2026 Football Preview: Wheelersburg Pirates

WHEELERSBURG — There were three “Back To The Future” movies made. The Wheelersburg Pirates are looking to make that four.

Building on past success including last year’s Division 5 state runner-up season, veteran Pirates’ head coach Rob Woodward said his team is using the past to help make this season another good year.

“Our theme this year is ‘Back To Work.’ All we’ve preached all year is let’s get back to work. Every drill that broke out, let’s get back to work. Every time we celebrate something that just took place, it’s back to work. That’s been the mindset,” said Woodward.

Wheelersburg was 14-1 last season but lost 15 seniors to graduation. But Woodward is optimistic that lessons learned will help make up for the lack of experience.

“We have a roster of sixty, but when you look at the experience category, how many of them have a lot of that game experience. We’re limited in that aspect,” said Woodward.

“We graduated 15 great seniors last year that had contributed for three years in the program. They had their ups and downs and bumps and bruises that culminated in a terrific season last year that was just outstanding.”

Last season’s losses included the district Lineman of the Year Ryan Meeker — now at Kentucky — and district Co-Defensive Player of the Year Ison Emnett along with quarterback Braylon Rucker, running back Elijah Brown, wide receiver Kenyon Evans, tight end Brady Doss, linebacker Luke Kouns, defensive back Hunter Henderson and placekicker Cooper Heimbach who were also first team all-district selections.

Heimbach signed as a punter and placekicker with Marshall University.

But Woodward said the cupboard isn’t exactly bare.

“There are pieces that they left in terms of juniors and seniors that worked with them and learned what it takes to go through some of those ups and downs and come out on top,” said Woodward.

While the Pirates lost a lot of players, Woodward did an assessment of the veteran players who return.

The offensive line will be led by returning starter senior tackle Hunter Lawson (6-0, 305). Woodward said Lawson, “did a tremendous job for us last year. He was an anchor. He comes in with the most experience.”

The center will be sophomore Case Emmett (6-4, 245) with junior Wyatt Neff (6-2, 220 atr a guard position while senior Mason Baker (6-4, 285) looks to be the other tackle. Several players are battling for the other guard spot with senior Owen Gambill (6-0, 175) a prime candidate.

“Neff had a tremendous offseason. He actually won our hardest worker award,” said Woodward.

Senior Stephen Hall (5-8, 180) returns in the backfield

“Stephen’s most memorable game was probably the Archbishop McNicholas game. He just ran hard. He’s a downhill runner. He’s not a great big body, but he’s one of our strongest guys pound for pound. He made our top10 board, actually number five, for strength board,” said Woodward.

Hall will do double time as one of the linebackers on defense.

Looking to fill a void at wide receiver is senior Bryson Montavon (6-2, 170) and he will also return as a starting cornerback.

“He’s done a great job for us,” said Woodward.

Filling the slot position will be senior Xavier Miller (5-11, 155) who Woodward said “is the kind of player who can go up and get the ball. He’s very explosive, very elusive.”

Senior Gabe Campbell (6-0, 200) has been the long snapper in the past but is expected to do the punting.

“He’s been our long snapper for the past three years and also punts the ball well, he’s just Cooper Heimbach in front of him,” said Woodward.

“Those are some of the key guys who will be back who had experience.”

Another player expected to make contributions is senior running back Brady Music (5-9, 175) who Woodward said “is very explosive. We expect his opportunities to increase this year.”

With the veterans accounted for, Woodward turned his sights on players who are expected to gain playing time and hopefully make an impact this season.

Junior Jonah Collier (5-10, 145) will be part of the receiving corps along with junior Hayden Henderson (5-11, 150).

“(Henderson) going to find a spot somewhere on the field,” Woodward said of Henderson. “Collier is a great receiver. Works extremely hard.”

Junior running back Owen Wilburn (5-9, 160), junior tight end Brew Hanzel (6-3, 195), junior wide receiver Jay King (5-8, 150) are all expected to see some playing time.

“Hanzel and King were in the secondary last year and both those guys are going to be seeing some time offensively and defensively,” said Woodward.

King has also been turning heads and making strides to get playing time in the offensive backfield.

The Pirates have 17 seniors this season but six did not play last year. One of those six is wide receiver and defensive back Cameron Conn (5-10, 170) and has been a placekicker. He is expected to take over the spot vacated by Heimbach.

“He’s going to see offensive time and defensive time. He’s a placekicker and he has a strong leg. He has the leg but he’s not as refined as Cooper was.,” said Woodward.

The triggerman in the offense will be junior Jack Doerr (6-0, 160).

“Jack has been the backup quarterback. He’s ran our jayvee and he’s had the most experience. He’s done a great job and handling things really well,” said Woodward.

The backup quarterback is sophomore Graer Woodward (6-3, 170) who will also play wide receiver. He is the son of the head coach.

“He is able to go up and get the ball well. He’s been aggressive,” said coach Woodward. “He’s also been working on defense as an outside linebacker.”

Wilburn and Henderson will get some work at the safety position along with King. Miller, Montavon and Conn are battling for a cornerback slot.

The defensive line was lost to graduation and will see new faces. Lawson did play in certain spots last year and Woodward said “he has a big body and runs well.”

Gambill is expected to play up front along with .

Luke Kouns — an All-Ohio selection last year — along with Hall, Campbell and sophomore Kadeyn Fisher (5-9, 160) are all listed as linebacker candidates with Kouns the returning starter. Kouns will also play tight end along with Campbell.

“The parts are all there. It’s just how are they going to mesh, how are they going to work together? Who’s going to step up and show they can handle the level that I’m at,” said Woodward.

“They all lack experience at the varsity level. They’ve all been hungry and waiting for their turn.”

 Photos from 2025: