When Brian Kennedy took over the Watterson football program in 2017, the outlook seemed bleak. The team had posted a 2‑8 record the previous year, and the coach admits he wondered whether he would still have a job by season’s end.
The 2017 Low Point
That season ended with a painful 2‑8 finish, but it also planted the seeds of a turnaround. Kennedy, who had spent nine years as the Eagles’ freshman coach and four years working with the offensive and defensive lines, used the experience to overhaul practice routines, install a more aggressive scheme, and foster a culture of accountability.
The results were immediate. By the following year the team posted a winning record, and the momentum never stalled. Kennedy guided Watterson to back‑to‑back Division III state championships, both coming undefeated, and capped the most recent title run with a 30‑0 victory over Toledo Central Catholic.
State Championships
The back‑to‑back titles have placed Watterson among the elite programs in Ohio, with the squad winning 30 consecutive games since the 2023 final loss. The streak reflects not only raw talent but also the consistency of Kennedy’s leadership and his ability to develop players at every level.
Recognition followed. At the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards, Kennedy was honored as The Dispatch’s 2025‑26 Boys Coach of the Year, a testament to the respect he commands from peers, players, and the broader community.
Drew Bellisari, the Eagles’ quarterback, summed up the sentiment: “Coach Kennedy cares about us on and off the field. He pushed me to be better, and that belief helped us stay undefeated.”
Doug Etgen, the athletic director who has overseen the program since 2015, attributes the rise to Kennedy’s blend of strategy and mentorship. “Seeing a coach who still gets excited about a kid’s growth is rare,” Etgen said. “Brian’s impact goes beyond the scoreboard.”
Looking ahead, the expectation is clear. With a pipeline of talent nurtured from freshman to senior year, Kennedy’s vision remains focused on sustaining excellence while preserving the program’s core values.