HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 2026 Southwest District Preview Capsules (copy) (copy)
The landscape for Southwest District football is familiar.
With an assortment of large linemen and speedy playmakers, Graham is a heavy favorite to win yet another title.
The battle for second place might be the most interesting storyline.
Southwest District Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Graham
2. Virginia High
3. Lebanon
4. Tazewell
5. Richlands
6. Marion
Note: Southern Gap does not play a full SWD schedule in 2026.
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Graham G-Men
Coach: Tony Palmer
2025 record: 8-4 (5-0)
Key returners: Gage Palmer, RB/LB, sr.; Cambel Fix, WR, sr.; Lucas Nash, PK, sr.; Jysir Williamson, OL, sr.; Aiden Bailey, OL, sr.; Xavier Kennard, OL, sr.
Promising newcomers: Chris Williams, OL, fr.; Jaron Lane, WR, soph.; Je’Von Lane, RB, soph.
Key losses: Gabe Lilly, RB-LB; Dalton Roberts, QB; Malachi Elick, WR; Kaeden Groseclose, OL
Outlook: The names have changed, but the bottom line remains for the G-Men.
With stoppers such as lineman Jysir Williamson and linebacker Gage Palmer setting a torrid pace last season, Graham (8-4) won another Southwest District title and advanced to the Region 2D semifinals before dropping a 12-0 decision at Union.
The 2026 roster of 39 features seven seniors and eight starters on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line figures to be a strong point behind senior Aiden Bailey (6-5, 280) and 6-3, 275-pound thumper Xavier Kennard.
Sophomores Bryson Walker (6-2, 215), Kolton Simon (6-1, 220), Hunter Rose (5-9, 220) are members of the line corps along with 6-1, 270-pound freshman Chris Williams.
Gage Palmer (6-2, 220) announced his verbal commitment to play football at East Tennessee State University in late June. After rushing for 12 touchdowns last season and helping the G-Men win the VHSL Class 2 state title in basketball, Palmer has added strength and size.
Garrett Palmer, Gage’s brother, will work at quarterback. The 6-2, 200-pound sophomore has also benefited from time in the weight room.
Versatile senior Cambel Fix (6-0, 180) is a big-play threat as a return specialist and receiver. Sophomore A.J. Bradshaw and senior Kaden Banks are playmakers along with sophomore twins Je’von and Jaron Lane.
Williamson (6-1, 250) will anchor the defense after earning VHSL Class 2 all-state honors each of the past two seasons.
Senior kicker Lucas Nash returns after converting five field goals and 54 extra points.
As usual, the expectations are high in football-hungry Bluefield.
Coach’s Quote: “We have talent at the skill positions, but we’re still young. We had a good off-season and preseason, and the kids are hungry. It’s a just a matter of being on the same page. “
ROSTER
1 Garrett Palmer
2 AJ Bradshaw
3 Jaron Lane
4 Kassius Johnson-Bradshaw
5 Cambel Fix
6 Kalani Walton
7 Je’Von Lane
8 Kaden Banks
9 Broc Knowles
10 Brentlee Lancaster
11 Gage Palmer
12 Aiden Gauger
13 Cameron Graves
14 Jeremiah Quick
15 Hawken Nelson
16 Caleb Bradshaw
17 John Pearce
19 Ken Graves
20 Uriah Willis
21 Keith Bennett
22 Cayden Jennings
23 Tymere Crockett
24 Connor Calloway-Cecil
25 Shawn McKinney
30 Robert Ross
32 Amalachi Rosencrance
33 Jysir Williamson
50 Julian Johnson
52 Hunter Rose
53 Kolton Simon
54 Bryson Walker
55 Chris Williams
56 Bryson Boyd
60 Jackson Kegley
71 Austin Brewster
74 Aiden Bailey
75 Xavier Kennard
81 Lucas Nash
SCHEDULE
Aug. 28;Bluefield;A
Sept. 5;Heritage;H
Sept. 11;Union;A
Sept. 25;Princeton;H
Oct. 2; Marion ;A
Oct. 10;Pulaski County;H
Oct.16;Virginia High; A
Oct. 23;Lebanon;A
Oct. 30;Tazewell;A
Nov. 5;Richlands;H
Lebanon Pioneers
Coach: Hunter Norris
2025 record: 8-4 (3-2)
Key returners: Layne Jessee, RB/LB, jr.; Braelin Hess, WR/DB, sr.; Haiden Sears, OL, sr.; Easton Taylor, LB, jr.
Promising newcomers: Will Jessee, QB, fr.; Ethan Horne, WR, soph.
Key losses: Michael Reece, QB; Toby Baker, WR; Luke Garrett, WR; Francisco Hernandez, LB
Outlook: Hunter Norris has created a buzz in Russell County.
In his two seasons as head coach of the Pioneers, the Abingdon native and Emory & Henry graduate has guided the Pioneers to 15 wins and pair of Region 2D playoff trips.
The fun run in 2025 featured a 38-34 playoff victory at Virginia High. That was the first Class 2 playoff win for Lebanon since 2009.
The challenge this season is to replace 14 seniors, including record-setting quarterback Michael Reece.
There were seven seniors and 30 total players on the media day roster.
The headliner is junior Layne Jessee. A 6-foot-2 and 230-pound strongman, Jessee will work at middle linebacker, running back and several other spots.
Following a busy summer of attending prospect camps at major universities, the recruiting profile for Jessee is hot.
Six-foot freshman Will Jessee, brother of Layne, is the new quarterback.
The mix at receiver includes 6-0 senior Braelin Hess, 5-10 junior Blair Clark, 6-1 freshman Liam Spencer and 6-2 sophomore Ethan Horne.
Horne, a basketball standout, is a newcomer to the team.
Prolific receiver Toby Baker is now playing at University of Virginia’s College at Wise along with Reece.
Senior Haiden Sears (6-4, 320) and sophomore Wesley Alexander (6-0, 315) are forces on the offensive line, while rugged sophomore Colby Johnson (5-9, 190) emerged last year at center.
Jessee and junior Easton Taylor (5-11, 210) are proven stoppers at middle linebacker. Hess returns at cornerback.
The playoff triumph was a statement for the Lebanon program, especially after the Pioneers dropped a 42-6 decision to VHS in week nine.
A 35-16 setback at Ridgeview in the second of the playoffs ended the season. The Pioneers actually led that game by a 16-14 margin at halftime.
Coach’s Quote: “We had ups and down last year, but it was blast overall. Having a winning record and making a playoff run is our standard. I think we have a group that can live up to that standard this season if we can get some guys to step up. That’s the fun part of coaching.”
ROSTER
1 Luke Spencer
3 Blair Clark
4 Will Jessee
5 Brody Boothe
7 Ayden Cook
8 Gary Gragg
9 Levin Hughes
10 Ethan Horne
11 Landen Shelton
12 Eli Lake
13 Kaimen Casey
14 Liam Spencer
18 Brayden Hart
20 Mattik King
21 Rylen Brown
23 Hagin Curry
24 Daniel Six
29 Lance Griffith
32 Easton Taylor
44 Layne Jessee
51 Colby Johnson
55 Trey Hill
61 Levi Tiller
66 Connor Griffith
68 Wesley Alexander
75 Landon Ray
78 Caiden Humphries
79 Haiden Sears
88 Braelin Hess
SCHEDULE
Aug. 27;Honaker;A
Sept. 4 ;Patrick Henry;H
Sept. 11;Marion;H
Sept. 18;Rural Retreat;A
Sept. 25;Richlands;A
Oct. 2 ;John Battle;H
Oct. 16 ;Union;H
Oct. 23;Graham;H
Oct. 30;Virginia High;A
Nov. 6 ;Tazewell;A
Marion Scarlet Hurricanes
Marion's Brayden Bowman carries the ball at Chilhowie in August 2025.
Coach: Billy Testerman
2025 record: 0-10 (0-5)
Key returners: Colton Jessee, QB, jr.; Spencer Shaffer, OL, sr.; Konner Whitt, OL, sr.; Peyton Ratcliffe, OL, sr.; Ethan Hylton, RB, sr.
Promising newcomers: Colton Edge, TE, soph.; Colby Davis, WR, soph.
Key losses: Daniel Lee, RB; Tyler Pierce, WR
Outlook: Marion enters the season on a 21-game losing streak.
Now for the good news.
A total of 53 players and 15 seniors are listed on the roster for second-year head coach Billy Testerman.
Relying on just two seniors last season, the Scarlet Hurricanes failed to score in five games and allowed at least 40 points five times.
Nine starters return on each side of the ball.
The strength of the team figures to be the offensive line corps.
Seniors Spencer Shaffer, Konner Whitt and Peyton Ratcliffe are the headliners, with Charlie Umbarger and Brent Tolbert also in the mix.
Six-foot junior Colten Jessee returns at quarterback, while senior Brayden Bowman has experience at receiver.
Senior running back Ethan Hylton led the team last season with four touchdowns. The backfield mix also includes senior Colton Ferland along with juniors Cole Fedorchuk and Bryson Severt.
Sophomore Colby Davis and senior Hughie Smith will see time at receiver, with sophomore Carter Edge at tight end.
The 6-3 Whitt is joined on the defensive line by Ratcliffe and Tolbert. Fedorchuk, Severt, Ferland, Hylton and Jessee are the linebackers.
The secondary includes Davis and Bowman along with juniors Nate Edwards and Chandler Moore.
Testerman hopes the increased turnout and starting experience can translate into wins.
Coach’s Quote: “The kids have really bought into the culture that we’ve established and they want to bring this football program up to where it needs to be.”
ROSTER
0 Brayden Bowman
1 Chandler Moore
2 Zac Pilkins
3 Kaymani Perkins
4 Cole Fedorchuk
5 Breckan White
6 Ethan Hylton
7 Colby Davis
8 Cooper Lefler
9 Nate Edwards
10 Aryus Meckley
11 Victor Reinoso
12 McKinley Miller
13 Taelyn Parrish
14 Ryan Orvik
15 Colten Jessee
18 Brantley Atkins
23 Andrew Owens
24 Trey Winston
25 Bryson Severt
30 Colton Ferland
32 Damien Spence
33 Caedon Reece
34 Andew Morales
36 Darius Robinson
40 Carter Edge
41 Nathan LeSueur
44 Hughie Smith
45 Dylan Collier
49 Preston Harrington
50 Jay Holt
51 Connor Jackson
52 Devon Cantu
53 Jaden Billings
54 Leelan Odham
55 Ketan Jones
56 Peyton Ratcliffe
58 Spencer Shaffer
60 James Miller
62 Eli Shupe
63 Jaden Davis
64 Connor Mitchem
65 Zerrick Jarman
66 Konner Whitt
68 Dayton Jones
70 Brent Tolbert
72 Cooper Hall
76 Charlie Umbarger
77 Ethan Sage
79 Lance Tilson
80 Lucas Widener
82 Cristofer Ortiz
SCHEDULE
Aug. 28;Chilhowie;H
Sept. 4;Wise Central;A
Sept. 11;Lebanon;A
Sept. 18;Gate City;H
Oct. 2;Graham;H
Oct. 9;Lee High;H
Oct. 16;Tazewell;A
Oct. 23;Fort Chiswell;A
Oct. 30;Richlands;A
Nov. 6;Virginia High;H
Richlands Blue Tornado
Coach: Bubba Edwards
2025 record: 6-5 (3-3)
Key returners: Jamie Capshaw, QB/WR, sr.; Landon Absher, WR, sr.; Bryan Hay, RB, sr.
Promising newcomers: Brock Breeding, LB, soph.; Marcus Mitchell, DL, fr.
Key losses: Andrew Boyd, QB; Collin Adkins, WR; Riley Perkins, WR
Outlook: It was a turbulent offseason in the Blue Tornado program.
Following a two-year run, Ronnie Davis was terminated as head coach on June 9.
Less than a week later, Bubba Edwards was hired as the new interim boss of the Blues.
Edwards, 47, served as the offensive coordinator for Richlands two seasons ago before working with the golf and basketball programs last year.
Several challenges await Edwards and his five-person staff that features assistant head coach Jordan Seals and defensive coordinator Eric Phipps.
Behind the work of fearless senior quarterback Andrew Boyd, Richlands is coming off its first winning record after five straight losing seasons. Boyd, who signed to play baseball at Berea College, passed for 24 scores and ran for 16.
A total of 16 seniors graduated from that 6-5 squad.
The 34-player roster for the 2026 season features nine seniors and eight returning starters.
Edwards favors a spread attack with a heavy dose of passing to different targets.
The current quarterback is versatile senior Jamie Capshaw.
Capshaw caught five touchdown passes last year as a receiver.
The top target will be senior Landon Absher. An All-Region 2D selection in 2025, Absher led the team with eight touchdown grabs.
Edwards is also expecting big numbers from senior running back Bryan Hay.
Juniors Ethan Cordle and T.J. Lawson are in the mix at running back.
The new-look offensive line averages around 270 pounds, with powerful juniors Hunter Davis and Ryder Perkins leading the way.
Senior Lukas Looney is a force to watch at defensive end, while sophomore Brock Breeding has drawn rave reviews at linebacker.
Senior Treyton Kiser is at safety, with Hay at linebacker.
Following a hectic summer, Edwards is eager to establish a successful and stable path.
Coach’s Quote: “Going a year without football was tough, but I’m having a blast now. I know my job is listed as interim, but I’m shutting out the noise and looking at the long term in trying to build the culture in this program.”
ROSTER
1 Landon Absher
2 Trevor Watson
3 Ethan Cordle
4 Patrick Spencer
5 Brennon Hess
6 Bryan Hayes
7 Jamie Capshaw
8 Lukas Looney
9 Treyton Kiser
11 Gavin Gross
12 Brock Ramey
13 Brayden Jones
14 Connor Hess
16 Malachi Bailey
17 Xavier Lester
21 Cadynn Rowe
23 Camden Shelton
24 Easton Bowman
26 Samuel Gibson
34 T.J. Lawson
50 Brock Breeding
54 James Sparks
55 Jayden Trusty
56 Noah Holmes
60 Marcus Mitchell
64 Caleb Mounts
70 Ryder Perkins
71 Karter Shreve
75 Jaxson Shortt
78 Hunter Davis
SCHEDULE
Aug. 21;Virginia High;A
Aug. 27;Gate City;A
Sept. 11;Lee High;H
Sept. 18;Abingdon;A
Sept. 25;Lebanon;H
Oct. 2;Southern Gap ;A
Oct. 9;Wise Central;H
Oct. 23;Tazewell;H
Oct. 30;Marion;H
Nov. 7;Graham;A
Southern Gap Eagles
Coach: Greg Tester
Key players: Reuben Rowe, RB, sr.; Ayden Whited, QB, sr.; Aidan Baker, RB, jr.; Gunner Baker, LB, fr.; Carson Blankenship, RB, fr.; Chase Baker, OL, sr.
Outlook: The Southern Gap Eagles practiced for the first time at their elaborate new football stadium on Aug. 5.
Reviews from the players, coaches and fans have been glowing ever since.
Southern Gap unites former students from Grundy, Hurley, Twin Valley and Council.
Football has long been a source of pride in Buchanan County. From Vansant to Pilgrims Knob, the buzz has been building for the Eagles.
Before a large home crowd on Aug. 16, Southern Gap rolled to a 38-0 preseason victory over Patrick Henry.
The initial roster included 43 players and 13 seniors.
Proven seniors Chase Baker and Henry Brown will guide the line corps on both sides of the ball.
Things get interesting from there with multiple candidates at the skill positions.
The backfield mix features senior Reuben Rowe along with juniors Reid Stiltner and Aidan Baker and the freshman duo of Gunner Baker and Carson Blankenship.
Senior Ayden Whited emerged from a three-way battle to earn the starting quarterback role.
Whited was the quarterback at Grundy last season, while senior Braden White directed the offense at Twin Valley and senior Kanan Justice called the shots at Hurley.
Justice is now working at tight end, while White will split time at receiver, running back and quarterback.
Reid Stiltner is a force at linebacker. He won the VHSL Class 1 wresting state title last year in the 150-pound weight class.
Rowe will also see time at linebacker, with Brown and Baker anchoring the line
The 11-man crew of assistants features a variety of former head coaches and familiar names such as defensive coordinator Brandon Davis (Hurley), Tommy Crigger (Twin Valley) and Jeremy Ward from Grundy.
Coach’s Quote: “The people in Buchanan County are blue collar and tough, and we want the same standard in our football program.”
ROSTER
1 Gavin Mays
2 Blake Payne
3 Reuben Rowe
4 Braden White
5 Ayden Whited
6 Carson Blankenship
7 Reid Stiltner
8 Jackson Deel
10 Kanan Justice
11 Ethan Smith
12 Chase Yates
13 Jaelyn Bailey
14 Shawn Motes
17 Mason Rife
20 Aidan Baker
21 Gunner Baker
22 Carter Deel
23 Caden Justice
24 Ethan Deel
25 Devin Mullins
26 Michael Motes
27 Harvey Cooper
28 Josh Keen
29 Colton Alvey
32 Eli Owens
48 Gavin Stiltner
50 Zack Peck
51 Chase Baker
52 Branton Stacy
53 Riley Hancock
54 Josh Keller
56 Colin Wolfrum
59 Luke Justus
60 Henry Brown
62 Bradley Squire
63 Trever Blankenship
65 Eli Dye
70 Matt Thompson
71 Marshall Justus
72 Rylan Blankenship
75 Gabe Ratliff
76 Blake Childress
88 Luke Stiltner
SCHEDULE
Aug. 21;Holston;H
Aug. 28;Ridgeview;H
Sept. 4;Rye Cove;A
Sept. 11;Giles;A
Sept. 25;Honaker;H
Oct. 2;Richlands;H
Oct. 9;Tazewell;A
Oct. 23;River View;H
Oct. 30;Eastside;A
Nov. 6;Wise Central;A
Tazewell Bulldogs
Coach: J’Me Harris
2025 record: 2-8 (1-4)
Key returners: Ty Whittaker, QB, soph.; Chase McDonald, WR, jr.; Liam Harris, OL, soph; Jakeim Beavers, OL/DL, jr.; Emory Hull, RB, sr.; Jessee McGraw, LB, jr.
Promising newcomers: Jaden Johnson, DB, soph.; Jace White, LB, fr.; Tucker Graham, LB, fr.
Key losses: Walker Patterson, QB/WR; Cole Price, WR; Jashon Taylor, DT
Outlook: The second act of the J’Me Harris production is underway at Tazewell.
Following a one-year absence, Harris returned in April as head coach.
Harris, 55, guided the Bulldogs for eight seasons before leaving in 2025 to take a coaching position in Pittsburgh.
Tazewell won 39 games, earned six straight playoff appearances and set an array of team records during the last six years of the Harris run.
The Bulldogs posted a 2-8 record last season under former coach Seth Padgett.
The 38-player roster includes just six seniors.
According to Harris, the key to improvement is clear.
Tazewell has allowed more than 40 points on defense in nine of the last 13 games.
Former Eastside assistant Tracey Parker, Jr. is the new defensive coordinator.
The offense features three new starters on the line. But five veterans returned, including 6-foot-1 sophomore quarterback Ty Whittaker.
Other veterans on offense include senior receiver Dajaun Viney, junior receiver Chase McDonald, junior guard Zane Settle and sophomore left tackle Liam Harris.
Senior Emory Hull (5-9, 184) heads up the offensive backfield. A 2024 transfer from Bluefield High School who saw limited playing time last season, Hull favors a high-impact running style.
Junior Jayson Hancock supplies speed and pass-catching ability, while sophomore Jaden Johnson is also in the mix.
Six-foot-four sophomore Ellis Day is an interesting target at receiver.
Bill Dudley is the offensive coordinator, while former Tazewell football standout Shaquille McDonald will direct the offensive line.
Four starters return on defense with Harris at end, junior Jesse McGraw at linebacker, Hancock at cornerback, and Hull at safety.
The game-changer on defense is 6-3, 338-pound lineman Jakiem Beavers.
Look for Beavers to also see time at tight end.
Coach’s Quote: “Tazewell has been my home for the last several years and it’s a good time be back. We have a supportive community, a fan base that loves football, and great assistant coaches. This team has the potential to be really good in a couple years. We are just at the beginning now.”
ROSTER
0 Ellis Day
1 Javon Jordan
2 Chase McDonald
3 Dajuan Viney
4 Jakiem Beavers
5 Emory Hull
6 Ty Whittaker
7 Brayden Gillespie
8 Jayson Hancock
9 Caden Williamson
10 Jace White
13 Landon Killian
14 Matthew Williamson
15 Robbie Galloway
16 Darion Bibey
17 Owen Price
18 Chris Rizo
19 Kase Vilacha
20 Brancyn Davis
21 Austin Graham
22 Kelly Earls
24 Jaden Johnson
33 Tucker Graham
34 Jesse McGraw
50 Trey Putnam
51 Branson Nguyen
60 Ashton Miller
62 Andrew Curry
63 Ashton Tolbert
64 Connor Patrick
7 Lane Melvin
73 James Etter
75 Zane Settle
76 Liam Harris
77 Atlas Lindeman
99 King McDonald
SCHEDULE
Sept. 4;Pulaski County;A
Sept. 11;Grayson County;A
Sept. 18;Union;A
Sept. 25;Giles;A
Oct. 2;Virginia High;H
Oct. 9;Southern Gap;H
Oct. 16;Marion;H
Oct. 23;Richland;A
Oct. 30;Graham;H
Nov. 6;Lebanon;H
Virginia High Bearcats
Coach: Derrick Patterson
2025 record: 8-3 (4-1)
Key returners: Deion Graham, QB, sr.; Chris King, OL, sr.; Jarae Bryant, RB, sr.; Jeremy Quinto, OL, sr.; Chance Wellington, QB, sr.
Promising newcomers: Prince Williams, RB, fr.
Key losses: Braylon Lester, OL; Jacob Roe, WR; Anthony Galbreth, OL; Aaron Joyce, LB, sr.
Outlook: Derrick Patterson has established a winning formula at Virginia High.
Over the past five years, the Bearcats have earned five straight playoff berths under their upbeat head coach.
The 2026 roster features 13 seniors and seven returning starters on a roster 43.
That maturation process must begin early as senior running back Kayden Laws (12 touchdowns) and senior quarterback Deion Graham suffered offseason injuries.
Graham, who accounted for 28 scores in 2025, tore his ACL playing basketball. He could return by mid-season.
Seniors Chris King, Aaron Joyce and Jeremy Quinto return on the reworked offensive line.
Davy Woolen and Bryson Poole supply senior experience at receiver, while senior Jeremiah Daggs will work at running back. Poole caught eight touchdown passes last season.
Senior Jarae Bryant and freshman Prince Williams are also in the mix at running back.
Junior Isaiah Jones and sophomore Charles Burns and Connor Presley are candidates at receiver.
Other players to watch on offense include junior quarterback Grayson Dingus, senior athlete Chance Wellington, and senior lineman Jayden Linder.
Quinto and Jeremiah Daggs are impact players on the defensive line, and Woolen has speed in the secondary.
Junior linebacker Bryson Lester and sophomore lineman Camren Hurt will also be factors on defense.
Coach’s Quote: “We’ve had some good seasons, but we have to make sure we keep growing in the right direction. Our strength is in the skill positions because that’s where we have the most experience.
ROSTER
0 Davy Woolen
1 Jeremiah Diggs
2 Kayden Laws
3 Grayson Dingus
4 Dontae Diggs
5 Ryan Scott
6 Devonte Walling
7 Chance Wellington
8 Jarae Bryant
9 Alex Campbell
10 Connor Presley
11 Bryson Poole
12 Deion Graham
13 Isaiah Jones
14 Edward Harvey
15 Armonii Barnes
18 Bryson Lester
20 Andrew Elder
21 Prince Williams
22 Charles Burns
23 Elgin Campbell
24 Deshaun Carter
26 Anthony Murph
27 Ramauris Cuffey
30 Eli Osborne
53 Camren Hurt
54 Aaron Joyce
55 Chris King
56 Ryan Trent
57 Acko Phillips
59 Jayden Linder
60 Sergio Acevedo
61 Sherman Jones
65 Isaac Alexander
66 Jaxson Slone
69 Alex Alford
71 Jeremy Quinto
72 Kevin Gephart
74 Jordan Franklin
75 Daelynn Akers
76 Quentavious Outlaw
80 Ayden King
SCHEDULE
Aug. 21;Richlands;H
Aug. 28;Patrick Henry;A
Sept. 4;John Battle;H
Sept. 11;George Wythe;A
Sept. 18;Tennessee High;A
Sept. 25;Grayson County;H
Oct. 2;Tazewell;A
Oct. 16;Graham;H
Oct. 30;Lebanon;H
Nov. 6;Marion ;A
