⛏️⛏️⛏️Deep Dive: Mingo Central vs. Frankfort — Key Players, Match-Ups & How the Miners Can Pull Off the Upset

🥊 Fresh off of a BIG win agaisnt the James Monroe Mavericks last week on Miner Mountain, Coach Jones and Mingo Central will head north to Ridgeley, WV for their best challenge yet to take on the defending state champion, Frankfort Falcons.

🚀 Player Spotlight & Statistical Leaders 🚀

⛏️⛏️Mingo Central Miners⛏️⛏️

Based on the latest available MaxPreps data, a few players have really stood out this season for Mingo Central.

• Bam “Jace” Coleman (RB / CB, Jr.) Coleman leads the team in rushing, averaging 73.0 rushing yards per game. He is also the team’s top rusher for touchdowns, with 11 rushing TDs. His combination of power, speed, and versatility (he lines up both in the backfield and defensively) makes him a huge factor.

• Jamere Knuckles (QB / P, Jr.) — Knuckles is arguably the dual-threat engine for Mingo Central. He averages 29.9 rushing yards per game with the ball, which backs up his role in the offense. He has 17 passing touchdowns this season, per the same statistics.

• Aidan Burke (Sr., FS / WR) — Burke is the top receiver for the Miners, averaging 91.8 receiving yards per game, which is a very strong contribution in the passing game. He also has 7 receiving touchdowns on the season.

• Taegan Hackney (Jr., MLB / FB) — On defense, Hackney is a tackling machine, averaging 15.0 tackles per game, per MaxPreps stats.

• Jacob Maynard (So., WR / RB / DB) He’s pulled in 10.6 tackles per game. He also has an impressive 10.0 sacks over the season, making him one of the Miners’ most disruptive defensive players.

• Interceptions — Mingo’s secondary is dangerous: Aidan Burke has 5 interceptions, and Keziah Joplin (Sr., WR / CB) has 4.

🏆 What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Frankfort Falcons

Frankfort enters this quarterfinal showdown undefeated (11–0), ranked #1 in WV.

Here’s what makes them especially tough:

• 2024 State Champions: The Falcons won the 2024 WVSSAC Class AA Championship, defeating Roane County 49–14 in the final for their first state title since Leo Day led the Falcons to the A state title in 1975.

• Run-Heavy Offense: In the 2024 title game, Frankfort dominated on the ground, racking up 325 rushing yards. Their offense was powered by Julian Pattison, who exploded for 178 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 9 carries in that game.

• Experience & Coaching: Head coach Kevin Whiteman, who has built a winning tradition in Ridgeley, returns, and his leadership could be a big edge.

• Team Strength: Physically, Frankfort’s line is known to be big, strong, and physical, especially in their running game.

🔑 Key Matchups to Watch

Here are some strategic matchups that will likely determine the outcome:

1. Coleman vs. Frankfort’s Front Seven

• If Bam Coleman can break tackles and churn out consistent gains, Mingo Central can control tempo.

• However, Frankfort’s physical defensive front (based on their championship-level run game last year) will be tested.

2. Knuckles’ Decision Making

• Knuckles is a dual-threat; how often he runs vs passes will be crucial.

• If he can connect with Burke or others in the passing game, Mingo can stretch the field and force Frankfort to defend more horizontally.

3. Secondary Battle

• With Burke and Joplin making big plays in the defensive backfield, Mingo could pick off key passes.

• On the flip side, Frankfort’s passing game hasn’t been highlighted as much, but their offensive balance in previous seasons suggests they can adapt.

4. Tackling & Momentum Plays

• Players like Hackney (MLB) and Maynard (sacks) could be difference-makers. If Mingo Central’s defense can produce negative plays (sacks, TFLs), they could swing momentum.

• Turnovers will be huge. Against a disciplined, playoff-tested team like Frankfort, extra possessions matter.

Prediction & Strategic Angle

⚒️How Mingo Central Can Upset Frankfort:

• Limit big plays: The Miners should aim to contain explosive runs and avoid giving up home-run plays.

• Sustain drives: Using Coleman and Knuckles, Mingo can try to grind out long drives, chewing up the clock and keeping Frankfort’s offense off the field.

• Force turnovers: With their playmakers in the secondary, they should try to bait mistakes and capitalize.

• Play smart in the red zone: Efficiency near (or inside) the red zone will be critical. Settling for field goals won’t likely be enough — they’ll need touchdowns.

• Stay composed: Playing on the road (if Frankfort Stadium) in a playoff environment could be intense. Mingo will need mental strength to match the physical challenge.

⛓️What to expect:

Frankfort enters as clear favorites, given their undefeated season, championship pedigree, and physical style. But Mingo Central is no slouch — with their explosive back, dual-threat QB, and playmaking defense, they absolutely have a shot if they execute cleanly. You can expect Coach Jones and the Miners to be ready to come out firing on all cylinders.