🏈 Patriots Ready to Roll: Midland Trail Kicks Off Class AA Playoffs

The Midland Trail Patriots are charging into the 2025 WVSSAC Class AA Football Playoffs as a formidable No. 7 seed, boasting an impressive 9-1 overall record for the season. After a dominant regular season performance, the Patriots are poised for a strong playoff run, beginning with a tough home matchup in the first round.

First Round Matchup: Petersburg Comes to Town

Midland Trail will host the No. 10 Petersburg Vikings (7-3) for their opening-round contest on Friday, November 14, at 7:00 PM in Hico.

• The Patriots (9-1) have demonstrated explosive offense and a stout defense throughout the year. Their single loss came earlier in the season, but they have since rattled off a winning streak, culminating in a dominating 66-0 victory in their final regular-season game.

• The Vikings (7-3) present a solid challenge, having secured a winning record in a competitive classification. As a No. 10 seed, Petersburg will undoubtedly bring intensity, looking to pull off the upset on the road.

The key for Midland Trail will be to establish control early and prevent Petersburg from gaining momentum. Playing at home in front of the "Patriot Faithful" should provide a significant advantage for the seven seed.

Players to Watch

The Patriots' success this season has been a team effort, but several players have stepped up as statistical leaders and impact performers:

• Xaylen Johns (RB/WR): Johns is a major threat on offense, leading the team in both receiving yards per game (73.0) and rushing yards per game (48.0). His versatility makes him a focal point the Vikings' defense will have to constantly account for.

• Rayce Dickerson (QB): The young quarterback has shown flashes of promise, and his ability to efficiently manage the game and find playmakers like Johns will be critical under the playoff lights.

The veteran leadership and commitment to Coach Jeremy Moore's system have been instrumental in the team's strong showing, positioning them for their fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

Path to the Super Six

A victory against Petersburg would propel the Patriots into the Quarterfinals, where they would face the winner of the No. 2 Bluefield/No. 15 Oak Glen matchup. Bluefield is a traditional powerhouse and a likely next opponent, meaning a deep playoff run will require the Patriots to defeat some of the top teams in Class AA.

The Patriots have played high-pressure games this season, including a thrilling 28-25 victory over then-ranked James Monroe, proving they can win close contests. The team's ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan against top-tier competition will determine how far they can advance in the bracket.

Prediction: The Patriots' momentum and home-field advantage give them a slight edge. Look for a strong rushing performance and a tight defensive effort to secure a victory and move on to the second round.