A season of promise
The Chardon High School football program enters the 2026 campaign riding the momentum of a 6‑5 finish a year ago, a record that featured three conference victories and a glimpse of playoff contention.
Head coach Brian Landies, now in his second year at the helm, has made it clear that the team’s ceiling will be defined by how quickly the defense can elevate its performance.
Returning quarterback Andrew Cole brings added size and offseason work that should translate into a more potent passing attack, while running back Andrew Platz remains a bruising presence on both sides of the ball.
The Hilltoppers will face a slate that includes matchups against traditional rivals such as Massillon Jackson, Cleveland Heights and Erie McDowell, a schedule that tests their run‑heavy offense while exposing them to varied defensive schemes.
Historically, the program’s deepest playoff runs came in 1994, 2020 and 2021, with the most recent appearance in 2024; if the defense clicks, a CVC Lake title and a return to the Division III playoffs appear within reach.
Looking ahead
With 24 letterwinners back, including seven on offense and six on defense, the Hilltoppers are positioned to turn early-season progress into a sustained push toward a conference championship and a deeper playoff run.