A Schedule Built for Challenge
The upcoming 2026 campaign for Buckhannon-Upshur’s football program is already shaping up as one of the most demanding in recent memory, with six of the team’s opponents having advanced to the 2025 playoffs.
Adding to the difficulty, the team will begin the season with three consecutive away contests, the first of which pits them against Bridgeport on the road, a venue known for its passionate crowd and tough defense.
Coach Sloan Baisden has been vocal about the schedule’s design, emphasizing that the week-four home opener will serve as both a celebration of the seniors and a pivotal moment to gauge the team’s progress after the early road tests.
Beyond the pageantry of Senior Night, the coach notes that the bye week in the fifth slot offers a rare opportunity for recovery and preparation, allowing the squad to fine-tune strategies before the latter half of the season.
Overall, the schedule balances a rigorous test against elite competition with carefully placed rest periods, a combination that Baisden believes will ultimately strengthen the team’s resolve and depth.