Wheeling Park High School, led by head coach Chris Daugherty, enters the upcoming football season with high expectations after a strong showing last year. Despite losing key players, the Patriots finished the regular season with a three-game winning streak, securing the No. 4 seed in the Class AAAA playoffs before falling to Huntington in the quarterfinals. The team's offense, which averaged 31.3 points per game, will again be spearheaded by standout running back Brennan Wack, who earned the Curt Warner Award after rushing for 2,258 yards and 31 touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Jay Bordas also returns after an impressive debut season, throwing for 17 touchdowns against only six interceptions, and Daugherty noted Bordas's significant growth. While last season's offense leaned heavily on the run (63% of snaps), the Patriots aim for a more balanced attack this year, closer to a 50-50 run-pass split, thanks to a solid receiving corps led by Owen Dobryznski-Hines, Isaac Sands, Jed Hunley, and Preston Heatherington. A primary focus for the team as preseason practice approaches is to solidify both offensive and defensive lines, with returning players like Liam Waldeck, Kayden Fortney, and Reuben Rouse expected to step into starting roles. Daugherty is optimistic that the team's work ethic and reduced mistakes will make them a formidable contender in the competitive Class AAAA bracket, with aspirations extending beyond just a playoff win to reaching the state championship.