Pendleton County came within one victory of its first state championship appearance last season. Now, the Wildcats return nearly their entire starting lineup with expectations soaring in Franklin.

After winning seven consecutive games and advancing to the Class A semifinals in 2025, head coach Zac Smith welcomes back roughly 10 starters on each side of the football.

At the center of it all is first team All-State quarterback and Division I prospect Colton Roberson. As a sophomore, Roberson accounted for nearly 4,700 yards of total offense, throwing 37 touchdown passes and rushing for another 26 scores. He also led the Wildcats defensively with 154 tackles and holds an offer from Marshall University.

Roberson will have plenty of weapons back, including junior Travis Owens, who caught 70 passes for 1,315 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Seniors Ty Heavener and Spencer Hartman return to anchor the Wildcats up front after each recorded more than 100 tackles in 2025.

After four semifinal appearances under Smith, Pendleton County is still searching for its first trip to the state championship game.

With one of the most experienced rosters in Class A, can the Wildcats finally break through in 2026?