Nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Ohio, St. Edward High School football isn’t just a program—it’s a legacy that pulses through the community. At First Federal Lakewood Stadium, the Eagles don’t just play; they soar, carrying the hopes of a fanbase draped in green and gold. This isn’t your typical high school team; it’s a dynasty with seven state championships, a pipeline to college football, and a spirit that defines Friday nights in the Buckeye State. In this 1,600-word deep dive, we’ll unravel the Eagles’ storied history, break down their 2024 season, spotlight the players fueling the charge, and explore what makes St. Edward a titan in Ohio’s ultra-competitive Division I landscape. Ready to discover why St. Edward football commands respect? Let’s hit the field.
What Makes St. Edward Football Elite?
Ohio is football country, and St. Edward High School stands at the pinnacle. Located at 13500 Detroit Avenue, this all-boys Catholic school, founded in 1949 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, has built a juggernaut that rivals any program in the nation. The Eagles aren’t just a team—they’re a tradition of excellence, blending discipline, talent, and an unrelenting drive to win.
What sets them apart? It’s a trifecta of championship pedigree, top-tier coaching, and a culture that breeds leaders. With a trophy case boasting seven Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I titles and a reputation for sending players to Power Five programs, St. Edward is a household name. Whether it’s a clash with rival St. Ignatius or a playoff push, the Eagles deliver drama—and their fans deliver decibels.
St. Edward Football: The Essentials
Here’s the quick playbook on the St. Edward Eagles:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Lakewood, OH, at 13500 Detroit Ave |
| School Size | All-boys Catholic, ~863 students (2023–2024) |
| State Championships | 7 (2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023) |
| Recent Ranking | No. 8 nationally, No. 1 in Ohio (High School Football America, 2023) |
| Notable Players | Bradley Eaton (RB), Tyrese Buchanan (RB), Nate Gregory (LB) |
| Head Coach | Tom Lombardo, architect of three straight titles (2021–2023) |
| Rivalries | St. Ignatius, Archbishop Hoban, Massillon |
| 2024 Record | 8-5, fell 7-21 to Olentangy Liberty in Division I Final Four (Nov 29, 2024) |
This snapshot tees up the tale—keep reading for the full saga!
The Legacy of St. Edward Football
St. Edward’s football journey began in 1949, when the school itself was founded. Early years were modest, but the program gained traction in the 1970s under coach Mike Currence, who instilled a winning mentality. The breakthrough came in 2010, when the Eagles claimed their first OHSAA Division I title, a 35-21 rout of Wayne. From there, St. Edward became a dynasty, racking up six more championships, including a three-peat from 2021 to 2023.
The 2023 season cemented their dominance. Finishing 15-1, the Eagles crushed Springfield 31-21 in the Division I final, securing their third straight title. That run wasn’t just about wins—it was about proving St. Edward could reload, not rebuild, even after losing stars like Ohio State-bound twins Deontae and Devontae Armstrong.
Key Moments in Eagles History
- 2010: First state title, a launchpad for greatness.
- 2015: A 45-10 thrashing of Huber Heights Wayne capped a 14-1 season.
- 2021–2023: Three consecutive championships, a rare feat in Ohio’s top tier.
- 2023: National No. 8 ranking, affirming St. Edward as a coast-to-coast powerhouse.
This history isn’t just a record—it’s a promise of what’s possible.
How Did St. Edward Fare in 2024?
The 2024 season was a gritty chapter for St. Edward. Despite a 8-5 record—modest by their lofty standards—the Eagles faced a gauntlet, including nationally ranked foes like St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) and Massillon. They went 3-2 in non-conference play, with losses to Boyle County (KY) and Massillon, but roared through the postseason until a 21-7 defeat to Olentangy Liberty in the Division I Final Four on November 29, 2024.
2024 Season Match Scores
Here’s the full rundown of St. Edward’s 2024 games:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
| Aug 23, 2024 | Pickerington North | 41-0 | Win |
| Aug 31, 2024 | St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) | 35-21 | Win |
| Sep 6, 2024 | Boyle County (KY) | 21-38 | Loss |
| Sep 14, 2024 | Elder | 21-17 | Win |
| Sep 20, 2024 | Massillon | 21-31 | Loss |
| Sep 26, 2024 | Glenville | 28-14 | Win |
| Oct 4, 2024 | St. Xavier (Cincinnati) | 24-21 | Win |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Rock Hill (SC) | 35-7 | Win |
| Oct 18, 2024 | Archbishop Moeller | 30-35 | Loss |
| Oct 26, 2024 | Archbishop Hoban | 14-28 | Loss |
| Nov 16, 2024 | Perrysburg (Playoffs) | 40-15 | Win |
| Nov 23, 2024 | Mentor (Playoffs) | 13-7 | Win |
| Nov 29, 2024 | Olentangy Liberty (Playoffs) | 7-21 | Loss |
Standout Games of 2024
- Aug 31 vs. St. Joseph’s Prep: A 35-21 upset over a national powerhouse set the tone.
- Nov 23 vs. Mentor: Bradley Eaton’s 181 yards and two TDs clinched a 13-7 playoff thriller.
- Nov 29 vs. Olentangy Liberty: A 21-7 loss ended the season, but the Eagles’ fight was undeniable.
Though they fell short of a fourth straight title, St. Edward’s resilience kept them among Ohio’s elite.
Who Powers the Eagles’ Flight?
St. Edward’s roster is a showcase of grit and talent, producing athletes who dominate now and shine later.
- Bradley Eaton – Running Back
- 2024 Stats: 164 yards, two TDs vs. Mentor alone; over 1,200 rushing yards on the season.
- Impact: A bulldozing force, Eaton’s vision and power define the ground game.
- Tyrese Buchanan – Running Back
- 2024 Stats: Game-changing TD vs. Elder; dynamic in open space.
- Future: A senior with college scouts buzzing.
- Nate Gregory – Linebacker
- 2024 Stats: Led team in tackles, a sideline-to-sideline menace.
- Legacy: Sets the defensive tone, eyeing Big Ten offers.
These stars, backed by a ferocious line, make St. Edward a nightmare for opponents.
What’s the Eagles’ Training Regimen?
Championships are forged in sweat. Here’s St. Edward’s typical schedule:
| Day | Activity | Time |
| Monday | Film study, conditioning | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Full pads, offensive focus | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Full pads, defensive drills | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | Walkthrough, special teams | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | Game day – pre-game prep | Varies by kickoff |
| Summer | Weight training, 7-on-7 camps | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
- Offseason: Strength sessions start June 1, emphasizing speed and power.
- In-Season: Practices hone precision, from zone reads to blitz pickups.
- Film Room: Coaches and players dissect opponents, turning data into wins.
This regimen, rooted in OHSAA rules, builds champions.
How Does St. Edward Prep for Glory?
Winning isn’t chance—it’s strategy. St. Edward’s blueprint mixes coaching genius, relentless prep, and community fire.
Coaching Mastery
Tom Lombardo, a three-time state champ coach, blends old-school toughness with modern tactics. His player-driven culture—empowering seniors like Eaton—creates accountability.
Training That Hits Hard
- Offseason: Deadlifts and sprints transform athletes into warriors.
- In-Season: Drills mimic game chaos, sharpening instincts.
- Tech Edge: Hudl analytics break down tendencies, giving St. Edward a mental advantage.
Community Passion
First Federal Lakewood Stadium packs in 7,000+ fans per game. From alumni tailgates to student chants, Lakewood’s pulse beats for the Eagles.
Rivalries That Ignite the Season
Rivalries fuel St. Edward’s fire.
- St. Edward vs. St. Ignatius
- 2024 Context: A 24-21 win kept bragging rights in Lakewood.
- Why It Matters: A Catholic school showdown, it’s Ohio’s fiercest feud.
- St. Edward vs. Archbishop Hoban
- 2024 Result: A 28-14 loss stung, but the rivalry drives growth.
- Edge: Playoff stakes make every snap electric.
A Nod to Other Sports: 76ers vs Knicks Match Player Stats
While football rules Ohio, hoops fans might draw parallels to the intensity of the 76ers vs Knicks rivalry. In their latest clash (April 2025), Joel Embiid dropped 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson countered with 29 points and 8 assists. Like St. Edward’s battles, it’s about stars stepping up—think Eaton’s runs mirroring Embiid’s dominance in the paint.
Inspiration from Prosper High School Football
Across the country, Prosper High School Football in Texas mirrors St. Edward’s hunger. Prosper’s 2024 squad, led by QB Jaxon Hawkins’ 3,000+ passing yards, reached the 5A semifinals. Their focus on discipline and community echoes the Eagles’ ethos, proving football’s universal language of grit.
How Can Fans Stay Locked In?
Want to ride with the Eagles? Here’s your guide:
- Live Streams: Catch games on NFHS Network or St. Edward’s YouTube.
- Scores: MaxPreps or Cleveland.com for real-time updates.
- Social: Follow @SEHS_FOOTBALL on X for highlights and buzz.
Tips for Future Eagles
Dream of wearing green and gold? Here’s the path:
- Start Early: Join youth leagues like Lakewood Rangers.
- Grind Academics: St. Edward demands a 3.0 GPA minimum.
- Show Heart: Summer camps are your stage—bring effort.
Why St. Edward Football Matters
St. Edward isn’t just a team—it’s Lakewood’s soul. Their seven titles and NFL alumni like Kyle Kalis inspire kids to dream big. Every tackle unites families, every win fuels pride, and every season keeps Ohio football alive.
Fun Fact
The 2023 title game saw St. Edward rush for 287 yards—pure ground-and-pound dominance!
Conclusion
The 2024 season didn’t end with gold, but St. Edward High School football remains a beacon of excellence. With stars like Bradley Eaton, a mastermind in Tom Lombardo, and a city that lives for kickoff, the Eagles are always one snap from history. They’re not just playing—they’re etching a legacy. Want to see their next chapter unfold? Grab a ticket, join the roar at First Federal Lakewood Stadium, and soar with the Eagles. Go St. Ed’s!
