Mother Nature was unable to slow down the momentum of the Little Miami Panthers in their home opener against the South Dearborn Knights on Friday night. The Panthers opened up their 2026 campaign with a huge 28-0 shutout victory to start the season. Little Miami looked to build off a playoff appearance last season, despite going 3-8 on the season and the Panthers got things off on the right foot against South Dearborn. It was a solid team effort that led the Panthers to the victory.

Quarterback Brayden Brown accounted for all four Panthers touchdowns, throwing for three and rushing for one. Brown got the scoring underway on the first drive, where he capped it off with a 1-yard touchdown run. Brown exploded in the second quarter, throwing for two touchdowns. Receiver Carter Stewart was the recipient of a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brown which gave the Panthers a 14-0 lead. Running back Walker Brewsaugh, took a screen pass from Brown and took it down the sideline, for a 45-yard touchdown to give Little Miami a 21-0 lead. Late in the second quarter, storms were beginning to develop in the distance.

The lightning was making an appearance, but the teams finished the half with Little Miami up 21-0. Right as the teams were set to begin the second half, Mother Nature decided to change the plans, sending the teams in the locker room due to the lightning. After a short delay, play resumed in the second half. The flow of the game was disrupted by the delay, making the second half a bit choppy. Little Miami did not let the weather mess with their plans. Brown picked right where he left off with a long 42-yard touchdown pass to Gage Vultaggio.

Brown finished the game 7 for 9, 146 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Brown targeted four receivers on the night with Stewart, Vultaggio, Brewsaugh and Carsten Camarata being the players who caught passes. On the ground, it was a solid night for Little Miami as four Panthers rushed for a total of 153 yards. Walker Brewsaugh rushed it 8 times for a total of 34 yards. Owen Menad added 6 rushes for a total of 64 yards, while Brown ran it 5 times for 42 yards and the previously mentioned touchdown. Logan Kerner also ran the ball 5 times for a total of 13 yards on the night. Kicker Cade Wojnicz did not attempt a field goal but was spotless on his four extra point tries.

Defensively, the Panthers were fantastic, posting a shutout to start the season and forcing two turnovers. Fourteen total players registered a tackle on the night. Carter Hainey, Colton Reynolds and Dustin Cook all were credited with a tackle for loss as well. Two-way player Carter Stewart also made his name known on defense coming away with an interception. Adam Trickey forced a South Dearborn fumble that was recovered by Gunner Swafford.

The Panthers look to build off this strong start as they head to the east side to face the Turpin Spartans to being ECC play.

Chris Asbrock is the owner, writer and analyst for Impact Sports Cincinnati and can be followed on Twitter  Follow @iamchrisasbrock and Follow @ISCincy