Week 6 of the 2026 high school football season brings a crucial slate of games for teams across the Greater Cincinnati area. With the halfway point behind us, coaches, players and fans are focused on securing playoff berths, high seeds and valuable momentum as the postseason approaches.
Recent Results Highlight the Race
Last week saw Anderson dominate Kings with a 49‑33 victory, while La Salle earned a solid road win at Badin, 27‑14. Princeton edged Lakota West 27‑24, and Highlands blanked Ryle 28‑0. Although Kings, Lakota West and Badin suffered defeats, each can remain optimistic about their standing as the season progresses.
Top Betting Picks for Week 6
#1 Princeton at #7 Lakota East
Princeton travels 75 miles north to face Lakota East, aiming to preserve its unbeaten record and first‑place hold in the GMC. The Vikings have been propelled by quarterback Monsanna Torbert and running back Jordan Hall, who together have accounted for 24 touchdowns and 739 rushing yards. Torbert also boasts 687 passing yards and seven touchdowns, three of which went to senior wide receiver Lorenzo McMullen Jr.. Defensively, Brayden Berry, Terrence Jones Jr. and safety Gianni Simpson have been standouts.
Lakota East, with only one loss to rival Lakota West, seeks to cement its position near the top of the GMC standings. The Thunderhawks feature the league’s third‑leading passer, Nile Knutson, and a trio of reliable receivers—Braxton Thurman, Carter Jones and others—who can generate big plays through the air. Defensive leader Tra’Vion Bailey anchors their secondary.
Given Princeton’s balanced attack and unbeaten streak, the Vikings are the clear choice to remain undefeated.
#8 St. Xavier at #2 Elder
St. Xavier looks to revitalize its offense in the second half of the season. Quarterback Aidan Newdigate has been a dual‑threat, amassing 527 rushing yards and 473 passing yards, with a strong connection to experienced receiver Logan Von Holle. Linebacker Griffin Lyons leads the Bombers in tackles.
Elder continues its dominant run, having avoided close contests in the first five weeks. Quarterback Kaden Estep leads the league in both passing and rushing, on pace for a 2,000‑yard passing season and 1,000‑yard rushing season. His favorite target, transfer wide receiver Andrew Lyman, has already recorded eight receiving touchdowns. Defensive stalwart Braydon Tepe anchors the Panthers.
With Elder’s high‑powered offense and stout defense, the Panthers are the favored team to secure the win.
#18 Lebanon at #19 Kings
The north‑east side showdown between Lebanon and Kings will likely be decided on the ground. Lebanon relies on running back Logan Schmenk, while Kings looks to Oliver Young to lead their rushing attack. Both backs rank among the best in the ECC, and the team that establishes the run first should gain a significant advantage in the playoff race.
Our recommendation: back Kings to win at home.
Madeira at Deer Park (CHL)
In the CHL, Madeira travels to face unbeaten Deer Park. Deer Park’s tandem of Tink Sellers and Morgan Brown has been instrumental in maintaining their perfect record. Madeira, with only one loss, counters with a strong backfield featuring Cooper Blackburn, running back Simon Peters, and wideout Sam Redlinger. Turnover protection will be key.
We favor Madeira to pull off the road victory.
What This Means for the Playoff Picture
Each of these matchups carries weight for the teams’ postseason aspirations. Princeton’s bid to stay unbeaten could lock them into the top seed, while Elder’s continued dominance positions them as a favorite in the GMC playoffs. Kings and Madeira, if they secure their respective wins, will strengthen their bids for higher seeds and favorable playoff matchups.
Fans across the Cincinnati area should mark their calendars, support their local schools, and enjoy a week of high‑stakes high school football.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
