FROSTBURG — Mountain Ridge High School is gearing up for the 2026 football season with renewed determination after experiencing a couple of rocky years. The Miners, who last reached the state title game in 2021, are looking to reclaim their competitive edge with a roster filled with returning talent.
In recent years, Mountain Ridge has faced tough competition, particularly in the Class 1A championship games where they fell to Fort Hill three consecutive times. The 2024 season saw the Miners finish with a .500 record at 5-5, but the following year proved even more challenging as they recorded their first losing season since 2019 with a 5-6 finish.
With the resignation of former head coach Ryan Patterson after the 2023 season, Nathan Shipe has stepped in as the new head coach. Shipe brings a fresh perspective and is focused on building a stable and competitive team. The Miners are set to benefit from the return of nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters, which could provide the stability needed for a successful season.
“We have a lot of skill position players that can play multiple positions,” Shipe stated, emphasizing the versatility of his offensive lineup. The Miners are planning to revamp their running game while maintaining their spread offense approach. Shipe noted that they will incorporate more heavy sets compared to previous seasons, aiming to balance their offensive strategy.
Defensively, Mountain Ridge will continue to utilize a 4-2-5 formation, adjusting to a 4-4 alignment when facing run-heavy opponents. Shipe highlighted the importance of speed and teamwork, stating, “The big thing we want to focus on is being fast and having 11 guys that can get to the football quickly.”
The Miners have maintained solid numbers in their program, with around 31 or 32 players on the varsity squad and 34 to 35 on the junior varsity team. Shipe expressed optimism about the team’s progress, noting, “We’re further ahead at this point this year than we were at this point last year, so the coaches are happy about that.”
At the quarterback position, Mountain Ridge is looking for stability after rotating three players in 2025. Junior Brayden Glass has emerged as a strong candidate, having completed 25 of 36 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns last season. His ability to throw accurately and decisively as a runner has impressed the coaching staff. Sophomore Sam Patterson will serve as the backup but is expected to contribute significantly at wide receiver.
The Miners' depth at skill positions is noteworthy, with players like Levi Clise and Daniel Swindle expected to play crucial roles in both the passing and running game. Clise, who has shown significant improvement in his physicality and route running, is poised to be a key player for the team. Additionally, the offensive line, led by center John Malone, is expected to provide the necessary protection for Glass and the running backs.
On the defensive side, the Miners face the challenge of replacing several key players from last year’s unit. However, Shipe is confident in the abilities of his current roster to adapt and fill those gaps effectively. The competition for starting spots on the defensive line is fierce, with multiple players vying for positions. The coaching staff is committed to finding the right combinations to ensure a strong defensive presence.
Mountain Ridge’s schedule for the 2026 season mirrors that of the previous year, with a notable change as Southern from Anne Arundel County replaces Clear Spring in Week 4. The Miners will kick off their season against Southern Garrett, followed by home games against Boonsboro and a road game against Allegany.
Shipe has set high expectations for the team, aiming for a winning season, a playoff berth, and ultimately, a shot at a state title. “The expectations at the school and program are very high. We want to have a winning season, host a playoff game, practice on Thanksgiving, win a state title,” he stated, reflecting the aspirations of the community and the program.
Leave a Comment