This is what Kirtland does.
The Hornets have made it a tradition of practicing on Thanksgiving Day and then playing in an OHSAA football semifinal the next day. That was no different this year, as Kirtland took the field Friday night against Colonel Crawford in a Division VI semi.
And as they almost do, they won.
MORE: Glenville wins instant classic against Indian Valley
Kirtland has now reached the state championship game in 14 of the last 15 seasons.
Astounding.
No school has ever done that before.
Kirtland did it by rolling past Colonel Crawford, 49-22.
FINAL: Kirtland 49, Colonel Crawford 22
— Kirtland Hornet Stat Crew (@hornetstatcrew) November 29, 2025
The Kirtland Hornets become the first football program in OHSAA history to reach 14 state championship games in a 15-year span. Incredible! 🙌
The Hornets play Hopewell-Loudon for the state title in Canton on Saturday, December 6th @ 3pm. Pic.twitter.com/XJNocdNC4B
MORE: Avon gets a chance to defend its crown
It was nearly a rematch of last year's final, which Coldwater won.
But the Cavaliers got upset on Friday night. Hopewell-Loudon, from Bascom outside of Tiffin, came back to beat Coldwater, 20-18.
Kirtland will feel right at home in Canton. They probably book hotel rooms there months in advance at this point.
The Hornets can make more history, of course, by finishing the job.
MORE: Coldwater upset by Hopewell-Loudon comeback