by AJ Nichols

For the first time in school history, Bellbrook football is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division III state poll. The Golden Eagles earned the top spot after starting the 2026 season with a perfect 5-0 record.

The ranking is another milestone for a team that has spent the offseason working toward a different kind of season. After finishing 6-4 last year and losing in the first round of the playoffs, the Golden Eagles returned this fall with high expectations.

Senior quarterback Grant Diorio said he noticed the difference in the team during the offseason. “I could see we were going to be a different type of team,” Diorio said. “After last year and how much work we put in the offseason, watching us in practice and stuff, it was kind of scary to see what we could be like.”

Bellbrook’s success has come on both sides of the ball. The Golden Eagles have put together a strong defense while continuing to produce offensively, helping them remain undefeated through the first five games of the season.

Senior wide receiver JT Frantz said the team’s success has not come down to one player, but rather everyone doing their job. “It’s not about one big play by an individual,” Frantz said. “It’s about everyone playing together as a team.”

The No. 1 ranking also comes with added attention, but the Golden Eagles know there is still plenty of football left to play. Bellbrook entered Week 6 ranked No. 1 in Division III, Region 12 of the OHSAA computer rankings as well.

With league play beginning, the Golden Eagles will have to continue their strong start against Southwestern Buckeye League competition. Bellbrook traveled to Edgewood for its Week 6 matchup, and improved to 6-0.

Despite reaching the top of the rankings, the team remains focused on taking the season one game at a time. “We don’t want any team to be even close to us,” Diorio said. “We’ve played some teams that are obviously really good in the state, but we can’t overlook anybody. Anybody can win at any time.”