Wheeling Central Catholic, seeking their 13th state championship since 1979, will face first-time finalist Clay-Battelle in the Class A final in Charleston on Friday night. The No. 3 Cee-Bees (12-1) secured their spot by avenging their only season-opening loss with a 24-12 semifinal win over 2024 finalist Cameron, a victory that Clay-Battelle head coach Aaron LaPoe described as resulting in a "job is not finished mentality" in the locker room. The team, which has since won 12 consecutive games, gained confidence from late-season victories over Sherman and Oak Glen, according to LaPoe. Clay-Battelle's offense is powered by junior quarterback Corey Coen, who has accounted for 37 touchdowns, and senior Braden Ponceroff, lauded by LaPoe for his elite hands, leadership, and ten receiving touchdowns. LaPoe, a second-year coach succeeding his mentor Ryan Wilson, expressed pride in leading his alma mater and seeing the community rally around the team. On the opposing side, No. 1 Wheeling Central Catholic (9-2) returns to the championship for the first time since 2019, led by National High School Football Hall of Fame inductee Mike Young, who holds an 8-0 record in state title games. Young noted the importance of the team's rally and strong defensive performance, which included key interceptions, in their semifinal win over Pendleton County. The Maroon Knights, led by senior Kade Koroneos, who has 1,760 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns, and quarterback Nico Kusic, enter the game with strong confidence and team chemistry, aiming to secure a rare calendar-year triple crown of state titles in boys basketball, baseball, and football.