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Back for More: Star-Powered Lebanon and Independence Reload for 2025

  • Writer: Cody Hatfield
    Cody Hatfield
  • Jun 18
  • 4 min read

By Cody Hatfield | Fresh Off The Clock


Every great season starts with belief.

In Coal City, West Virginia, and Lebanon, Virginia, belief isn’t just talk—it’s backed by talent, toughness, and track records. As 2025 approaches, the Patriots and Pioneers aren’t interested in moral victories or slow climbs. They’re chasing gold—with the rosters to do it.



🟥 LEBANON PIONEERS: Energized and Emerging in 2025


After a gritty 7–4 campaign in 2024, Coach Hunter Norris and the Lebanon Pioneers return to the field with confidence, culture, and key returners. The program’s resurgence has been fueled by a dynamic trio that mixes veteran experience and youthful explosiveness.


“We are excited about this upcoming season. We have had a lot of off season participation and guys are putting in the time in the weight room and on the field with skill development. We are looking forward to August 28th and starting the season!” Said Head Coach Hunter Norris.



💥 Mike “Mr. Energy” Reece – Quarterback, Class of 2026



The emotional heartbeat of the Pioneers, Reece threw for over 3,200 yards and 41 touchdowns last season, commanding the offense with a 61% completion rate and surgical field vision. Nicknamed “Mr. Energy” for his fire and leadership, the 6’3” quarterback leads with both grit and smarts, often breaking down film with his father, who coaches the Lebanon offensive line.


“I’m looking forward to this upcoming football season, we have spent all offseason lifting and learning the offense even more. I’m excited to see all of the hard work my teammates have put in, and to see it pay off. My goals for next season is to win the district, and have the #1 overall offense in the state. Everyone has doubted us all offseason, so they are all about to find out just how good we are going to be!!”, Mike Reece talking about his goals and offseason progress.



⚡ Toby Baker – Wide Receiver/Cornerback, Class of 2026


Baker made his name in clutch moments—whether hauling in a game-winning touchdown or locking down opposing wideouts. With nearly 1200 Receiving yards, 72 Receptions, 16 Reception TDs, All-District honors, and impact across multiple sports, Baker is set for a breakout year as a two-way force.


💪 Layne Jessee – Running Back/Linebacker, Class of 2028


At just 14 years old, Jessee has already burst onto the scene. The 6’3”, 220lbs sophomore rushed for 1,191 yards and 19 touchdowns, while adding 87 tackles and 5 sacks on defense. He’s already received Division I offers from Virginia Tech and Syracuse and continues to turn heads across the state.


“Yeah it feels amazing, I give God all of the glory. It has been an amazing journey and it’s just the beginning. It has been awesome traveling to these colleges and meeting some amazing people,” said Jessee, when asked how it feels to get this early attention from Colleges.



🔍 What’s Next for Lebanon?


With Reece commanding the huddle, Baker making plays on both ends, and Jessee emerging as a force of nature, Lebanon has the pieces to make serious noise in 2025. Coach Norris’s emphasis on discipline, toughness, and unity has clearly resonated with the team. If they stay healthy and focused, this group has the firepower to climb even higher.



🔵 INDEPENDENCE PATRIOTS: Battle-Tested and Built for More


Fresh off another deep playoff run, the Independence Patriots enter the 2025 season with one of the most complete rosters in West Virginia. Head Coach John Lilly continues his successful tenure, guiding a program rich in talent and hungry for a title. With a trio of returning All-State players leading the charge, expectations are sky high in Coal City.



⭐ Sylas Nelson – “Weapon X”, Class of 2026


Whether under center, in the backfield, or stretching defenses in the slot, Nelson is as dynamic as they come. A WVSWA Class AA All-State Utility selection, he exploded in the postseason with 338 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a single game. Nelson’s versatility and vision make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the state.


Headed into the 2025 season, Nelson has goals, big goals. But these are goals are with in reach for “Weapon x”. When asked what his personal goal for this season is he said “Rush for 2,500+ yards”. And for the team goal? Simple. “Win A Championship”.


💥 Christian Linksweiler – Wide Receiver, Class of 2026


With blazing speed and crisp route running, Linksweiler earned Second Team All-State honors and became a consistent big-play threat. He’s just as dangerous catching short passes as he is torching defenders deep—and he’s poised to become one of the state’s elite receivers.



🛡 Landon Riddle – Linebacker, Class of 2026


The anchor of Independence’s defense, Riddle returns after back-to-back All-State seasons. Known for his physicality, football IQ, and leadership, he leads a defensive unit that prides itself on toughness and accountability. He’s the kind of linebacker every coach dreams of building a defense around.



🔍 What’s Next for Independence?


Coach Lilly leads a team with the talent to make another state title run, but the schedule won’t make it easy—key matchups with Herbert Hoover, Princeton, Bluefield, and several other tough opponents will test the Patriots early. Still, with Nelson, Linksweiler, and Riddle leading the charge, Independence isn’t just aiming for the playoffs. They’re aiming for the top.



💬 Final Word


Whether it’s the rising energy in Lebanon or the proven muscle in Independence, one thing is certain: both programs are back for more in 2025. Loaded with returning stars, battle-tested toughness, and entire communities behind them, the Pioneers and Patriots aren’t chasing relevance.


They’re chasing rings.


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