Inside the EPAC ’25 – Pitzer’s Prep Preview

By Andrew M. Pitzer

HomeTeamSports TV – Columnist/Analyst/Broadcaster

The lights are about to flip back on. Helmets are getting re-taped. Coaches are finalizing game plans. And across the Eastern Panhandle, players are preparing for what could be one of the most anticipated football seasons we’ve seen in years.

Whether you’re chasing rings, rebuilding, or trying to prove last year was no fluke — every EPAC team has a reason to believe something special can happen in 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the six squads gearing up for the fight.

Martinsburg – Same Dog, Same Bite

Nobody’s had more control over the EPAC — or the state — than Martinsburg. Winners of three of the last four state titles and 11 since 2010, the Bulldogs are the gold standard in West Virginia high school football.

They didn’t just win in 2024 — they steamrolled. Their offense dropped nearly 48 points a game, while the defense barely let anyone cross the goal line. And when the postseason came around? More of the same. Martinsburg was polished, physical, and built for the moment.

The beauty of their program is consistency. One star leaves, another rises. Their depth, discipline, and ability to develop talent is unmatched. And no matter who lines up under center or in the backfield this fall, they’ll be expected to keep the same high-level execution that’s made Martinsburg a state-wide nightmare.

The schedule is never light, but that’s how they like it. Iron sharpens iron, and Martinsburg stays razor-sharp. If you’re chasing a championship in 2025, you know exactly who’s standing in your way.

Spring Mills – Built to Finish

Spring Mills is done being the “up-and-comer.” After a 12–2 season that ended with a trip to the state championship game, the Cardinals are officially contenders — and they’re hungry to finish the job.

What makes this team dangerous is their balance. They’ve got Xavier Anderson, the kind of two-way monster you build a program around. At tight end, he’s a matchup nightmare. At defensive end, he’s blowing up plays before they start. He’s not just one of the best players in the EPAC — he might be the best player in the state.

Then there’s Blake Sanders, a downhill back with breakaway speed and real power. He’s the heartbeat of the run game, and when he’s rolling, Spring Mills controls the pace.

And defensively? They bring pressure, fly to the ball, and refuse to give up big plays. Last season, outside of the two matchups against Martinsburg, they were nearly impossible to score on.

The question now is: can they take that final step? The target is on their back this year, and teams are no longer surprised by their speed and strength. But if Spring Mills stays healthy and keeps the same edge, they’ve got every tool needed to flip the script on Martinsburg and bring a title back to the red and black.

Jefferson – New Faces, Same Fight

Jefferson made noise last year with a trip to the quarterfinals, but the program is entering a new era this fall.

Gone are some of the biggest names from last season’s offense — guys who had the ball in their hands every Friday night. But don’t expect the Cougars to fade. They’ve got athletes, and they’ve got pride.

The biggest name returning is Tony Allen, and he’s not just returning — he’s exploding into the spotlight. The kid has wheels, running a sub 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, and he’s about to see his touches triple this season. Whether it’s jet sweeps, deep shots, or screen passes, Jefferson’s offense is going to find creative ways to get him the football. And when they do? Good luck catching him.

What makes this Jefferson team interesting is how they’ll reshape their identity. Last year, they relied heavily on a balanced attack. This year, they might lean into their speed and space game — open things up, play fast, and force mismatches.

Their defense will need to hold strong early while the offense finds its groove, but don’t sleep on this squad. When Jefferson gets rolling, they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the region — and that won’t change just because some names did.

Musselman – Weathered the Storm, Ready to Strike

Don’t let last year’s 1–10 record fool you — Musselman has been grinding in the dark, and they’re coming into 2025 with something to prove.

They were young. They were adjusting to a new system under Coach Thomas. They battled injuries. But now? The pieces are coming together. And it starts with the return of Colton Shelton.

Shelton is a gamer — tough, experienced, and ready to lead. His presence under center brings calm and confidence to an offense that was just starting to find its rhythm by season’s end. And with a full offseason in Coach Thomas’s system, expect to see more balance, better execution, and smarter play-calling right from the jump.

Musselman has always prided itself on toughness, and this team embodies that. They’ve taken their lumps, but they didn’t fold. Now, with a roster that’s more mature and a quarterback who can command the huddle, this is a group ready to take that next step.

They might not win the EPAC, but they’ll have a say in who does. And don’t be surprised if they sneak up and become a top 10 team in AAAA. This team’s hungry, and they’re not going through another season quietly.

Hedgesville – Building Something Again

Back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, Hedgesville was one of the most respected programs in the Eastern Panhandle. The stands were packed, the players were tough, and the Eagles could go toe-to-toe with anybody.

And while those days feel a little distant now, you get the sense that something is starting to build again in Hedgesville.

Last season wasn’t easy — just two wins and a winless run in conference play. But there were flashes. A few big plays here, a strong defensive stand there. They played hard. They competed. And most importantly, they never quit.

This year’s team has a core of juniors and sophomores that are starting to get it. The game is slowing down. The mistakes are fewer. And there’s a little more confidence in every practice.

Hedgesville is focused on one thing this fall: progress. They want to be more physical, more disciplined, and more aggressive on both sides of the ball. If they can clean up penalties and stay healthy, they’ve got a shot to surprise some people.

They might not return to their glory days overnight. But the rebuild is real — and the pride is starting to come back.

Washington – Facing the Crossroads

Washington came into 2024 with big expectations and plenty of weapons. They delivered a winning season, showed flashes of brilliance, and had moments where everything clicked.

But 2025 brings a lot of unknowns. A large chunk of their offensive production is gone, and a few key transfers have left the program at a bit of a crossroads.

Still, head coach Terry Rea isn’t shying away from the challenge. He believes in what’s being built, and he’s rallying the next wave of players to step up and fill the gaps.

This version of Washington might not put up gaudy numbers, but they’ve got some grit. They’ll focus on controlling the line of scrimmage, playing sound defense, and finding creative ways to move the chains.

There’s talent in the pipeline, and if the chemistry clicks early, this team could absolutely find itself in the mix by midseason. It won’t be easy, but Washington has never been about easy. They’ve always been about fight — and this group’s got plenty of that left in the tank.

The Road Ahead

The EPAC in 2025 isn’t just stacked with talent — it’s layered with storylines. You’ve got a dynasty in Martinsburg. A hungry runner-up in Spring Mills. A retooling Jefferson squad with lightning in a bottle. Musselman’s ready to bounce back, Hedgesville is climbing, and Washington is navigating a new chapter.

Every Friday night is going to matter. Every rivalry will feel a little deeper. And someone, maybe a few, are going to turn heads by the time November rolls around.

Strap in. This fall is going to be one to remember.