HICO, W.Va. — Midland Trail was able to finish their season on the field in last year’s COVID-shortened season. But the Patriots were limited to just five games before falling at St. Marys, 52-49 in the quarterfinal round.
“Even though we made it to the second round of the playoffs and we lost in a close game against St. Marys, we were not one hundred percent what we could have been if we had even eight games, much less ten.” said Midland Trail head coach Frank Isaacs. “That was a very talented group and it was unfortunate. But for the seniors, at least they got to go out and play six games. And they had a pretty successful season.”
“We lost a bunch of games due to COVID. I think it just showed no one quit on the team,” said Midland Trail senior RB-LB Aden Isaacs. “Every single game we had, everyone gave their all. We showed that we had a lot of heart. We weren’t going to stop even though some of our games were getting canceled.”
Trail returns a solid group of veterans this fall and that group is led by their senior running back combo of Aden Issacs and Robert Ruffner. Isaacs rushed for 319 yards with four scores last season while Ruffner racked up 697 yards and four touchdowns.
“It is fun because I can always count on him to block for me,” Ruffner said. “And if I am not having a great game, I always know he can pick up a first down or two and get some big runs.”
“They are probably two of the best backs in the state,” Frank Isaacs said. “And that’s not shortchanging anybody else throughout the state. They are pretty special.”
The Patriots have traditionally relied heavily on their running game and their offensive line welcomes back several starters and top reserves.
“Two years ago, we had a bunch of sophomores go to East Hardy and play in the first round of the playoffs because of all the injuries we had. This senior class were those sophomores. So they’ve got a lot of experience,” Frank Isaacs said.
“The line is looking good,” said Midland Trail senior QB-WR-DB Ayden Simms. “We’ve got a lot of experience and a lot of potential. We’ve got some big boys out there. We’ll handle it pretty good.”
Two-year starting quarterback Christopher Vines has graduated and the competition for his replacement could continue past the end of training camp and into September.
“Somebody’s going to win the position,” Frank Isaacs said. “We are not really rushing that. Let’s see who takes the lead and controls the team a little bit.”
Midland Trail has qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons. Another postseason berth in 2021 would give the Patriots their longest streak in program history.
“This is year seven (under Isaacs). We have been in the playoffs four years out of those six. These kids are expecting and feel a little bit of responsibility that they have to carry on that tradition.”