MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — With a bulk of talent returning from last year’s 8-3 playoff quarterfinal team, Martinsburg looks primed to be one of the Class AAA preseason title favorites in 2016.
The Bulldogs, who won four straight football championships from 2010-2013, overcame an 0-2 start last season as several younger players, put into prominent positions, needed time to develop. Martinsburg ultimately ended the 2015 campaign with a No. 5 ranking in the final MetroNews football poll.
“I was pleased because I thought we got better each week,” said Martinsburg coach Dave Walker. “We started off at the beginning of the year not very good. I think by the end of the year, we were pretty decent. I think we can pick up where we left of, but the kids still have to put in the work and they can’t be complacent.”
Martinsburg was plagued with adversity early last year as starting quarterback Carter Walburn went down with an injury, wiping out his senior season. With Walburn out, that meant valuable minutes and experience for Tyson Bagent who now has the potential — and expectation — for a big junior season on the way.
“Tyson stepped in for Carter (Walburn) and threw for 2,100 yards as a sophomore,” Walker said. “He’s really worked hard, he has grown and he’s gotten a lot bigger. We’re expecting some big things out of him.
“He understands the offense and he has a nice arm,” Walker continued. “He’s a typical pocket passing quarterback who understands spacing and understands routes and coverages. He’s a smart kid.”
Bagent’s main target last year also returns in leading receiver Isaac Brown who is coming off of 75 catches as a sophomore in 2015. Also back for Martinsburg is leading rusher Mikey Jackson for his junior campaign.
It’s more of the same defensively as leading tackler Josh Goode returns for his senior season. He anchors a strong defensive line, along with juniors Tavis Lee and Trey Henry.
“There are a lot of kids back and I know I’m probably going to miss (mentioning) somebody, but I’m excited about the group we have,” Walker said. “We always have high expectations and we’re very fortunate that our kids work hard and we have great support from our parents and the community.
“We have great coaches and I feel like our staff does a great job,” he continued. “We’ve been doing it for a lot of years. You just have to put in the time and go out and do the work.”
Martinsburg opens up the season with three straight home games, including a week one matchup with Eastern High School out of D.C.
“The eastern panhandle this year will be even better, especially with Class AAA going down to 29 teams – it is what it is,” Walker said. “Spring Mills made the playoffs last year and they have some kids back. Musselman has a lot of kids back and Jefferson is always athletic. I think the panhandle should be pretty well represented come November.”