back. His 6'2 210 frame gives him plenty of upside on both sides of the ball, although we like his long-term projection at linebacker. With a year of experience under his belt, Lusk should see his role continue to grow as one of the promising sophomores in the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23555928/69e441bb512d8d5b9f8f9d85u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692abeb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716455"],"_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-6a4e5f2db605f"} --> <!-- 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>Several graduating receivers leave opportunities in Chapmanville's offense, and 2029 WR Easton Bender is in a great position to capitalize. Breaking into the varsity rotation as a freshman on a state semifinal team is no small feat, and Bender made the most of his opportunities when his number was called. He showed he could stretch the field vertically while also being effective on quick throws underneath, giving the Tigers another weapon with a versatile skill set. With more targets available this fall, expect Bender's role in the passing game to grow significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25529726/692f853a733bfca19ff9514bu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4fd5692ac2e"} /--> <!-- /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='2124382' first='Austin' last='Killen'] - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Levi Robinson - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Thompson - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody McCallister - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxton Ellison - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Topping - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624421' first='Jeffrey' last='Barker'] - 2028 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sawyer Dalton - 2029 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->