PARMA, Ohio — With sustained success comes great expectations and pressure. For the past 15 seasons, Kirtland football has embraced it all to continue its dynasty.

And if this season is any indication, it doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

On Friday, the Hornets (14-0) continued their unprecedented run of dominance by defeating Colonel Crawford, 49-22, in the Division VI state semifinal at Byers Field in Parma. That sets up a return to the state championship next Saturday afternoon in Canton, where they’ll play Hopewell-Loudon (13-1).

“Sometimes [having so many expectations] isn’t fun, but it goes with the territory, and these kids live up to it,” said Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde. “Every year, I think ‘Oh my, we have to replace 12 guys’, and every year these kids impress me.”

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