2026 Football Preview: Notre Dame Titans

PORTSMOUTH — Steven Irwin understands tradition. He also understands what is important to continue at Portsmouth Notre Dame.

But the Titans’ first-year head coach also understands what kind of talent he has inherited and how he needs to utilize it.

“We are very skilled heavy. We have a plethora of guys on both sides of the ball playing receiver, running back. We can kind of mix it up if need be. If we wanted to, we could be two platoons with our skilled guys. We’re that deep,” said Irwin, who is embarking on his first head coaching job.

“However, the kids know it. We’ve been preaching it since June, we’re going to play the best 11 no matter what. You’ve got to do something to make yourself stand out and earn that spot because there’s a lot of competition.”

Irwin is excited about the opportunity to be a head coach.

“It’s surreal. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I didn’t think it would come this quick. But, the opportunity came about and I was able to teach these guys for a couple of months before I accepted the job. It was a big reason I took the job because I got to meet the kids, see how great they were, after that it was just too hard to pass up this great opportunity,” said Irwin.

“The tradition at Notre Dame is alive and well. It’s something they hold dear, and I make sure to do my best to honor traditions that they have had here, and also to try and improve upon them. The alumni are strong. The tradition is strong. It’s a very tradition-rich football program for sure.”

Irwin said he was fortunate to coach at West under Todd Gilliland who allowed him to be the offensive coordinator.

“I was blessed to work for Coach Gilliland for four years as the offensive coordinator and play caller. He showed me the nuts and bolts of being a head coach, some of the things behind the scenes that you typically don’t see,” said Irwin.

“I’m really grateful for that because without it, I don’t know if I would be here obviously.”

The Titans were 8-3 last season and tied for second place in the Southern Ohio Conference with Symmes Valley and South Gallia at 3-2.

Notre Dame suffered some heavy losses that included quarterback Ethan Kingrey, running back Bryce McGraw, center Michael Hiles, linebacker Matthew Hiles, lineman Josh Kielmar, and wide receivers Connor Estep and Luke Cassidy.

Senior wide receiver Chris Piccolo returns and Irwin had lofty praise for him.

“Chris Piccolo is experienced beyond his years. He’s our only senior and he’s shining on the field and off the field. He is a leader of this team for sure,” said Irwin. “We young, but we’re experienced.”

Another top player returning is junior running back Archie West. Irwin expects West to step up his game this season.

“I look forward to seeing Archie West. He had perfect attendance all through the offseason in the weight room. He’s put up some incredible numbers,” said Irwin.

Another junior who is getting a very watchful eye from Irwin is Warren Kelly.

“I’m really excited to see what Warren Kelly does. He’s come into a leadership role and he’s taking a lot of reps at the quarterback right now. He’s a really intelligent football player,” said Irwin.

The offensive line lacks size, but the Titans’ rookie coach said this group of linemen have a lot of athletic talent.

“We’re very athletic at the offensive line position. We want to play to their strengths with their athleticism. We’re not going to do what we want to do, but do what they can do,” said Irwin.

“I feel we have a similar offensive line and defensive line. They’re great kids. They’re very intelligent.”

Heading up the interior line is junior Krystian Canter who Irwin said “had an incredible offseason. He’s a workhorse. He doesn’t say much to you. When he does, it’s short and to the point.”

Another returning starter to the line is sophomore Jay Eichenlaub who has added some bulk size to his frame.

“He is extremely athletic,” said Irwin. “We had a catching punts competition the other day and Jay was out there catching them like it was nothing. Those two guys are about as consistent as you can imagine.”

The defense will play multiple defenses depending on the opponent, but Irwin said the Titans’ athleticism has them leaning toward a three-man front.

“With our athleticism, we’re looking to play our three-man front, but we will get into a four when need be,” said Irwin.

“Because of our skills, we’re looking to be attacking and aggressive and disciplined. That’s the culture we want to have and the culture we want to show.”

Junior Jaxon Stombock (6-2, 210) has impressed the coaching staff and Irwin expects him to be a major player on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense where he should be the anchor.

“He’s really come into it both athletically and with his size. I think he’s going to cause a lot of problems for a lot of people,” Irwin said.

“He’s kind of the ace up our sleeve that we’re going to be able to move around quite a bit on both sides of the ball. We’ll try to get him the ball on offense, but defensively we can put him in multiple positions and he’s just going to have a field day.”

Irwin is confident in the kicking game.

“We’ll use special teams as a tool,” said Irwin. “we have a great kicker coming through in Cam Voiers. He has a great leg on him and we’re looking forward to using his skill. You either invest in special teams, or you lose with special teams.”

In the Southern Ohio Conference, Irwin said the league is wide open but he just wants to focus on the now and worry about the league when those games arrive on the schedule.

“My thing for us is to focus on ourselves. It sounds like a cliché, but the reason behind that from my previous experience is if you look too far down the road, you can neglect an opponent you have coming up,” Irwin said.

“For me, it’s for us to improve week by week. Yes, we want to win a conference championship, but we’re

always looking for that next win.”