Coach Kyle Runyon takes the reins

BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Kyle Runyon, who was an assistant coach for the Tug Valley Panthers for two seasons, is now leading the way as the first-year head coach in Naugatuck.

He and his assistant coaches expect another winning season in 2026.

Runyon knows his role as head coach bears much more responsibility.

“You have to wear a lot more hats as head coach,” the coach said on media day at Bob Brewer Stadium. “It is a task that I knew would be harder, but it is a challenge I was willing to accept.”

Tug Valley logged a 6-5 season a year ago, but still made it to the Class A playoffs before getting ousted at Tucker County in a 42-28 game in the opening round. The Panthers had several key injuries last season that hurt their final record.

Runyon inherits an experienced squad, especially on offense. So the cupboard was not empty and he expects the team to continue the success they have had over the last few seasons.

Leading the way on offense this season will be a couple of Class A All-State selections, quarterback Preston May and wide receiver Cameron Slone.

May passed for over 2,000 yards on offense and rushed for almost 400 on the ground. He threw for 23 TD passes and rushed for four more in 2025.

Slone had more than 1,000 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns last season. He was also a stalwart as a defensive back.

On defense, another returning senior, linebacker Cane Thompson, is ready to lead a young squad. He led the team with 81 tackles as a junior, despite missing some action with an injury. The hard-nosed Thompson is likely to see more action as a running back this year on the offensive side of the ball.

Sophomore Bryson Richardson is expected to get a lot of carries at running back this season, according to Runyon.

Another senior starter is wide receiver-defensive back Derek Jewell, who suffered a severe injury at a summer camp. He hopes to return for his final season around the midway point, depending on his rehab and recovery.

“He has shown great progress,” Runyon said.

Other receivers who have stepped up in fall camp and could see action are brothers Ben Gillman and Joe Gillman, Xavier Sartin, Braxton Jones, Eli Whitt and Parker Kelly. Runyon said that due to the depth chart last season they did not get to see as much action as he would have liked, but will get their chance in the 2026 campaign.

Tight end Parker Kelly is hoping to contribute.

Transferring from Mingo Central to Tug Valley, junior wide receiver-defensive back Mattox Sartin should see considerable playing time for the Panthers. Runyon describes Sartin as a “Swiss Army knife” with a diverse skill set.

Senior Jarron Holyfield should also see action as a wideout-safety, and freshman Gage Lambert will be the backup quarterback and could see playing time in the secondary.

Senior lineman Marshall Jarvis returns to help anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

Six other linemen who started at one point in the season last year also return for the Panthers. They include Keaton Nelson at center, Eli Wallace, Spencer Workman and Gabe Jarvis battling for time at the guard positions, while Luke Mounts, Garrett Hensley and Gavin Ooten are vying for time at tackle.

“We’re bringing a lot of experience back on the line,” Runyon stated. “We have a few new faces that are improving and could work into some playing time.”

The linemen will be going both ways on offense and defense, which is why depth matters on a small Class A roster. Runyon said several linemen are quick off the ball on defense, and he is excited to see how they progress.

At linebacker, besides Thompson leading the way, Richardson should get a starting nod and could also play some defensive end. Ben Gilman and Xavier Sartin are also expected to get playing time at linebacker.

In the defensive secondary, Joe Gillman, Slone, Mattox Sartin, Holyfield, Whitt and Lambert all should see action.

“There are five or six guys fighting for those positions,” Runyon said. “But Cam (Slone) is as good a defensive back as he is at wide receiver.”

Another senior is placekicker Rilee White, who saw action last year.

The long snapper will be Keaton Nelson, while the punter was still up for grabs, according to Runyon.

Tug Valley has one of the toughest Class A schedules in the Mountain State this year, including six Class AA teams and six squads that made the playoffs last season.

But Runyon is optimistic the Panthers will compete.

“The expectations are high,” the first-year head coach said. “The expectations are high in the community. We expect our team to come out and give it their all every day.”

“We want to get better and progress throughout the year,” he added. “Right now we are focused on Mingo Central and getting ready for that one.”

Tug Valley opens up the season on the road against their county rival Mingo Central Thursday, August 27 at Harless Stadium. Then they hit the road for three more games at Wyoming East, Logan and Tolsia, before their first home game with River View. Then they travel to Sherman, before hosting Wayne, Mount View, Man and James Monroe to end the regular season.

Runyon will get assistance from Gideon Jarvis, Noah Lucas and Easton Davis. All three return from last year’s staff and all are Tug Valley alums.