Following state runner-up season, Collin Beckner steps in to lead Nitro
2026 Summer Previews
•
Sports
After leading one of the best seasons in Nitro High School football history as offensive coordinator, Collin Beckner takes over as head coach of his alma mater with the Wildcats looking to build on a remarkable 12-2 campaign and Class AAA state runner-up finish.
Following the graduation of more than two dozen seniors, including standout playmakers Malachi Thompson and Da'Ron Parks, Nitro enters 2026 with a young but motivated roster. Beckner discusses the challenge of replacing veteran leadership, the position battles taking place throughout preseason camp, and why player development—not immediate results—will define success this fall.
Hear Beckner's thoughts on returning leader CJ Lovejoy, emerging running back Nysiaha Walker, the quarterback competition between Coen Reed and Timmy Boyd, and why the Wildcats' running backs, linebackers, and tight ends could become the team's biggest strength.
Can Nitro continue its rise in Class AAA despite a major roster overhaul? Watch our full preseason report to find out.
Subscribe to MetroNews Television for complete coverage of West Virginia high school football throughout the 2026 season, including previews, highlights, interviews, and live Game of the Week broadcasts.
Up Next in 2026 Summer Previews
-
Mays optimistic for improvement, 2nd ...
The rebuild is underway at South Charleston.
After taking over just weeks before the 2025 season, head coach Donnie Mays now enters his second year back with the Black Eagles after a full offseason to establish the culture and foundation he believes the program needs to return to playoff content...
-
Coach Edwards sees potential in his P...
George Washington is knocking on the door—and the Patriots want to kick it down.
After matching the program's best record in more than a decade with a 9-3 season and a third state quarterfinal appearance in five years, George Washington enters 2026 looking to make an even deeper postseason run.
... -
'We want to compete gold': HH Huskies...
The goal is no longer just getting to Wheeling—it's finishing the job.
After two state championship appearances and eight playoff victories over the last four seasons, Herbert Hoover enters 2026 with one objective: bringing home the program's next state title.
Junior quarterback Peyton Grigsby r...
