HICO, WV (WVNS) - The Midland Trail Patriots once again emerged as a serious playoff contender, racking up 10 wins in 2025. But the road back to the 2026 playoffs is one mixed with uncertainty but also a new sense of optimism.
The Midland Trail Patriots saw a lot of success last season, led by a very deep and strong senior class. But with those seniors now gone, a lot of people are now looking at this Patriots squad and wondering just who will step up to the plate next.
Last year's senior class propelled the Patriots to a 9 to 1 regular season record. They were able to pull off a playoff victory against Petersburg before losing to the Double A state runners up in the Bluefield Beavers.
Bluefield Beavers aiming for redemption in 2026 Now the Patriots will have to do a complete makeover, with the team returning just one starter on offense from last year. "We make the joke that the fans are going to have to get a roster print out because there's going to be people on the field they've never seen before," said Patriots Head Coach Jeremy Moore. "We don't expect a whole lot of letdown, everybody else on the outside thinks that, but our guys are pretty dead set on keeping the momentum going."
The Patriots will also be leaning on a new starting quarterback with freshman Jeremy Shockey stepping up. But there are signs of optimism as well - Brody Jones returns to anchor the defense and Jasper Swafford back to catch those deep passes.
If you also talk to the seniors, they remain confident that the underclassman will step up when they're needed. "Everyone knows what they think of us, like what we think we're going to be, we're all really excited to prove them wrong," said Senior Parker Harrah.
"It gives me faith for the years to come for this program. I'm looking forward to even after I graduate to come back and see what these guys are going to do," added Senior Rykard Woodson.
And if you had any doubt that this team can be competitive, take it from their own perspective - they are much more than a team, they are a Midland Trail Family. "We're not just a team, we don't have our own little groups, we are one big family and we're all together. We've been through hardships together, we've been through wins together and loses, everything we do we do together," Woodson told 59News.
These Patriots will open their season against a competitive Clay County squad on Friday, August 29.
Check Out More 2026 High School Football Previews
August 12th: Bluefield Beavers August 12th: Mount View Golden Knights August 13th: Graham G-Men August 13th: River View Raiders August 14th: Greenbrier East Spartans August 14th: Summers County Bobcats August 17th: Midland Trail Patriots August 17th: Meadow Bridge Wildcats
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