A Renewed Rivalry
The two programs that once battled weekly in the Western Reserve Conference have found new life in the Suburban League, and their historic rivalry will continue this fall. Kenston will host Mayfield in Week 8, renewing a matchup that has become a staple of the regional football calendar since 2015.
Last season the Bombers edged the Wildcats 14-7 in Week 9, a victory that left Mayfield eager for revenge. Both teams finished the year with winning records — Kenston at 7-5 and Mayfield at 5-5 — but the Wildcats fell short of a playoff berth while the Bombers advanced to the second round.
Injuries limited Kenston’s lineup during the final stretch of last season, with as many as 13 players sidelined for the last three contests. Despite those setbacks, the team managed to stay competitive, a testament to depth and coaching resilience.
Beyond the head‑to‑head game, both squads are excited about the broader shift in conference realignment. New rivalries with Aurora, Copley and Twinsburg promise fresh challenges, while Mayfield opens the season at home against Elyria and Kenston travels to Solon for a cross‑conference test.
Looking Ahead
Coaches and players alike stress that the focus remains on execution and improvement rather than past scores. As the teams gear up for their respective season openers, the renewed rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to an already competitive Suburban League landscape.