After a slump from 2021-2023, the Pendleton County Wildcats football team rebounded last season with an 8-4 record, reaching the state quarterfinals. Head coach Zac Smith states that the team's shutout loss to Tucker County in that round has served as major motivation. The offense is led by sophomore quarterback Colton Roberson, who had a breakout freshman year with over 2,000 passing yards and 27 touchdowns after being unexpectedly thrust into the starting role. His top returning target is senior Chase Owens, who will be used in various positions to maximize his impact, while the running back position is an open competition. Coach Smith is looking for improvement in the team's ability to run the ball and stop the run, a goal he feels is achievable with four out of five starters returning on the line. Citing what he calls the team's hardest offseason work in about five years, Smith is pleased with the team's preparation and feels it matches the high expectations for the program.