Last season, the Chapmanville Regional Tigers, finished at 5-5, just missing the Class AA playoffs with a young squad. This season, the Tigers were ready to play in Class AAA but a last minute classification change left Chapmanville in Class AA. Now, second-year head coach Zach Belcher is looking forward for the Tigers to take that next step and return to the playoffs.
“I feel like we played 10 meaningful football games last season,” said Belcher. “At one point, we were 3-1 on the season. If you had told me that as a first-year head coach, I would have taken it and ran with it. Every game meant something. We had a chance at the playoffs all the way to the end. We have 10 guys back on defense and 8 guys back on offense. All of skill position players are back, so I feel like we are ready heading into this season.”
KEY LOSSES: RJ Jones, Dan Atwood, Ian Plumley
KEY RETURNERS: Eli Prdemore, Robert Cook, Austin Adkins, Jeremy Collins, Benji Adkins, Preston Kovach
OFFENSE
The Tigers return starting quarterback Robert Cook back from a year ago. Cook can make plays with both his arms and legs. He’ll be joined at the position by freshman phenom Dakota Dalton.
“I think both of those guys are doing a great job at pushing each other,” said Belcher. “Here’s what I like seeing. Robert and Dakota are working together. Robert is helping Dakota. Our locker room as very tight, and everyone is helping each other to succeed in all aspects. I think those two are going to continue to push and help each other throughout the whole season. We’re going to be in situations where we need one or ther other.”
At the running back position, junior Jeremy “Pearl Jam” Collins looks to be improved for this season. Eli Pridemore and Austin Adkins will also see time in the backfield.
At the tight ends, Chapmanville has 6’5” junior Benji Adkins back. Adkins excels in both the receiving and blocking game. Preston Kovach is returning after an injury last season and will be the team’s other tight end.
Austin Adkins returns after being one of the leading receivers in the Cardinal Conference last season. Three-year starter Andrew Topping returns to the wide receiver position to give the Tigers a strong 1-2 punch on the outside.
On the offensive line, freshman David Browning looks to possibly anchor the left tackle position. Dawson Adkins looks to fill in one of the guard positions. Jaxon Topping is expected to be the team’s center. Braeden Adams, Caleb Robinette, Levi Hurley and Landon Williams are all pushing toward playing time once the season begins.
DEFENSE
Benji Adkins returns to defenisve end. Josh Porter and Caleb Robinette return to play in the defensive trenches. And the same players looking for time on the offensive side will also be vying for minutes on the Chapmanville defensive line.
At linebacker, the Tigers return a fantastic group led by first team all-stater Eli Pridemore. Preston Kovach will be next to Pridmore in the middle to wreak havoc. Dawson Adkins and Austin Killen will look for playing time at linebacker. Andrew Topping will play at one of the outside linebacker spots. Jeremy Collins, Walker Thompson and Brayden Strange are all pushing for playing time.
In the defensive backfield, Evan Whitt, Kaleb Burford will both see time. Robert Cook will play at safety. Ehvin Strange will see some time in the defensive backfield. Austin Adkins will also play at defensive back. Mahryon Corbett will see some snaps as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jon Ferrell returns as place kicker who is very consistent. Ashton McClanahan is a freshman who comes in with the opportunity to see some time kicking the football.
Eli Pridemore is also back as one of the best long snappers in the state, helping the Tigers keep a leg up in special teams.
SCHEDULE
O8/30/24 – Sissonville
09/06/24 – Nicholas County
09/13/24 – @Winfield
09/20/24 – Nitro
09/27/24 – @Scott
10/04/24 – Herbert Hoover
10/18/24 – @Wayne
10/25/24 – Logan
11/01/24 – @Mingo Central
11/08/24 – @Man
OUTLOOK
The Tigers were poised to jump to Class AAA, but with them dropping to Class AA right before the season, they look like a big player in the playoff picture. With a year under his belt and players maturing from last season, Belcher seems poised to lead his group into the playoffs.
Look for Chapmanville to be much improved this season and to push hard for a playoff spot. This could be a very big year for the Tigers.
