2026 Summer Previews
Get ready for the 2026 West Virginia high school football season with MetroNews Sports Summer Previews.
Join Joe Brocato as he travels across the Mountain State, visiting programs in Class A, AA, AAA, and AAAA to see how teams are preparing for the fall. From championship contenders and returning stars to emerging talent and key storylines, these previews offer an inside look at the players, coaches, and programs that make West Virginia high school football.
Follow along all summer as teams put in the work, build chemistry, and prepare for the 2026 season.
Class A • AA • AAA • AAAA
Coverage from across West Virginia
Exclusive interviews, practice highlights, and season outlooks from MetroNews Sports
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After 5th playoff win in 3 years, Tucker County seeks lengthy postseason run
Tucker County has become one of West Virginia's most consistent Class A football programs, and the Mountain Lions aren't planning to slow down in 2026.
After four consecutive playoff appearances and five postseason victories over the last three seasons, head coach AJ Rapp returns a veteran offen...
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RCB strives to keep 'leveling up' after Class AAA quarterfinal appearance
Confidence is growing in Clarksburg.
After snapping a four-year playoff victory drought with an upset win over Fairmont Senior, Robert C. Byrd enters the 2026 season believing it can take another step forward.
Head coach Austin Scott has increased the Flying Eagles' win total in each of his fir...
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Doddridge County reloads after 12-win season, run to Class AA semifinals
The standard hasn't changed in West Union.
After a 12-1 season and a trip to the Class AA semifinals in their first year after reclassification, Doddridge County enters 2026 looking to continue one of the state's most consistent football programs.
Head coach Bobby Burnside welcomes back a veter...
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'This Play' mentality follows Morgantown into Class AAAA state title defense
The championship celebration is over. The focus is already on the next play.
Fresh off the program's first Class AAAA state championship in 20 years, Morgantown enters the 2026 season determined to defend its crown without dwelling on last year's success.
Head coach Sean Biser returns one of th...
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Elkins looks to compete on 'statewide level' after 7-win season
Elkins believes its best football is still ahead.
After reaching the playoffs for a second straight season and posting the program's first seven-win campaign in 13 years, the Tigers return 19 of 22 starters from last year's postseason team.
Head coach Chad Ware enters his third season with a ve...
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Challenging schedule awaits Fairmont Senior in second season under Mark Sampson
After an 8-2 regular season and a No. 3 seed in the 2025 Class AAA playoffs, Fairmont Senior enters 2026 with unfinished business.
Head coach Mark Sampson and the Polar Bears are determined to build on last season's success after a first-round playoff exit ended their season earlier than expecte...
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Expectations are elevated at University after 9-win season, run to AAAA semis
The expectations are rising on Baker's Ridge.
After a breakthrough 9-4 season and the program's deepest playoff run since 2009, University enters 2026 with one of the most experienced and explosive offenses in Class AAAA.
Quarterback Harrison Helbig returns after throwing for more than 3,100 ya...
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Veteran backfield, younger linemen to lead Bridgeport into 2026 season
After a 25-game winning streak and three losses in the last three seasons, Bridgeport enters 2026 with unfinished business.
The Indians' Class AAA title defense came to a sudden end in last year's state quarterfinals, but a veteran backfield and a hungry roster have their sights set on another c...
