The Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights football team is entering the season with a significant advantage in veteran players and returning starters, a stark contrast to their young squad from two years ago. After a 5-5 season in 2022 that saw them miss the postseason, the Maroon Knights rebounded in 2023 with nine wins and a trip to the Class AA quarterfinals. Head coach Mike Young, now in his 21st season leading the program, attributes this growth to the team's increased maturity and experience, noting that they are now a junior and senior-oriented group.

Sophomore Nico Kusic, who was thrust into the starting quarterback role last year, impressed with 20 touchdown passes and only three interceptions, also adding 520 rushing yards and eight scores. He's expected to build on that success, with his primary target, 6-foot-7 senior Max Olejasz, a basketball state champion, returning after catching 19 passes for 467 yards and ten touchdowns. Kade Koroneos, Central's second-leading rusher last season with 635 yards and eight touchdowns, will lead a stable of running backs.

On defense, the Maroon Knights boast the return of their top four tacklers from last season: Wyatt Brady (121 tackles), Dustin Sanner (90 tackles), Kade Koroneos (52 tackles), and Brady Ernest (48 tackles). While Brady is recovering from a knee injury, Coach Young is optimistic about his mid-season return. Back in Class A after a year in Class AA, Wheeling Central faces a tough early schedule, opening against Union Local, Fort Frye, and Williamstown. Coach Young believes these initial matchups will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season.