Bluefield & Tazewell Look to Rise in 2025

As summer workouts begin, two proud football programs in Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia are preparing to write their next chapters. The Bluefield Beavers and Tazewell Bulldogs both enter the 2025 high school football season hungry—one with a legendary coach entering his 40th year, the other breaking in a brand-new era under fresh leadership.

Tazewell Bulldogs: A New Era Begins

TAZEWELL, VA — The Bulldogs are turning the page in 2025, with Seth Padgett stepping in as head coach to lead a program that finished 5–6 last season (3–2 in the Southwest District) and beat rival Richlands 35–7 to reclaim the James C. Ramey Cup.

Padgett brings a new standard of discipline and accountability—and he’s got a solid core of returning players ready to take the next step.

“Offseason has been a bit different since we got a new head coach,” said assistant coach Shaquille McDonald. “But the players need to believe in Coach P and trust the process.”

Returning Leaders: The Core That Matters

Carter Creasy and Logan McDonald graduated. Leaving BIG shoes to fill. Creasy totaled 6,935 career passing yards, 65 passing TDs, and added 750+ rushing yards with 13 rushing TDs as a senior. Replacing his production and leadership is no easy task.

But several key returners will anchor both sides of the ball and lead the charge into 2025:

• Ja’Shon Taylor (Sr, DL/OL, 6’2, 315) – Veteran anchor in the trenches

• Gabe Beavers (Sr, DL/OL, 6’3, 350) – Experienced, powerful lineman

• Jakiem Beavers (So, DL/OL, 6’2, 295) – A rising force with size and upside

• Chase McDonald (So, WR/DB, 6’0, 165) – Shifty and explosive in space

• Walker Patterson (Sr, WR/DB, 5’11, 175) – Reliable and athletic two-way contributor

• Cole Price (Sr, WR/DB, 5’11, 165) – Steady target and defensive back

• Jessie McGraw (So, DE/ILB, 6’0, 185) – High-motor defender expected to break out

Assistant coach Shaquille McDonald had high praise for the work Ja’shon Taylor has put in this offseason:

“Ja’shon has been in the weight room and working himself into shape,” McDonald said. “Ja’shon and myself have been working on violent hands and quicker feet.”

This group has embraced the offseason grind, aiming to establish dominance in the trenches and bring a physical identity back to Bulldog football.

Key Games:

• @ Graham – Early test under new leadership

• vs. Virginia High – Crucial for playoff seeding

• vs. Richlands – The Ramey Cup returns to Tazewell; can they keep it?

Outlook:

If the Bulldogs can develop consistency on defense and find rhythm on offense without Creasy, they could be a playoff team. But they’ll need to stay healthy and buy in fully to Padgett’s vision.

Bluefield Beavers: Reloading Behind Rising Stars

BLUEFIELD, WV — Across the state line, the Bluefield Beavers are entering 2025 with a familiar face on the sidelines and unfamiliar territory on the standings. After a 5–6 finish last year, legendary head coach Fred Simon returns for his 40th season aiming to spark a resurgence in Coalfield AA.

This year’s group isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading. With dynamic talent returning on both sides of the ball, Bluefield could be one of the state’s sleeper teams.

Players to Watch:

• Willis Wilson (Jr, ATH) – Second Team All-State; explosive on both sides

  
  

  “Willis is a difference-maker,” said Simon. “He’s got the burst, the instincts, and now the experience. He’s a year older, and we expect him to be a year better. How much is up to our staff and him.”

• Max Simpson (So, QB) – All-State Honorable Mention as a freshman; shows poise beyond his years

• Tylee Simon (Jr, ATH) - Anchoring don’t the DBs for the Beavers, Simons looks to improve on a well rounded Sophomore senior.

Key Games:

• vs. Graham (Aug 29) – Season opener, statement opportunity

• @ Princeton (Sep 5) – Revenge game after 2024 blowout

• vs. Woodrow Wilson (Sep 19) – Early-season measuring stick

• @ Independence (Sep 26) – Tough Coalfield AA road test

• @ George Wythe (Nov 7) – Regular-season finale with momentum at stake

Outlook:

With Wilson, Simon and Simpson, leading the way, Bluefield has enough talent to flip last year’s record and return to the postseason and make some noise. The key will be in the trenches.

The Bottom Line: Two Programs, Two Paths, Same Goal

Bluefield is counting on experience. Tazewell is leaning into a new identity. But both programs enter 2025 with one thing in common: unfinished business.

• Bluefield wants to remind the state who they are.

• Tazewell wants to show everyone who they’re becoming.

When the dust settles this fall, don’t be surprised if both the Beavers and Bulldogs are playing meaningful football deep into November.

Follow Fresh Off The Clock for complete coverage of Bluefield, Tazewell, and the rest of the region’s top programs all season long. Weekly recaps, player features, and big-game analysis—every step of the way.