The Lakota West Firebirds are preparing for a challenging 2026 football season, aiming to rebound from a 7‑5 record that coach Tom Bolden calls his worst yet.
Key Returners and Commitments
Senior quarterback Jackson Smith returns after a breakout year in which he threw for 1,959 yards and 20 touchdowns while tossing only five interceptions. He will be joined in the backfield by Northwestern commit Kenyon Norman, who posted 915 rushing yards and 13 scores a season ago and added 311 receiving yards on 29 catches.
The offensive line will get a boost from Reilly Newman, a four‑star prospect ranked eleventh among Ohio linemen who has pledged to the University of Iowa. Newman is expected to anchor the line and open lanes for Smith and Norman.
Linebacker Judah Blair, a top‑ten Ohio prospect in the 2028 class and the fourth‑ranked linebacker nationally, has attracted offers from powerhouse programs including Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Oregon. His presence adds depth to a defense that looks to tighten up after last year’s inconsistencies.
Leadership and Schedule
Coach Bolden emphasizes a culture of senior leadership, noting that nine players have been voted captains for their contributions on and off the field. That continuity should translate into stronger chemistry as the team navigates a grueling Greater Miami Conference slate.
The Firebirds open the season at home against St. Xavier on August 21, then travel to face their longtime rivals Lakota East on August 28. Both games promise intense competition and will set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Region 4 of the Ohio High School Athletic Association has become tougher with the return of Middletown to the bracket, a team that Lakota West defeated 27‑13 in Week 6 last season. Bolden says the heightened competition makes advancement more difficult, but also fuels the squad’s determination.
Looking ahead, the Firebirds hope to improve on a 7‑5 record that Bolden described as his worst. With a blend of experienced seniors, promising underclassmen and a challenging schedule, the team is poised to make a deeper run in the playoffs.