Northwest High School Football Team Achieved 6-0 Start

The Knights secured their first winning season since 2022 following a decisive victory over Mount Healthy.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football

Northwest High School Football Team Achieved 6-0 Start

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The Northwest High School football team reached an undefeated 6-0 record after defeating Mount Healthy 40-20. This milestone marks the school's first winning season since 2022.

Why it matters

The team's success stems from a blue-collar work ethic and intense practice standards that have fostered strong player buy-in. This performance has earned head coach Brandon Schon recognition as the Cincinnati Bengals coach of the week.

The Knights totaled 515 rushing yards against Mount Healthy, led by Jaylen Lilly with 280 yards and Ethan Dixon with 185 yards. Lilly averaged 11.1 yards per carry, while Dixon maintained a 9.4-yard average.

The players

Brandon Schon

He is in his fourth season as the head coach of Northwest High School and was named the Cincinnati Bengals coach of the week.

Jaylen Lilly

He is a key running back for the team who recorded 280 rushing yards in a single game.

Ethan Dixon

He is a running back who stands 6-foot-2 and contributed 185 rushing yards in the team's recent victory.

Hezekiah Kelley

He is a four-year starter for the Knights who has committed to playing football at Temple University.

Cincinnati Bengals

This professional NFL franchise is based in Cincinnati and sponsors local coaching honors.

The details

Head coach Brandon Schon, currently in his fourth season, credits the team's rise to a culture of long, rigorous practices that build brotherhood among players. The program also received a $2,000 donation from the NFL Foundation and Paycor to support its operations.

2012: The Knights previously won nine games.
2022: Northwest High School recorded its last winning season.
Oct. 2, 2026: The team is scheduled to play a home game against Talawanda.
Dec. 13, 2026: Coach Schon will be honored at a Cincinnati Bengals game.

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Season Trajectory

This undefeated start significantly shifts the outlook for the Knights, moving them from a program seeking stability to a contender within the Southwest Ohio Conference. The team's momentum positions them to potentially exceed the historical nine-win standard set by the 2012 roster.

The Knights now hold a 6-0 record, setting high stakes for their upcoming home game against Talawanda on Oct. 2. The backfield production from Jaylen Lilly and Ethan Dixon, who both reached 600 yards for the season, indicates a high-volume rushing offense that will be central to the team's continued success.

The takeaway

Northwest's return to a winning season demonstrates how a consistent, blue-collar training philosophy can transform high school athletic performance. Local players and families can look to the team's commitment to long, hard practice hours as a core driver for their ongoing success.

What happens next

The Knights will host Talawanda on Oct. 2, 2026. Following the conclusion of the regular season, coach Brandon Schon will be honored at the Cincinnati Bengals game on Dec. 13, 2026.