Hilliard Darby opens its 2026-27 athletic season to the community Aug. 12, with Panther Preview '26, an all-sports showcase covering every program from grades 7 through 12 at the Hilliard Darby Athletic Complex on Leppert Road. No start time has been announced.
The event gives fans their first look at the full slate of Panther teams before the football regular season kicks off Aug. 21 at Lancaster.
The Hilliard Darby Football account announced the showcase on X on Aug. 11, and Colin Seely, assistant director of athletics, amplified the post. The preview covers athletes from both Hilliard Darby High School and Heritage Middle School, spanning fall, winter and spring sports rosters.
Football leads the way
Head coach Brad Burchfield's football program arrives at Panther Preview with momentum. The Panthers scrimmaged after OHSAA-mandated practices opened Aug. 1, and the program has been building since skill-position workouts at Dublin Scioto on April 11 and a Panther Pride Camp in early June.
At the program's Spring Fling awards in May, Cedric Holman earned the "Darby's Fastest Man" honor, while Kyree Drummond and Landon Lovell were named Spring Workout Warriors and Parker Beans took home the Darby Strongman title.
"We're going to have a lot of fun and learn a lot while pursuing championships with great kids," the Darby football program posted on X in May, setting the tone for the 2026-27 campaign.
Volleyball already competing
Darby's girls volleyball program didn't wait for Panther Preview to get started. The team hosted a tri-match against Northmont and Kilbourne on Aug. 6, with all three Darby squads playing at 5 p.m. and free admission for fans.
Broader Hilliard fall sports calendar
Panther Preview follows Hilliard Bradley's Meet the Jags Night, which the Jaguars held Aug. 11 at Bradley Stadium. As we reported Aug. 5, Darby's football opener is Aug. 21 at Lancaster at 7 p.m. Week 2 brings a crosstown rivalry game at Hilliard Bradley on Aug. 28, and the Panthers' home opener is Sept. 4 against Walnut Ridge. All three Hilliard programs landed in the same 20-team playoff region this season.
The Panthers kick off at Lancaster on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.
