Spring Mills came within a single point of knocking off the eventual Class AAAA state champions in 2025. Now, the Cardinals are reloading for another run.

After battling through injuries and adversity throughout the regular season, Spring Mills pushed Morgantown to double overtime in the state quarterfinals before falling 34-33.

Head coach Marcus Law enters his fourth season leading the Cardinals after compiling a 28-10 record with five playoff victories over his first three years.

Spring Mills will have plenty of new faces in key positions after losing its leading passer, rusher and receiver to graduation. Former Hedgesville quarterback Chaz Milburn takes over the offense as an experienced three-year starter, while Nolan Forrest, Noah Reed and Chris Williams are among the players competing for larger roles in the backfield.

The Cardinals are also counting on a mix of young and experienced players up front, including Johnny Droneburg, Mateo Swayne and Matthew Nair, who returns after suffering an ACL injury last season.

After reaching the state championship game in 2024 and pushing the eventual champions to the limit in 2025, can Spring Mills make another deep postseason run in 2026?