High School Football Camp Tour: Northmont seeing new energy after pair of difficult seasons

No one seems to be shying away from the reality of the situation. Northmont enters 2026 having lost 17 consecutive games.

Head coach Ben Rulli and his players appear to be all-in on using it as motivation.

“We had a great offseason since December getting after it in the weight room, doing a lot of meetings throughout that time,” he said. “I know these guys are working hard.”

The Thunderbolts are ready for it to translate on the field. A young group took its lumps last fall and hopes to come out better from it.

So far the energy the team says they’ve seen from one another is the first step in the right direction.

“I can see the determination in everybody’s eyes. Everybody’s really determined this year,” senior KJ Gaston said. “They’re more focused, locked in, and I think the experience too, last year we had a lot of young guys coming out who’ve never played varsity football before. They’re coming out with the experience that they built.”

Fans will need to wait until September to see the newly installed scoreboard at Premier Health Stadium on Friday nights as Northmont begins with two August road games at regular playoff qualifiers Lebanon and Cincinnati La Salle.

When they return to Clayton, the hope is that they’re already on the envisioned path to success.

“I love being out here with my teammates all day,” senior RJ Brumbaugh said. “We’ve been out here grinding, getting better every day. I love the coaching staff. It’s been great so far. Just getting better.”

Northmont Thunderbolts

2025 Record: 0-10 (0-7, 8th), did not make postseason

Coach: Ben Rulli (2nd year, 0-10)

League: GWOC

Need to know: Northmont’s last win came against Beavercreek 20-15 in Week 4 of the 2024 season.

Players to watch

Dujuan Bickerstaff, RB, 5-6, 170, so. (68 ATT, 138 YDS, 1TD)

RJ Brumbaugh, OL, 6-2, 270, sr.

Izaiah Flowers, LB, 5-8, 190, jr. (51 TKL, 1.5 TFL, 2 FF)

KJ Gaston, DB, 5-10, 170, sr. (37 TKL, 0.5T FL)

Tony Locklin, WR, 5-10, 165, sr. (24 REC, 277 YDS, 1 TD)

Jaydan Smith, WR, 6-0, 170, sr. (43 REC, 585 YDS, 2 TD)

Charlie Wendt, LB, 5-11, 200, sr. (36 TKL, 5 TFL, 2 SACKS, 1 FR)

Schedule

Aug. 21 - at Lebanon

Aug. 28 - at La Salle

Sept. 4 - KIPP Columbus

Sept. 11 - at Beavercreek

Sept. 18 - at Springboro

Sept. 25 - Wayne

Oct. 2 - Fairmont

Oct. 9 - at Centerville

Oct. 16 - at Miamisburg

Oct. 23 - Springfield

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →