Northeast Ohio High School Football Rivalries A History

"Northeast Ohio high school football has always been known for its great drama, intensity and rivalries. For more than a century, McKinley and Massillon have met on the fall gridiron in one of the state's most evenly matched contests. Since 1971, the St. Ignatius Wildcats have classed with the St. Edward Eagles every year in the Cleveland Holy War. More recently, Avon and Avon Lake kicked off a border war for bragging rights and harware in the Silve Rail Rivalry. Taking you behind the scenes of some of the biggest games in state football history, Vince McKee unfolds play-by-play recaps and memorable moments that will leave you wanting more until the last snap!" -- Back cover.

The sixteen original essays in this collection cover influential and famous rivalries from a variety of sports, and illustrate with is common to any rivalry: equally matched opponents that are often decidedly different in race and culture, political and societal ideology, personality, geography, or religion. The competitive impulse and these differences combine to form a singular mix intensified by fans and the media.

The story of one of the most intense rivalries in Ohio high school football, the 52-year "Holy War" between Cleveland's St. Ignatius H.S. and St. Edward H.S. of Lakewood. A detailed account of every game played between the two schools, plus a summary of both of their seasons before and after the big game. Includes statistics and 120 photos.

Every year, Troy and Piqua line up on the gridiron to determine supremacy within Miami County. Stretching back well over a century, it is one of the most-respected rivalries in the state and nation. Even after 130 meetings between the two schools, neither team has been able to gain a decisive edge in the series: the rivalry is tied at 62-62-6. The two teams have battled for league championships, for playoff titles and--most importantly--for bragging rights and pride. This is a story of the most prolific rivalry in the rich history of Ohio high school football, from its nerve-wracking moments to its beloved coaches and players.

West Side Pride is the story of the classic cross-town rivalry between Warren Western Reserve and Warren G. Harding, two high schools in a small Northeast Ohio city. The rivalry came to a head when the two schools shared four consecutive championship seasons. This included both teams' first undefeated and untied seasons and more significantly, the state's very first playoff championship. West Side Pride looks closely at the rivalry, the driving force most responsible for sending both teams to the pinnacle of state competition. It also examines the creation and introduction of Ohio's playoff system, which was one of the first in the country. West Side Pride concludes by reviewing the collateral and enduring effects of the re-integration of the two schools, including Warren Western Reserve's lost legacy, contradicting its notability as Ohio's first playoff champions.Part historical reference and part personal memoir, West Side Pride both explains and amuses by integrating contextual foundation and statistical evidence among the firsthand accounts and anecdotes of the exceptional young men who helped create and sustain the rivalry. It also entertains a speculative look at what might have transpired had there been neither a fierce rivalry between Warren's two high schools, nor a playoff system. West Side Pride was written by a Western Reserve graduate and member of the football team.