Kenston, Chagrin Falls rivalry endures after about 70 years, community members say

Kenston Local and Chagrin Falls — two high schools roughly 5 miles apart — have sustained an athletic rivalry for about 70 years that students, coaches and alumni say continues to shape school culture and community bragging rights.

Community members described the rivalry as a recurring highlight of the school year and a source of heightened preparation and emotion. “I’m so tired of talking about this freaking game. I’m ready to play,” one coach said, while a student called the experience “the most unbelievable feeling in my life.”

Those interviewed said the rivalry still matters on social and athletic levels even as conference alignment and school-size changes have altered how often teams meet. “We get to play them once a year,” a speaker said, and others noted that conference realignments tied to enrollment mean the schools sometimes no longer share the same conference or division.

Speakers described family and community ties that intensify the matchup: students who grew up together in club sports, parents with children at both schools, and alumni who still mark the game on their calendars. “No one at Kenston wants to ever lose to Chagrin,” one commentator said, summing up the local pride at stake.

Several participants emphasized that, beyond rivalry, they value a competitive but respectful game. “As long as it’s a good game and both teams worked hard, that’s probably the most important thing,” an administrator said, adding that a win can lift student morale the following day.

The feature concludes with the reporters’ signoff. For Bomber Media, Avery Koonberger and Ella Hart produced the piece.