2026 MSAC Football Preview: Cabell Midland

Cabell Midland Football

One of West Virginia's most consistent programs of the last 15 years went 1–9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

The Program at a Glance

Cabell Midland was 123–43 from 2011 through 2024 and made the playoffs in 14 consecutive seasons, reaching the Class AAA state championship game in 2012 and 2019 and losing to Martinsburg both times. The 2025 season broke that run: the Knights finished 1–9, went 1–3 in the MSAC Blue Division, and were ranked 19th in the final Class AAAA rankings — three spots outside the playoff field.

The program has also churned at the top. Eric Fetty, hired in March 2025, is the fourth head coach since Jim Thornburg, following Chip McMillan, Luke Salmons (who left for Corbin, Kentucky) and John Ashworth (one season, 5–6). Fetty played for Thornburg when the school opened and was an assistant at Midland before taking over. On hiring, he said the Knights would keep running the football.

2025 in Review

Head Coach

Eric Fetty — 2nd season in 2026 — confirm spelling, exact season number, record at the school and career record.

2026 Schedule

Coach’s Interview

Okay, it's Coach Fetty. Just, just tell me your feelings so far in preseason camp. You know, you have your first scrimmage last week. Got a scrimmage tomorrow.  So, what are you looking forward to tomorrow at the scrimmage?

Coach Eric Fetty 

·       Just looking for improvement from you know first scrimmage to the second, you know a lot of things that we found that we needed to work on after you know going down to Princeton. So you know we feel like we've shored a lot of that stuff up this week, and you know you get a little early season jitters and stuff like that out. But looking to improve that stuff tomorrow, and you know, just a little bit cleaner and crisper on offense, and you know, better tackling on defense.

You know, this is your second season what have you taken from the learning lessons from last season going into this season?

Coach Eric Fetty 

·       The biggest thing you know has been a full year to you know build a culture with the players. You know, full year to be in the weight room with them in the winter, and you know, I guess from one first year head coach to second is you know Rome wasn't built today. You know, start small, get good at a little bit, and then keep building from that.

So, how are your players buying to your system?

Coach Eric Fetty 

·       I think the buy-in's great. You know, the enthusiasm's great in practice. You know, kids are working hard, and you know they believe in what we do. They believe in their coaches, and you know the leadership's gotten a lot better, and you know that's all should you know prove to equal some success on the field.

What's in your opinion? What's your strong point, offense or defense?

Coach Eric Fetty 

·       Right now,  it looks to-I mean, our strong, strongest point I think is our offensive line. You know, our offensive line's got a couple returning starters, and then we got a few new guys in the mix. But they're super athletic. You know, they move well. You know, and for our scheme, that fits. You know, what we do. You know, so they were probably the strongest group in a scrimmage. They open up some big holes for our backs. We got to do a better job running through them and holding onto the football. But you know, all the way around, I think it's our O line D line. That's our strong suit. I mean, ours. We got some good skill players too, and I think they'll come along. You know, as the season goes, but right now the guys up front.

You start the season on the road against Oak Hill. You know, quality competition, How you feeling about that?

Coach Eric Fetty 

·       Oh, you gotta love the challenge. I mean, if you if you're going to coach and you're going to play in MSAC, you gotta be up for it. You gotta love it. You know, if you're if you're afraid of competition, you know this ain't the place for you. And you gotta bring your A game every week. You know, you play you know you play a bad game. You know, everybody, almost everybody in the conference is capable of beating you. You know, so we like the challenge. I embrace it. You know, I want to, I want that. You know, competitors. You know, and I think that gets you ready. You know, when it comes to time for playoffs and stuff like that. You know, you're battle tested when you get there.

Appreciate It.

The Takeaway

Coach Fetty enters this coming season determined to show more improvement and further build on the base that he started laying down last year. Following Cabell Midland’s first scrimmage, and after getting out to Princeton, Fetty wants his squad to make sure they correct their mistakes and show significant growth before their next game. A potential strength that Coach Fetty sees in Cabell Midland this year could be their offensive line. They have some experienced starters back, while also getting some athletes to play offensive lineman this year. Facing a tough MSAC schedule this year, Coach Fetty sees the challenges in it and hopes that playing against tough competition will get them ready for the playoffs, where pressure is key.