LYNN — Lynn Tech released its football schedule for the 2026 season. The Tigers will begin the year with six straight road games before hosting Nashoba Tech on Oct. 30 for their home opener.

Despite not having a home game until the end of October, head football coach James Runner believes the unusual schedule could benefit his program.

“I look at it in a positive way. If we make the playoffs and our first playoff game is on the road, then we’ll be used to it,” Runner said. “This year we plan on being road dogs. We’re planning on going to these teams’ homes and playing to come out on top. I have a feeling it can pay dividends for us in the long run.”

To make up for all the road games, Runner plans to treat every road trip like an event — something the players can look forward to.

“I was adamant about this year’s fundraising. Every time we go away we’ll have a team dinner. We’ll have lunch for the kids, we’ll have food to come back with,” Runner said. “I tell people all the time, I don’t coach a football team, I run a football program.”

Being on the road has its advantages, including building team chemistry, according to Runner. He believes the road-heavy schedule will force his players to rely on one another.

“Being away from home, you don’t have to live up to the hype or expectations. On the road these guys have to look out for each other. They have to be there for each other. It’s us vs. them, that’s the mentality of this year’s team,” Runner said. “When we go to these teams’ stadiums our backs are against the wall every game. Our guys are working to be better than what they were, they want to leave each game as winners. It adds a little bit more fuel and gets everyone to work a little bit harder knowing they’re going to be in enemy territory.”

The Tigers’ bye week comes in Week 6, and Runner has plenty planned, including giving back to the community and checking in on some alumni.

“During that bye week, we’re going to check out the Boston College game. We’re going to see some of our alumni that are playing at Framingham State University and at Curry College,” Runner said. “We’re going to show the kids some of the college aspects of football and get them a little more hungry and potentially want to play in college. We’ve been working on this plan to keep our kids fundamentally involved. We’ll also do some work with some of the Pop Warner teams just to give back too.”

The first day of practice is Monday, Aug. 24, with the Tigers opening the season against Malden 18 days later.

Lynn Tech schedule:

Sept. 11: at Malden, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: at Monty Tech, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: at Saugus, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 2: at Monomoy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9: at Lowell Catholic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23: at Minuteman, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30: vs. Nashoba Tech, 7 p.m.

Nov. 25: vs. KIPP

Schedules are subject to change.