Two of Division VI’s most explosive and balanced teams meet in the state semifinal, but they arrive with very different histories.
For Kirtland, this stage is familiar territory. The Hornets have won 13 straight state semifinals, appeared in 13 state championship games in the past 14 seasons, and are seeking a ninth consecutive trip to the finals—an achievement matched only by Marion Local in OHSAA history.
Colonel Crawford, meanwhile, enters its first-ever state semifinal, representing a breakthrough moment for the Eagles in their rise under Jake Bruner.
Division VI State Semifinal Preview
Kirtland (13–0) vs. Colonel Crawford (13–1)
Friday, Nov. 28 • Byers Field, Parma
The Numbers: Two Heavyweights
Kirtland and Colonel Crawford enter with nearly identical offensive production:
- Kirtland: 514 points (39.5 PPG)
- Colonel Crawford: 521 points (37.2 PPG)
Both teams have dominated most opponents, but Kirtland’s defense has been significantly more suffocating:
- Kirtland: 90 points allowed (6.9 per game)
- Colonel Crawford: 165 points allowed (11.8 per game)
Kirtland’s +424 point differential (+32.6 per game) is one of the strongest in Ohio, and the Hornets are historically one of the most efficient playoff teams ever. Colonel Crawford’s +356 margin (+25.4) is outstanding as well and underscores just how complete the Eagles have been during their 13-1 run.
Program Comparisons: Tradition vs. Team on the Rise
Few matchups provide a sharper contrast in playoff pedigree.
Kirtland
- 73–13 all-time playoff record
- 14 state semifinal appearances (all since 2011)
- 7 state titles, 6 runner-up finishes
- 20th year under Tiger LaVerde (257–21 at Kirtland)
Colonel Crawford
- 12–9 all-time playoff record
- 10 playoff appearances in school history
- First-ever state semifinal
- 4th year under Jake Bruner (42–9 at CC)
The Eagles have surged during Bruner’s tenure—13 wins in each of the last two seasons—but they are stepping into a bracket where Kirtland has been the standard for more than a decade.
Strength of Schedule
Kirtland again played one of the strongest small-school schedules in the state. Their 13 opponents enter this week with a combined 104–58 record, and the Hornets beat five playoff teams, including Division IV regional finalist Perry. Their three playoff wins have come by a combined 97–17, and Garaway, Smithville, and Wickliffe entered those matchups with a combined 29–9 record.
Colonel Crawford’s path has been strong as well: their opponents are 97–72 overall, and their four playoff wins have come against teams that were 39–10 combined. Their lone loss came to Carey—another Region 22 power and state semifinalist last season.
Coaching Edge
Both staffs are exceptional, but Kirtland’s résumé is unmatched:
- LaVerde holds the highest winning percentage in OHSAA history
- Kirtland is 13–0 in state semifinals under his leadership
- The Hornets have won 9 straight regional titles and appear in the regional final every year since 2010
Colonel Crawford’s Jake Bruner has engineered one of the most successful stretches in program history, but he faces the most consistent playoff program in Ohio.
Playoff DNA
Kirtland’s statistical résumé across OHSAA history gives them advantages few teams can match:
- Second-best playoff win percentage ever (.849)
- One of only four schools with a +1,500 playoff point differential
- One of only seven schools to allow fewer than 14 PPG in playoff history
- Eight straight state championship appearances
This is what Kirtland does: they reach Week 15, control the line of scrimmage, and lean on a tested system built for November football.
Colonel Crawford’s Opportunity
While the Eagles have not shared Kirtland’s longevity on the big stage, their statistical profile shows they belong here:
- Their offense is nearly dead even with Kirtland’s in total scoring.
- They’ve outscored playoff opponents 154–35.
- Their defensive numbers are significantly stronger than typical first-time semifinalists.
If Colonel Crawford can protect the ball, stay ahead of the chains, and finish drives, they have the balance to make Kirtland uncomfortable.
The Matchup
This game comes down to two questions:
Can Colonel Crawford handle Kirtland’s physicality and depth up front?
Few teams can sustain drives or stop the Hornets’ run game for four quarters.
Can the Eagles score early?
Kirtland rarely trails, and when the Hornets get a two-score lead, they squeeze the clock better than anyone in the small-school ranks.
What’s at Stake
- For Colonel Crawford, it’s a shot at the first state championship appearance in school history.
- For Kirtland, it’s the opportunity to tie Marion Local as the only program to reach nine straight state championship games and to earn a state-record 14th title appearance in 15 seasons.
How to Watch
Spectrum will livestream the game. Click here to watch (a fee is required).
Kirtland Hornet Stat Crew contributed to this story.
