By Chad Hensley
NKyTribune sport reporter
Injuries to key players derailed any hopes of postseason success for the Ludlow football team last year, but those injuries have healed and the Panthers have their sights set on hosting a playoff game this November.
John “Woody” McMillen is back for his third season as the head coach and looks to lead the Panthers to a winning season after such a rough 2025 campaign.
“2025 was definitely a tough year,” he said. “We were plagued by injuries and came up short of our goal of winning the district and making a playoff run.”
Ludlow finished with a 4-7 record after falling to Newport in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs. Two starting players injured prior to district play were brothers Miller and Deaken Reed.
Miller was the starting quarterback. In four games, he completed 33 of 61 passes for 615 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 263 yards and one TD. Younger brother Deaken was also limited to four games. He made 31 tackles at linebacker and rushed for 175 yards at fullback during his limited playing time.
Miller returns to the starting quarterback position as a junior. Deaken is a just a sophomore with a promising future at both of his positions.
“Miller and Deak are vital components to our success in 2026,” said McMillen. “They are a huge part of our game plan in all facets of the game. I am very happy for them and am really excited to have them back on the field.”
Ludlow has additional offensive weapons in wide receivers Jaylen Stone and Andre Englemon, Jr., who had combined totals of 68 catches for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Englemon led the team in pass receptions (42) and receiving yards (631). He was also among the top defensive players with 79 tackles and three interceptions.
“Jaylen and Andre are great players,” McMillen stated. “I have been very impressed by the growth and maturity of Jaylen and Andre. They are huge pieces of the puzzle on both sides of the ball.”
The coach knows the success of the offensive unit will come down to the players up front
The veteran linemen are seniors Ben Griffiths and Jake Cook and juniors Maddox Arnold and Tyler Crafton. Other linemen are proving themselves worthy of playing time with successful preseason action.
“Our offensive line has been a real shot in the arm in the preseason,” McMillen boasted. “They are scrappy, athletic and aggressive. They will be vital to our success in 2026.”
Ludlow’s offense averaged 21.7 points and nearly 350 yards per game during the 2025 season, but the defense allowed 27.8 points while giving up just about 240 yards per game.
With six returning starters on defense, there should be improvement on that side of the ball. The veterans include Austin Ashcraft and Crafton, last year’s leading tacklers with 146 and 86.
“The defense returns some experience,” said McMillen. “They are aggressive and scrappy and will fly to the ball.”
Another veteran the coach knows he can count is senior place kicker Finn McMillan, who was 27-for-27 in extra points last season. His consistency meant the coaching staff didn’t have to scheme so many two-point conversion plays.
“Finn is a great kid who is very committed to his role as a kicker,” McMillen stated. “It has become a luxury to have such a reliable person at his position.”
With his players healthy, McMillen is anxious to bring football back to the vibrant red turf field at James Rigney Stadium in the heart of Ludlow.
“Football is important in our community,” McMillen said. “Ludlow has a long and storied tradition. This will be our 103rd season of football at Ludlow. It starts at the youth level. We have a successful youth program that instills pride in our kids and that carries over to the high school level. This is complemented by a proud alumni base who take great pride in the successes our program has enjoyed over the years.”
LUDLOW PANTHERS
2025 SEASON: 4-7 record, lost to Newport, 42-2, in first round of Class 1A playoffs.
STARTERS RETURNING: 7 offense, 6 defense.
DISTRICT: Class 1A, District 4 with Brossart, Holy Cross, Trimble County.
HEAD COACH: Woody McMillen (20-16 in three seasons at Ludlow, 40-50 in seven seasons overall).
2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 – at Newport, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 – HOLMES, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Walton-Verona, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – DAYTON, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Gallatin County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – BELLEVUE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 – TRIMBLE COUNTY, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 – at Brossart, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 – at Holy Cross, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 – ST. HENRY, 7 p.m.