Football Preview 2026 | Keyser looks to build off return to playoffs
KEYSER, W.Va. — After a six-year absence, the Golden Tornado returned to postseason play last season, falling in the first round, 42-31, to North Marion. “It was huge for us, getting back to the playoffs,” Keyser head coach Derek Stephen said. “It got that mindset back of what we had. I wouldn’t say we lost it for a couple years, we just couldn’t get everything going together.” Keyser started ...
Keyser, West Virginia, has returned to postseason football after a six-year absence last season. The Golden Tornado fell to North Marion in the first round, but head coach Derek Stephen believes it was a significant achievement for the team. The 2026 squad aims to build on that success. Starting quarterback Addison Brafford returns, having passed for 835 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season.
He was also ninth in rushing yards at 735 and scored 11 times on the ground. Brafford's ability to rush the ball makes the defense play against 11 players instead of 10. Other quarterbacks, Jackson Mansfield and Deacon Stanislawczyk, will also compete for playing time. Dom Crawford is the top back, rushing for 394 yards, 3 touchdowns, and catching for 441 yards and 5 scores.
Cole Holland, who missed the start of last season due to a back injury, could have an increased role. The team expects multiple backs to carry the ball and block. Receivers Rio Simone and Maddox Tysinger will line up at wide receiver, with Evan Key as the expected tight end starter. The offensive line candidates include Wes Hahn, Zeke Eye, River Cameron, Liam Gould, Ryan Swingle, and Zach Butler.
Defensively, the Tornado allowed 23.8 points per game last season but held opponents under 20 in five consecutive wins. Starting roles on defense are still up for grabs, with Hahn, Key, Gould, Eye, Cameron, Swingle, and Butler being the main candidates. On defense, Nolan Mellott, Brandon Bolyard, Hunter Welch, Ian Cryser, Coltlin Harris, Vinnie Dyer, and Lexton Friel round out the linemen.
Defensively, the Tornado allowed 23.8 points per game last season but held opponents under 20 in five consecutive wins.
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