TL;DR
- Kirtland Hornets reached their 14th state championship game in 15 seasons, a new OHSAA record.
- The Hornets defeated Colonel Crawford 49-22 in the Division VI semifinal.
- Kirtland will play Hopewell-Loudon for the state title on December 6th.
- Hopewell-Loudon upset Coldwater 20-18 in their semifinal game.
This is what Kirtland does.
This year, the Hornets continued their custom of practicing on Thanksgiving Day and then competing in an OHSAA football semifinal the following day, facing Colonel Crawford in a Division VI semi on Friday night.
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 have made OHSAA history, becoming the first football program to compete in 14 state championship games over a 15-year period. Truly remarkable! 🙌
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.
However, the Cavaliers experienced an unexpected defeat on Friday evening. Hopewell-Loudon, hailing from Bascom near Tiffin, staged a comeback to secure a 20-18 victory over Coldwater.
Kirtland is likely to feel quite comfortable in Canton. It's probable they've already reserved their hotel accommodations there for quite some time.
The Hornets can make more history, of course, by finishing the job.
MORE: Coldwater upset by Hopewell-Loudon comeback