The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Eagles, coming off back-to-back winning seasons and a Division IV playoff run, open the 2026 football campaign on Friday, August 21, at Fenwick.

The Symmes Township program has posted a 19-4 record over the past two seasons under fourth-year head coach Calvin Renfroe. Last fall, CHCA finished with 10 wins, including a first-round playoff victory over Brookville, 43-21, on November 7 before falling to Valley View, 31-15, on November 14 in the second round.

Senior Nolan Lum takes over at quarterback after earning Miami Valley Conference Scarlet Division second-team honors as a wide receiver in 2025. The position switch gives the Eagles a signal-caller who already knows the offense from the skill positions.

Renfroe told WCPO on Tuesday, July 15, that the senior class has defined the program's growth.

"The thing I probably love the most about this team is their heart," Renfroe said. "When we got here four years ago, this group of seniors - they were freshmen. And just the way they've grown as men - not just football-wise or strength-wise - but the way they've grown and the leadership and the way they love others has been incredible to watch."

The Eagles held a team bonding night at a Loveland church in mid-July, with stops at a restaurant and grocery store. Lum said the evening built chemistry without any football involved.

The team's 2026 theme is one word: win. Renfroe said it applies beyond the scoreboard. He wants the program to develop young men, not just athletes, and frames each practice as the only thing worth focusing on.

CHCA also returns Griffin Ridner Richard on offense. He was named a Cincinnati Enquirer fall nominee for the 2026 High School Sports Awards in the Ohio football offense category.

Renfroe said the Eagles intentionally seek out tough regular-season opponents across their 10-game slate, viewing each matchup as a chance to improve rather than simply a test against a rival.

The full 2026 schedule has not been publicly released beyond the opener. CHCA kicks off at Fenwick on Friday, August 21.