On Friday, September 5th, 2025, the Lakota West Firebirds defeated the Hamilton Big Blue 38-6 on the road to capture their second win of the season.

Bouncing Back

The Firebirds have bounced back nicely after losing their first game of the season, 14-7, to St. Xavier. They scored at least 35 points in the past two games, with wins over Mason and Hamilton. Quarterback Jackson Smith has been on fire, going 26/37 for 498 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Running back Kenyon Norman got in on the action as well, with three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown over that span. 

Building Experience

The main question mark surrounding the Firebirds heading into the season was their lack of experience on both sides of the ball, following the loss of 15 defensive seniors and 16 offensive seniors. 

Lakota West head coach Tom Bolden added to the idea of the Firebirds’ inexperience: “Yeah we’re talented, but people forget we’re still inexperienced.” The inexperience showed in game one, but it was also an area for growth, and has led the Firebirds to two straight dominant victories. 

Even with the loss of 6’7, 264 lb Reilly Newman, who Coach Bolden claims to be their “best defensive lineman” in the first game of the season to St. Xavier, the Firebirds have shown no sign of slowing down.

Looking Ahead

The Firebirds may have their toughest task yet, as this week they take on the Princeton Vikings at home for the annual homecoming game. Princeton is tied for first place in the GMC with West and has had the Firebirds’ number over the past couple of years, winning 14-6 last year and 18-3 the year before. Aside from the rivalry game against East, this is the most important game for the Firebirds the rest of the season.