East Hardy enters 2026 with high expectations after coming within overtime of reaching the Class A semifinals last season.

The Cougars overcame an 0-3 start to finish 6-6 against one of West Virginia's toughest schedules. Four of their five regular-season losses were one-possession games in the fourth quarter, giving head coach Devon Orndorff plenty of confidence that last year's lessons can translate into more wins this fall.

Senior quarterback Trevor Roof returns after accounting for 43 touchdowns in 2025, throwing 30 touchdown passes and rushing for another 13 scores. Orndorff has tailored the offense around Roof's versatility and believes the senior is a next-level talent.

Roof will have experienced weapons around him, including senior receiver Dayton Dove and junior running back Nehemiah Graham, who helped carry the Cougars during their quarterfinal playoff game last season.

East Hardy also returns three starters along the offensive line as the Cougars prepare for another season of what Orndorff calls "ironman football."

Despite having one of the smallest football rosters in the state, East Hardy has missed the playoffs just once in the last 16 seasons and enters 2026 looking for an eighth consecutive postseason appearance — and a much deeper run in Class A.