Experienced youth could pay dividends for UVA Wise.

WISE — Youth was served last season at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. It could be again, but at least it will be experienced youth. "Things are good, we have all those returners back," UVA Wise third-year head coach Gary Bass said. "We played a ton of freshmen the last two years. I think 70 of 100 kids on our roster were third semester of college or younger so we were the youngest football team probably in America, which is a good thing." That influx of youth continued after last season's 1-9 campaign, as the Highland Cavaliers brought in 22 newcomers to add to the mix, including local graduates Keith Chandler and Carlos Anderson (Union), Jaalen Deel (Ridgevew), Mike Reece and Tobey Baker (Lebanon) and Keegan Light (Gate City). "All in all, we probably played 30 to 35 freshmen in some capacity last year," said Bass, whose Cavaliers open the season on Aug. 27 at Presbyterian, one of just four road games in the season ahead. They also play South Atlantic Conference favorites Wingate and 2025 NCAA Division II Final Four participant Newberry in consecutive weeks, along with a season-ending trip to Southwest Virginia rival Emory & Henry. Included in six home games at Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium in Wise are three straight SAC contests after the visit to Presbyterian. "The plus is we have got three home games in a row to start the season conference wise," said Bass, whose Cavaliers were 4-6 in his first season in 2024. "That is a huge plus for us. We have got to get some momentum for those guys to springboard into the last seven games of the season." There is plenty of young talent, led by 6-foot-2 sophomore quarterback McCalan Beeson, a graduate of Alabama hotbed Hoover, who replaced an injured Jake Corkren last season. Daniel Thomas, a second-team All-SAC selection last season, returns at running back, having run for 815 yards and eight touchdowns last season, including a school record 256 yards against Catawba. There is plenty of youthful talent at receiver and on the offensive line, which will be anchored by center Jack Tews, who transferred from NJCAA Division I national champion Iowa Western. Eastside graduate Reagan Wood is a candidate on the line. "We want to make sure we run the football efficiently, but ultimately our goal is whatever you are trying to take away we have to do a good job of exploiting the other," said Bass, whose Cavaliers were picked ninth in the 10-team SAC preseason coaches poll. "If you trying to pack the box and take away the run game, we have got to be able to efficiently throw the football and get you out of it. If you are going to unload the box and take away what we are trying to do from a passing game perspective, we have got to be able to lean on our big guys up front and be able to gain some ground in the run game." Defensively, UVA Wise struggled last season, allowing 39.9 points and 448.4 yards a contest. including 60 and 70 points in its final two games. Defensive lineman KD Long, linebacker Jalen Pickens and defensive back Braylon Henry are expected to be leaders on that side of the ball for defensive coordinator Michael Gould, who coached with Bass at Quincy College in Illinois. Bass encourages local football fans to make the trip to Wise in the upcoming season. "I think number one you are going to see a team that loves football," said Bass, who thinks Cavs will display a brotherhood and energy that is contagious throughout the team. "I think Wise is a great place to come watch a game. The facilities are beautiful, this campus is unbelievable. You are talking about a university that academically you can get a great degree and you are playing in one of the best Division II conferences in the country. "We have 100 people on the roster, we recruit who we want, they are going to get opportunities to play and we want people here who are going to want to do things the right way and be good people."