Coaches from the Mountain State Athletic Conference converged in South Charleston this week for a media day that set the stage for the 2026 high school football season. The event brought together programs from across the region to discuss expectations, player development and the challenges that lie ahead.
Key Teams and Coaches
Huntington’s Billy Seals spoke about a youthful roster that will field only 15 seniors, highlighting defensive standout Elias King as the lone expected starter on that side of the ball. The team is looking to blend fresh talent with the few experienced pieces that remain.
Steve Edwards Jr. of GW emphasized the value of continuity, noting that the team’s core returns intact and will look to build on last year’s progress. He believes that chemistry and experience will be decisive factors in the upcoming campaign.
Eric Fetty of Cabell Midland reflected on a challenging 1‑9 season in 2025, but said the additional year of experience should translate into a more competitive outlook. He pointed to the returning squad’s increased familiarity as a foundation for improvement.
South Charleston’s Donnie Mays outlined a plan that leans on 46 underclassmen while counting on seniors Malcolm Brown and Kaden Hackman to provide leadership. The coaching staff sees this group as the cornerstone for building a stronger future.
Spring Valley, fresh off a 9‑4 season and a Class AAA Final Four run, expressed confidence that the momentum can be carried into the new campaign. Their coaching staff highlighted the need to maintain focus despite the program’s recent success.
Season Outlook
With the regular season slated to open on the final weekend of August, the coaches agreed that the upcoming months will be a test of how quickly the new‑look squads can gel. The consensus was that the conference remains competitive, and that each program will need to adapt rapidly to the evolving rosters and strategies.