When you think of high school football dynasties, St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, demands a spot in the conversation. This isn’t just a team—it’s a tradition woven into the fabric of Ohio sports, fueled by state championships, standout players, and a community that bleeds green and gold. Nestled just west of Cleveland, St. Edward has turned Friday nights into a showcase of athletic excellence and unrelenting spirit. In this 1500-word deep dive, we’ll unpack the Eagles’ storied history, recent highs and lows, key players, and the secret sauce behind their dominance in Ohio’s brutal Division I landscape. Ready to discover why St. Edward football is a name every gridiron fan should know? Let’s hit the field.
What Makes St. Edward High School Football Stand Out?
Ohio high school football is a beast—fierce, competitive, and steeped in tradition. St. Edward rises above the pack with a blend of powerhouse performance and a culture that’s as tough as the steel city nearby. This all-boys Catholic school, founded in 1949 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, isn’t just about wins (though they’ve got plenty). It’s about building character, forging brotherhood, and chasing excellence—on and off the turf.
The Eagles boast an eye-popping resume: 80 state championships across all sports, with football claiming seven Division I titles since 2010 alone. That’s not luck—that’s a system. From elite coaching to a fanbase that turns First Federal Lakewood Stadium into a fortress, St. Edward football captures the heart of what high school sports should be.
St. Edward High School Football at a Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of what defines the Eagles:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lakewood, Ohio, west of Cleveland |
| School Type | All-boys Catholic, founded 1949 by Brothers of Holy Cross |
| State Championships | 7 in football (2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023) |
| Recent National Rank | No. 11 (MaxPreps, end of 2024) |
| Notable Players | Casey Bullock (QB), Devontae & Deontae Armstrong (OL), Brandon Morton (LB) |
| Head Coach | Tom Lombardo, architect of three straight titles (2021-2023) |
| Rivalries | Saint Ignatius, Massillon, Mentor |
| 2024 Record | 11-3, lost 21-7 to Olentangy Liberty in Division I semifinals, Nov 29, 2024 |
This snapshot sets the stage—now let’s dig into the details.
A Storied History of St. Edward Football
The Eagles’ football journey kicked off in 1949, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that they started stacking trophies. Their first Division I state title came in 2010, a 35-28 thriller over Huber Heights Wayne. That victory lit the fuse for a modern dynasty, with six more championships following in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Seven titles in 14 years? That’s not just good—it’s historic.
Key Milestones in St. Edward Football History
- 2010: First state title, a signal of things to come.
- 2014-2015: Back-to-back championships, cementing their elite status.
- 2021-2023: Three-peat under Tom Lombardo, a rare feat in Ohio’s top division.
St. Edward’s knack for reloading talent and staying atop the heap speaks to a program built on discipline and drive.
How Did St. Edward Perform in 2024?
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster of dominance and heartbreak. Finishing 11-3, the Eagles soared through the regular season with wins over tough foes like Pickerington North (28-0) and St. Joseph Prep (35-21). Their playoff run was gritty—until a 21-7 loss to Olentangy Liberty in the Division I semifinals on November 29, 2024, clipped their wings.
Standout Games of 2024
- Regional Final vs. Mentor: A 13-7 nail-biter on November 22, clinching a spot in the semifinals.
- Semifinal Loss: Olentangy Liberty’s defense stifled St. Edward’s offense, ending their three-peat dreams.
Despite the exit, a No. 11 national ranking by MaxPreps proves the Eagles remain a force.
2024 Season Stats
- Record: 11-3 overall.
- Offense: Averaged 28.6 points per game.
- Defense: Held opponents to 15 points or less in eight games.
Who Are the Stars of St. Edward Football?
The Eagles’ roster is a talent pipeline, producing college standouts and NFL hopefuls. Here’s who shined in 2024:
Casey Bullock – Quarterback Clutch
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 67 rushing yards and 31 passing yards in the 2023 title game alone (missed some of 2024 due to injury).
- Impact: A dual-threat leader who battled knee issues but delivered when it counted.
Devontae & Deontae Armstrong – Twin Towers
- Position: Offensive Linemen.
- Size: 6-5, 305 lbs (Devontae); 6-7, 295 lbs (Deontae).
- Future: Ohio State commits, dominating the trenches with size and skill.
Brandon Morton – Defensive Anchor
- Position: Linebacker.
- Impact: A tackling machine who sets the tone for a stingy defense.
These players, backed by a deep roster, keep St. Edward in the national spotlight.
What’s the Practice Schedule for St. Edward Football?
Success starts in the grind. Here’s a look at the Eagles’ typical weekly practice schedule during the season:
| Day | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Film review, light conditioning | 2 hours |
| Tuesday | Full pads, offensive drills | 2.5 hours |
| Wednesday | Full pads, defensive focus | 2.5 hours |
| Thursday | Walkthrough, special teams | 1.5 hours |
| Friday | Game day – warm-ups, strategy review | 3+ hours |
| Saturday | Recovery, weight room (optional) | 1-2 hours |
| Sunday | Rest or optional film study | 0-1 hour |
This disciplined approach ensures peak performance every Friday night.
How Does St. Edward Prepare for Greatness?
Championships aren’t accidents—they’re crafted. St. Edward’s recipe blends coaching brilliance, intense training, and community fire.
Coaching Genius: Tom Lombardo
- Tenure: Took over in 2016.
- Wins: Three straight titles (2021-2023).
- Style: Balances a high-octane offense with a suffocating defense.
Lombardo’s adaptability and player development keep the Eagles soaring.
Training That Builds Champions
- Offseason: Strength training starts in January—think squats, sprints, and agility drills.
- In-Season: Daily film sessions sharpen game IQ.
- Skill Work: Linemen perfect blocks, QBs drill timing, and DBs hone coverage.
Community Fuel
- Crowd: Over 5,000 fans pack home games, creating an electric vibe.
- Support: Alumni and local businesses fund gear and facilities, like the $3.4 million Lowe Pre-Engineering Center.
What Are St. Edward’s Fiercest Rivalries?
Rivalries ignite passion, and St. Edward’s matchups are pure fire.
- Why It Matters: Two Cleveland Catholic powerhouses, just miles apart.
- History: A decades-long clash of pride and prestige.
- Highlight: Massillon’s 31-21 win in 2024 was St. Edward’s only regular-season loss.
- Stakes: A test of Ohio’s best.
- Playoff Classic: The 2024 regional final (13-7) was a defensive slugfest.
How Can Fans Follow St. Edward Football?
Stay in the loop with these options:
- Live Streams: NFHS Network broadcasts games.
- Updates: MaxPreps and Cleveland.com track scores and stats.
- Social: Follow @SEHS_FOOTBALL on X for real-time buzz.
Tips for Aspiring St. Edward Eagles
Want to wear the green and gold? Here’s how:
- Start Young: Join youth leagues to master basics.
- Hit the Books: St. Edward demands strong grades.
- Show Up: Attend summer camps—coaches notice hustle.
- Grind Hard: Outwork your peers in the weight room and on the field.
Why Does St. Edward Football Matter to Ohio Sports?
St. Edward isn’t just a team—it’s a pillar of Ohio’s football culture. Their seven titles in 14 years showcase a program that thrives under pressure. They produce talent (think NFL-bound linemen), inspire kids, and unite Lakewood in a way only sports can. In a state obsessed with the gridiron, the Eagles set the bar.
Fun Fact
The Holy Family Chapel’s gold dome nods to Notre Dame—another Holy Cross gem—tying St. Edward to a broader legacy.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The 2024 season ended short of a fourth straight title, but St. Edward High School football remains a juggernaut. With Tom Lombardo at the helm, stars like the Armstrong twins ready to shine at Ohio State, and a community that never wavers, the Eagles are built for more. This isn’t just a program—it’s a dynasty in motion, ready to soar again in 2025. What’s your take on St. Edward’s legacy? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—let’s keep the green and gold spirit alive!
