Charleston witnessed an intense showdown between two undefeated programs in the Class AA state championship. Roane County, led by their captains Shay Harper, Clay Walker, Noah Jett, and Lane Watson, took the field with high hopes. Each player played a crucial role in the Raiders' journey, and their performances were nothing short of remarkable.

Roane County's Football Dynasty Takes Center Stage

Roane County's Offensive Powerhouse

Lane Watson, the senior running back, was named captain of the first team offense. With an astonishing 2,198 yards and 32 touchdowns, he averaged an impressive 10.5 yards per carry. His 114 tackles, six blocked kicks, two forced fumbles, and 10 receptions for 217 yards and four more scores showcased his all-round game. Watson emphasized, "It's great and I love making plays, but without all the other 10 guys on the field I mean I wouldn't do anything. I got to give it to them, too. It's not really just me."Noah Jett, another senior, was also a key offensive player. With three sacks and a dozen quarterback pressures, he made significant impacts on the field. The Raiders' single-season scoring leader was a force to be reckoned with.

The Defensive Might of Roane County

Senior linebacker Noah Jett was not only outstanding on offense but also on defense. He made 92 total stops, 53 solo, and 13 tackles for loss. His determination and knowledge of his role were evident as he said, "We're stacked across the defensive line. Everyone is determined and knows their roll. We're all making plays and everyone is flying to the ball."Shay Harper, who missed his junior year due to an ankle injury, made a remarkable comeback with a 1,104-yard rushing season and 14 touchdowns. He also contributed 33 tackles, one interception, and defended 16 passes.

All-State Honors and Team Spirit

Five members of the Falcons earned their way to the all-state first team, including defensive senior captain Jett McCullough. McCullough had an outstanding season with 92 total stops, 53 solo, and 13 tackles for loss. He credited the senior offensive line for their hard work and dedication.The Raiders had several other players who made significant contributions. Clay Walker had 106 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Rex Anderson had 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Offensive Stars from Both Teams

Jullian Pattison from Frankfort was a standout on offense, rushing for 1,457 yards and 30 scores. He had 178 yards and five touchdowns in the title game. Jaden Hatfield from South Harrison was also impressive, averaging 8.8 yards per carry and going for 2,266 yards and 30 touchdowns in 11 games.The first team offensive line was a force to be reckoned with. Daniel Marley from Frankfort had 15 tackles for loss, and Noah Jett from Roane County had three sacks and a dozen quarterback pressures.

Defensive Standouts and Specialists

The first team defensive line was filled with talented players. Lane Lease from Frankfort had 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Danner Hooper from Williamstown had 101 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three fumble recoveries. Isiah Conley from Independence had 14 sacks among his 104 tackles.Jacob Nething from Frankfort and Nico Kusic from Wheeling Central were selected as defensive backs on the first team, with Nething having six interceptions and Kusic four. Nicholas County junior Colton Burkhammer was named the punter, averaging 41 yards on 31 attempts with a long of 57 and 11 boots placed inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

Second Team and Team Spirit Continued

The second team captains were Wheeling Central running back Isaac Martin and James Monroe defensive utility Layton Dowdy. The second team offense had several talented players, including running backs Logan Beam of Philip Barbour and Devin Nash of Nicholas County. The receiver spots went to Westside's Kyler Kenneda and Independence's Christian Linksweller.The offensive line featured Roane County's Hogan Greathouse, Philip Barbour's John McGee, Bluefield's Grady Woods, Liberty Harrison's Braydon Hendricks, and South Harrison's Luke Given. Wheeling Central's Clay Petry was the kicker, and the three utility defensive selections were Scott's Brayden Clark, Bluefield's Willis Wilson, and Frankfort's Carter Shanholtz.Joining Dowdy at second team utility defense were Clay County's Joel Elliott and Moorefield's Oliver Crites. Poca's Preston Bonnett was the punter.The remainder of the second unit defense included linemen Dylan Johnson of Buffalo, Garrett Brabham of Roane County, Elijah Moore of Braxton County; linebackers Austin Vannest of Ravenswood, LeQues Strother of Mingo Central, Landon Riddle of Independence, Corey Cook of Poca, and Elijah Pridemore of Champanville along with a trio of defensive backs in Roane County's Jacob Greathouse, Liberty Harrison's Quintin Hilliard, and Wheeling Central's Kade Koroneos.Wooden plaques in the shape of West Virginia, including the player's name, school, licensed WVSWA logo, and year of the honoree, are available to all-state first team, second team, and honorable mentions and can be purchased from the Bear Wood Company through WVSWA.org or Bearwoodcompany.com.