A New Chapter for the Cougars
The Cougars kicked off preseason workouts on July 31, a date that marked the beginning of a season filled with both promise and uncertainty. Coach Nathan Floyd praised his squad’s eagerness to learn, noting that the players arrived ready to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges early in the campaign.
The loss of senior running back Baylor Graber, who amassed more than 1,200 yards on the ground last year, casts a shadow over the offense. Graber’s absence is felt on both sides of the ball, leaving a void that the team must fill as it reshapes its offensive scheme.
Adding to the upheaval, quarterback Derrick Moore, who contributed over 1,200 rushing yards and roughly 700 passing yards in the previous season, graduated in the spring. Floyd emphasized the need to identify a successor rather than overhaul the entire system, focusing on tailoring the attack to the strengths of the next signal‑caller.
Among the returning veterans, senior Brandon Pritchett is slated to become a cornerstone of the offense. After rotating through several positions a year ago, Pritchett now settles into the tailback role, a move Floyd believes will unlock his playmaking ability.
Garrett Johnson, previously a running back and linebacker, will line up as an offensive guard and defensive end this fall. His willingness to adapt underscores the team’s depth and the coaching staff’s confidence in maximizing versatile talent.
Stephen Mikell, a first‑team all‑Shenandoah District selection on the offensive line, is expected to anchor the front. Coaches anticipate that his presence will provide stability and a significant impact on the line of scrimmage.
Looking Ahead
Last season the Cougars reached the regional championship game, only to fall to Strasburg, the eventual Class 2 state champion. The narrow defeat left a lingering desire to return to that stage, but the road ahead will require rebuilding around new personnel.
The 2026 schedule pits the Cougars against familiar regional rivals such as Central Woodstock, Luray and Riverheads, with an open date in October offering flexibility for additional matchups. The slate promises competitive tests that could shape the team’s trajectory.