In his first season leading the undefeated Princeton Tigers (13-0), coach Nathan Tanner is returning to the state championship stage four years after his last appearance with Parkersburg South, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Tanner implemented schemes from his time at South, while successfully integrating elements like the inside zone run that were historically successful for Princeton. The Tigers rely on star senior Brad Mossor, a favorite for statewide honors with 43 touchdowns and 2,179 scrimmage yards, as well as the strong connection between Tanner and three-year starting quarterback Chance Barker, who has thrown for 3,126 yards and 30 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Tigers' opponents, the Nitro Wildcats, clinched their first title game appearance since 2005 after defeating previously-unbeaten Chapmanville. Fifth-year head coach Boom McKinney highlights Nitro's physical play and elite offensive skill players, including running back Chris Radcliffe, WVU-bound wideout Malachi Thompson (19 TDs), and first-year starting quarterback Eian Duffy (38 TDs, 250 yards/game). Nitro's talent also extends to the defensive side, which allows only 12 points per game, led by senior Cohen Lusher, whom McKinney calls a "silent assassin" with 24 sacks. Both teams, who met in an August scrimmage, acknowledge the strength of the other's offensive and defensive lines, recognizing the challenge that lies ahead in the championship game on Saturday night.