CINCINNATI – The Walnut Hills High School football team ended its 27-game losing streak with a 30-8 victory over visitors from Western Hills on Friday night.

After the game, there was euphoria. The Walnut Hills football students stormed the field at Marx Stadium. The players showered Eagles coach G. Benjamin Myles with Gatorade.

“It was crazy,” Myles said.

Myles said it was a memorable moment for the program and the school community, and an opportunity to build momentum for the rest of the season.

Walnut Hills had back-to-back 0-10 seasons in 2023 and 2022. The last win before Friday night was a 27-21 victory at Little Miami on Sept. 10, 2021.

Several players competed for the Eagles on Friday night. Junior Ty Austin ran for more than 100 yards and scored a touchdown, according to Myles. Junior quarterback Will Rivers threw for more than 270 yards and three touchdowns.

The defense did its job and forced nine turnovers.

Senior linebacker Jared Ross had 10 tackles and three forced fumbles. Safety DaShaun Hoskins had seven tackles. Senior defensive lineman Donovan Gayle was double-covered throughout the game, giving his teammates opportunities to make plays.

Myles, who teaches African-American studies and history at the Advanced Placement level at the school, said Friday night was a “huge first step” in turning around the football program. He believes Walnut Hills can be “special in every way” both academically and athletically.

Myles spoke after midnight Friday night and said the team will now focus on preparing for Milford. The team plans to meet at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Milford is the defending Eastern Cincinnati Conference champion and plays at Walnut Hills on Aug. 30.

Myles said the goal won’t change every week, even if the Eagles are top of the table, but it’s simply to win 1-0 every Friday night.

SIGN UP: Subscribe to our university sports newsletter