When the Kirtland Hornets and Perry Pirates step onto the field Friday night at Wilson Stadium, it won’t feel like a Week 3 regular-season game. It will feel like November.
Dating back to 1931, these two programs have collided 64 times. Perry holds the series edge, 35-28-1, but recent history belongs to Kirtland. The Hornets have won three of the last four meetings, including last season’s unforgettable 22-21 triple-overtime victory—the first 3OT game in program history for both schools.
Clash of Titans in 2025
Both teams enter the game unbeaten at 2-0, and both have looked like championship contenders.
- Kirtland Hornets (2-0): Opened with a 30-7 win at Central Clarion (Pa.), extending their 49-game road winning streak, then dominated Crestview 42-7.
- QB Jake LaVerde: 294 rushing yards, 4 TDs through two weeks.
- RB John Silvestro: 233 rushing yards, 4 TDs.
- Defense: 14 points allowed in two games.
- Perry Pirates (2-0): Crushed Madison 66-14, then beat Kenston 49-6 in a showcase of balance and grit.
- QB McKoy Richards: 364 total yards, 5 TDs last week.
- DE Trent Taylor (Bowling Green commit): game-sealing stop in Week 2.
- Offense: 73 points scored in first two games.
History Hangs in the Balance
This is no ordinary Friday night. Both teams carry streaks into the matchup:
- Kirtland: 19 straight regular-season wins, 13 straight home wins.
- Perry: 11 straight road wins.
- Last Kirtland home loss? September 1, 2023 — to Perry (24-6).
Something has to give.
Rankings add more fuel to the fire:
- Kirtland: #1 in Division VI, #29 overall in Ohio (MaxPreps).
- Perry: #3 in Division IV, #34 overall in Ohio (MaxPreps).
Players to Watch
Kirtland Hornets
- QB Jake LaVerde (Sr.) – The heartbeat of the Hornets’ attack; 40-3 career record as a starter, most wins in school history.
- RB John Silvestro (Sr.) – Tough, explosive runner who sets the tone between the tackles.
- LB Sebastian Becker (Jr.) – Emerging defensive playmaker; already has an interception this season.
Perry Pirates
- QB McKoy Richards (Sr.) – Dangerous dual-threat quarterback who can shred defenses with arm and legs.
- DE Trent Taylor (Sr.) – Bowling Green commit and game-changing edge presence.
- WRs Crew – Deep group capable of stretching Kirtland’s defense.
Dynasty vs. Challenger
LaVerde’s Hornets have been a dynasty: 13 state championship appearances in the last 14 years, seven titles, and the highest playoff win percentage in OHSAA history. Perry, meanwhile, has dominated the Chagrin Valley Conference with a 68-4 record since 2015—but three of those four losses came to Kirtland.
And games like this are why players put on the pads, why fans pack the stands, and why rivalries like Kirtland–Perry endure.
The Bottom Line
Friday night at Wilson Stadium, the Hornets and Pirates will once again write another chapter in their legendary rivalry.
For Perry, it’s about revenge and proving they can conquer their biggest obstacle. For Kirtland, it’s about protecting their dynasty and continuing a tradition of excellence.
If last year’s 3OT classic was any indication, fans should buckle up. This is the kind of game that lives forever in Lake County football lore.
How To Watch
- Kickoff: Friday, September 5 — Wilson Stadium, Kirtland High School.
- CVC TV: Click here to tune in.
The Kirtland Hornet Stat Crew contributed to this preview.
