by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Game Overview: The Division VI state semifinal pits North Robinson’s Colonel Crawford Eagles (13–1) against the undefeated Kirtland Hornets (13–0). The matchup is Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:00 PM at Robert Boulton Stadium (Byers Field) in Parma. Kirtland is a seven-time state champion, and will host the neutral-site game as the higher-ranked team.
Colonel Crawford Eagles (North Robinson)
Colonel Crawford (13–1) is making program history, reaching its first-ever state semifinal. Under coach Jake Bruner (4th year, 42–9 at Colonel Crawford), the team won its first regional title to advance. In that Elite-8 win they dominated No. 3 West Jefferson 35–7. Senior tailback Connor McMichael has been the offensive star – he leads the team with 1,792 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns this season. McMichael torched West Jefferson for 214 yards and four TDs in the regional final. The passing game has been efficient as well: Parker Weithman (WR) has 1,311 yards and 12 TDs, and senior QB Brayden Holt completed 13 of 16 for 140 yards in the West Jefferson game. Defensively, Colonel Crawford has been stingy – it has allowed just 35 total points over four playoff games. Overall the Eagles have scored 521 points (37.2 per game) and surrendered 165 (11.8 per game) on the season.
Key players for Colonel Crawford include McMichael and Weithman on offense, and the front seven on defense (sophomore Gabe Stratton had key tackles and an interception against West Jefferson). Senior linebacker Dom Dean (56 tackles, 4 sacks) plays multiple roles. Coach Bruner has emphasized a physical, ground-oriented style. Colonel Crawford’s path to the Final Four involved routing four playoff opponents by a combined 150–35, a testament to its balanced attack and improved defense.
Kirtland Hornets (Kirtland)
Kirtland (13–0) is a perennial powerhouse. The Hornets are coached by Tiger LaVerde in his 20th season, and they boast a 257–21 record. Kirtland has won seven state championships and has appeared in 13 of the last 14 state title games. In fact, Kirtland is seeking its ninth straight state-final appearance, having won 13 consecutive state semifinal games in that span. This year the Hornets have steamrolled opponents: they scored 514 points (39.5 per game) while allowing only 90 (6.9 per game).
The offense is led by senior QB Jake LaVerde (Tiger’s son), a two-time All-Ohio player with a prolific dual-threat resume. Jake LaVerde has over 6,000 career yards (roughly half passing, half rushing) and 80 total touchdowns. In last week’s 21–7 regional-final win over Sugarcreek Garaway, LaVerde rushed for all three Kirtland touchdowns (128 yards on 21 carries). The ground attack also features senior backs John Silvestro (1,859 rush yards, 29 TDs this year) and Ty Bledsoe (1,180 yards, 14 TDs). Defensively, Kirtland has been equally dominant, rarely yielding big plays. Last season the Hornets shut down strong opponents (e.g. 41–7 over Northmor in the state semifinal) and this season have been one of the stingiest teams in the state.
Kirtland’s coaching is a major storyline: Tiger LaVerde is noted for Ohio’s highest coaching win percentage, and Kirtland has reached the state semifinal in every year of his tenure. His program prides itself on developing local talent (no open enrollment) and has maintained a “weight room every day” culture. Kirtland’s experience – an 83–4 record in the last 87 games – contrasts sharply with a Colonel Crawford squad making school history.
Key Storylines and What’s At Stake
This game is a classic David vs. Goliath narrative. Colonel Crawford is in uncharted territory – it has never played in a state title game – while Kirtland is fighting to tie the state record of nine straight title-game appearances. The teams have never met in a playoff game before, making this a first-time matchup with no head-to-head history. Colonel Crawford’s offense (led by McMichael and Weithman) will look to establish the run and keep up with Kirtland’s high-powered attack. Meanwhile, Kirtland aims to impose its physical line play and clock-control style. Fans will watch whether the underdog Colonel Crawford squad can score early and pressure the Hornets, or whether Kirtland’s championship pedigree prevails.
Time & Location: Friday, Nov. 28, 7:00 PM at Robert Boulton Stadium (Byers Field) in Parma. The winner advances to the state championship (Dec 6 in Canton), with Colonel Crawford seeking its first title appearance and Kirtland pursuing its 14th.
Note: This preview was compiled using information sourced from multiple reputable outlets, statewide coverage, and official athletic reports to ensure accuracy and context for readers.
About The Author
