Turning the Corner: Woodrow Wilson and Shady Spring Set Their Sights on Playoff Redemption

Southern West Virginia football is rooted in resilience, and for the Woodrow Wilson Flying Eagles and the Shady Spring Tigers, last season’s early playoff exits didn’t mark the end — they lit a fire. Now, both programs are returning seasoned cores and stepping into 2025 with higher expectations, stronger leadership, and something to prove.

Beckley’s Flying Eagles Are Aiming Higher in 2025

After finishing the 2024 season at 6-5 with a first-round playoff loss, the Woodrow Wilson Flying Eagles are determined to flip the script. Head coach Chad Sarrett brings back a hungry squad that’s trading talk for work and setting their eyes on a deeper postseason run.

Leading the charge is A.J. Thomas, a AAAA First Team All-State defensive back who’s stayed locked in this offseason.

“I’ve picked up a couple offers and been staying in the weight room getting stronger,” said Thomas. “I’m undersized, so I feel like I have to outwork everybody… Our goal is to get past the first round and earn a home playoff game.”

On offense, Preston Clary brings production and purpose to the field. The All-State Honorable Mention wideout has been setting the tone early.

“This offseason has been straight work — waking up at 4:30 a.m. to lift with the team at 5. The expectation we have for this year is to host our own playoff game and to go far.”

In the trenches, Ja’Marques Manns, a AAAA Second Team All-State defensive lineman, adds physicality and poise to a defense that expects to take a leap.

With leadership like this and a culture built on accountability, Beckley isn’t just hoping to get back to the playoffs — they’re preparing to control the path once they get there.

Shady Spring Tigers: Building a Brotherhood, Eyeing a Breakthrough

The Shady Spring Tigers ended 2024 with a 7-4-1 record and a first-round playoff exit. But under head coach Vince Culicerto, they’ve built a foundation based on unity, work ethic, and belief — and 2025 could be their turning point.

In the weight room and on the practice field, Joey Cowger is one of the voices leading the charge. The 3A All-State Honorable Mention center sees real potential in this year’s squad.

“We’ve got a bunch of guys showing up ready to work,” Cowger said. “I feel like if we can come together as a team, we can go really far this season.”

Also returning is Kaiden Helmer, a standout middle linebacker who earned All-State Honorable Mention honors for his impact and leadership on defense.

Together, this senior core is raising the standard — and with a summer full of sweat and focus, Shady Spring is closing the gap between being competitive and being contenders.

Rising From the First Round

The Flying Eagles and the Tigers may wear different colors, but their mindsets are nearly identical — work harder, go farther, and rewrite last season’s story. Both teams have talent, chemistry, and a locker room full of players who aren’t satisfied with “just making it.”

As the 2025 season approaches, one thing’s certain: these programs aren’t looking back — they’re ready to rise.