Hillsdale Falcons Soar to New Heights Despite Heartbreaking State Championship Loss
Despite falling short of a state championship, the Hillsdale Falcons’ remarkable 2025 football season cemented their legacy as a dominant force in north central Ohio high school football, achieving a feat unprecedented in the region – back-to-back appearances in the Division VII state championship game. The Falcons lost to St. Henry 24-8 before a crowd of 3,912 at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. While the outcome mirrored the 2024 season, the journey itself was a testament to the program’s growth and the dedication of its players.
“These seniors have turned dreams in our community into a reality,” said Hillsdale football coach Trevor Cline, encapsulating the profound impact of this team. “I’m extremely proud of our players and the season that they were able to put together. for this group of guys to be able to be a part of a team that went to back-to-back state championships says a lot about them. It’s been something that hasn’t been done in our area.”
The Falcons entered the 2025 season carrying the weight of a devastating 74-0 loss to Marion local in the 2024 championship game. Though,fueled by a veteran roster and a desire for redemption,they set their sights on returning to the state finals – a goal Cline acknowledged was aspiring.
“Last year we flew underneath the radar to get to this point,” cline explained. “This year the target was on our back throughout the year, which makes that road back even tougher.”
The team’s success wasn’t built on a single star, but on a collective effort. Players like Kael Lewis, Owen Sloan, Hayden McFadden, Brady Heller, and Brock Bower each contributed significantly to the Falcons’ ascent.
Hillsdale dominated the regular season, finishing with a 9-1 record, their only defeat a narrow 24-17 loss to Norwayne in the Wayne county Athletic League title game. they then showcased their dominance in the playoffs, overpowering Conotton Valley 63-6 and Symmes Valley 48-7. A hard-fought 25-20 victory over Danville secured their spot in the regional championship, followed by a commanding 41-14 state semifinal win against McDonald – arguably their moast notable performance of the season.
The path to the championship became more challenging when St. Henry upset Marion Local in the Elite Eight, replacing the perennial powerhouse as Hillsdale’s final obstacle. The Falcons found themselves facing a formidable opponent from the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC), a league renowned for its football prowess.
“We knew coming into this game, you’re going up against a team from the MAC and anyone that knows anything about football in Ohio knows the MAC is the best league in small-school football,” Cline stated. “It was going to take our best game to date to be able to beat them.”
Despite a strong effort, including a field goal by Brock Bower that narrowed the deficit to 8-3 in the second quarter, Hillsdale couldn’t contain St.Henry’s explosive offense,led by game MVP Charlie Werling,who set a Division VII state championship game record with a 70-yard touchdown run.
Despite the loss, the Falcons’ spirit remained unbroken. “I just love this group,” said Brady Heller. “We’ve been close as we were 5 years old for pretty much all of us, and it’s just a fun thing to get to do with them.”
Hillsdale’s 31-game run, resulting in a 27-4 record and two trips to Canton, establishes a new benchmark for the community. The senior class,in particular,leaves behind a legacy of success,averaging over 10 wins per season and securing the school’s first two regional football crowns.
“The last two years to be able to get to the state championship, 20 years ago that was an impossible task. Heck, 15 years ago that was an impossible task, even though we started making it to the playoffs,” Cline reflected. “Their impact that they’ve had within our program is going to be there for many years to come.”
