Wirt County enters 2026 looking to build on a breakthrough season that included the program's first playoff victory since 2010.

The Tigers made that victory even more memorable by defeating St. Marys, 27-14, just one week after losing to the Blue Devils by 33 points in the regular-season finale. Wirt County finished 8-4 and now has its sights set on a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

Sophomore Luke Hickman takes over at quarterback for multi-year starter Tyler Smith. Despite his youth, head coach Jason Hickman says Luke's familiarity with the program and offense has helped prepare him for the opportunity.

He'll have a talented young group around him, including sophomore receiver Andrew Lemley, who caught 49 passes for 739 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman.

Leading rusher Adryon Hartford also returns after rushing for 891 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, giving the Tigers another proven weapon as they look to maintain a balanced offense.
Defensively, senior Peyton Dye returns as one of Wirt County's leaders after recording 76 tackles and a team-high 13 tackles for loss last season.

After an 8-4 campaign and a long-awaited playoff victory, expectations are rising in Elizabeth. Can Wirt County take another step forward in 2026?