Season Preview: Battle-tested Westover Patriots eye bigger goals in 2026

ALBANY — When Westover kicks off its 2026 football season Friday night against Kings Ridge Christian Academy at Hugh Mills Stadium, the Patriots won’t look anything like the team that limped through much of last fall.

They’re older.

They’re faster.

And perhaps most importantly, they’re battle-tested.

The adversity that threatened to derail Westover’s 2025 season has become the foundation of the Patriots’ optimism entering Year 3 under head coach Corey Joyner.

“I think we are going to be better for the next two years because all of these young guys got a lot of playing time,” Joyner said. “All of the injuries and transfers might have actually been a blessing in disguise.”

That’s not something Joyner would have said a year ago.

Transfers claimed quarterbacks Keyon Thomas and Jordyn Shorter and running back Dominique Ball before the season even settled in. Then came injuries to running back Saylor Edwards, quarterback Jayshun Bobbs and Louisville commitment Kyson Mallard, one of Southwest Georgia’s premier offensive linemen.

By midseason, Gabriel Hopper — Westover’s fourth-string junior varsity quarterback only months earlier — found himself leading the Patriots’ offense.

Instead of collapsing, Westover fought its way to a 6-4 record and a second consecutive state playoff appearance.

Now those emergency replacements have become experienced veterans.

Hopper returns after starting seven games, while running back Malik Young gained experience in 10 contests after being thrust into a featured role. Young receivers Ahmad Mitchell and Jaden Thomas were only freshmen when they were called upon last season. Today, they enter the fall as proven contributors instead of promising prospects.

“He has improved so much,” Joyner said of Hopper. “That game time last season plus the work he has put in … he is much better.”

Westover’s offense should also be considerably more explosive.

Young provides speed in the backfield, while Mikhail Simmons has developed into one of the Patriots’ most dangerous deep threats. Jordan Joyner gives Westover another game-changing athlete in the return game, and 6-foot-5 tight end Josiah Daniels has emerged as one of the area’s most intriguing college prospects.

But Joyner believes the biggest difference may not be at any one position.

It could be team speed.

After talking with former Westover coach and athletic director Octavia Jones about improving overall athleticism, Joyner revamped the Patriots’ offseason conditioning program with speed as its central focus.

“We are going to be a very fast team,” he said.

The Patriots expect to be just as physical on defense.

Mercer commitment William Owens and versatile defender Matthew Martin headline a veteran front that should set the tone each Friday night. K.J. Weaver and Dan Wallace also return after gaining valuable varsity experience during last season’s injury-plagued campaign, while Joyner believes the secondary has made tremendous strides.

“I think we’re a whole lot better back there,” he said.

Westover’s coaching staff also features a unique family connection.

Defensive coordinator Cletus Hopkins coaches alongside his son, Kameron Hopkins, a former quarterback at both Westover and Albany State who now serves as the Patriots’ junior varsity offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The Patriots will need every bit of that experience in a loaded Region 1-4A.

Defending region champion Cairo again figures to be one of the state’s best teams, while Monroe, Bainbridge, Spencer, Shaw, Dougherty and Columbus ensure there will be few easy Friday nights. Cairo is the only school in the region that has made Preseason top ten falls, coming in as high as number three.

Joyner believes Monroe has improved significantly, says Spencer annually produces outstanding athletes and expects Shaw’s young roster to mature quickly.

But after watching his own team grow up under difficult circumstances, he isn’t shying away from the challenge.

“If we do what we’re capable of,” Joyner said, “I think we can play with anybody.”

For much of last season, Westover simply fought to stay afloat.

This fall, the Patriots believe they’re ready to do much more than survive.

They believe they’re ready to contend.

Staff Photo: Sonja Stroyls

Westover seniors William Owens, Kyson Mallard and Williams are three reasons why the Patriots are expected to be among Class 4A’s best this season.