Kickoff: 7 p.m. Eastern.
    Setting the scene: Five weeks. Five games. Five very different chapters. For Nate Mahon and his Little Miami Panthers, the first half of the 2026 football season has been a study in extremes — dominant victories, dramatic comebacks, a humbling defeat and, most recently, a gut punch that lingered long after the final whistle.
    It began quietly enough. In Week 1, the Panthers blanked South Dearborn, 28-0, setting the tone for a promising season. One week later, they found themselves staring down adversity at Turpin. Instead of folding, Little Miami rallied for a dramatic 27-24 comeback victory, earning its first Eastern Cincinnati Conference win of the year.
    Then came Anderson. The Panthers' Week 3 trip to the state-caliber Raptors ended in a 51-14 pounding — the kind of night that can leave a team searching for answers.
    And LMHS answered the only way a football team can: by emerging from adversity. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Panthers returned home and unleashed a 42-7 running-clock victory over Walnut Hills, turning the page in emphatic fashion.
    And then came Lebanon … For four quarters and beyond, Little Miami and the Warriors battled. The Panthers held the eraser to a 34-year drought against their Warren County rival, only to see that opportunity slip away in overtime in a 36-35 heartbreaker. One point. That was the difference.
    Now, as the Panthers reach the midway point of the season at 3-2 overall and 2-2 in the ECC, the scoreboard tells only part of the story. They have already been tested by blowouts and comebacks, by disappointment and redemption. They've learned what happens when things go right — and what happens when they don't. And after everything Little Miami has seen through five weeks, there is one question that matters now: Will they feel like dancing into Homecoming after facing Winton Woods for the sixth time in three years?
    Week 5 Helmet Stickers: The Defense: The Panthers are currently ranked No. 2 in the ECC, surrendering just 73.6 yards and 23.6 points per game. At Lebanon, the defense allowed only 281 total yards while suffocating the Warriors' ground game. Senior RB Logan Schmenk, currently ranked No. 1 in the ECC in rushing, was held to just 43 yards.
    Offensively, Carter Stewart hauled in more than half of the Panthers' receptions with nine catches, making several incredible grabs en route to a career-high 166 receiving yards (18.4 AVG). QB1 Brayden Brown threw for 212 yards through the air and added 83 yards on the ground, including three rushing touchdowns, bringing his season total to 10.
    Senior kicker Cade Wojnicz was perfect on five extra-point attempts. Carter Hainey led LMHS with nine total tackles, while Gage Vultaggio recorded an interception and added a 37-yard kick return.
    Homecoming Parade: The 2026 Homecoming Parade will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 PM. The parade will begin at Mounts Park and travel to LMHS.
    Homecoming Court: Homecoming Court introductions will occur at approximately 6:20 PM during football pregame activities.
    Weather: Mostly clear with a daytime high of 70, but after the sun sets … It's finally, sweatshirt weather.

2026 LMHS Football Week 6 Gameday Guide
2026 LMHS Football & Cheer Roster
2026 WWHS Football & Cheer Roster
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