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 expected. Leading the charge is Division I quarterback prospect Anthony Smith, who accounted for 2,560 total yards and 35 touchdowns as a sophomore. With an expanded role in the offense, Smith is expected to have even more freedom to make decisions at the line of scrimmage.

The Polar Bears also welcome back Christian Hrapchak following an injury-shortened season, while a new group of offensive linemen prepares to replace key graduates. Fairmont Senior's challenging 2026 schedule includes matchups with North Marion, Bridgeport, University, Bluefield, and Herbert Hoover as the Bears look to make a deeper postseason run.