The Chardon Hilltoppers are just two years removed from winning their second consecutive state championship. After going 12-2 last season, a new quarterback takes the helm for Chardon. Will Francis is making the transition from cornerback to quarterback this season in hopes of bringing home another state title. The journey begins on the road for Weeks 1 & 2 for Chardon. They make a trip to Chesterland on August 18th at Howell Field where West Geauga awaits. A long haul to Tiffin is set for the Hilltoppers on the 25th of August as they face the Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes. Chardon Memorial Stadium will welcome in the Shoremen of Avon Lake, the Hilltoppers inaugural home game of 2023 in Week 3.
The St. Francis Red Raiders come to town in Week 4, before Chardon makes their second long trip of the year. This time they make their way down to Columbus to face off with the Bishop Watterson Eagles. A rivalry that dates back to 1968, the Kenston Bombers and Chardon Hilltoppers meet for their first WRC conference games of the year. Chardon defeated Kenston 10-7 last year in Week 12, knocking the Bombers out of the playoffs. The final two road games of the regular season come in weeks 7 & 8. The Hilltoppers face the Willoughby South Rebels and Mayfield Wildcats respectively. Eastlake North will come to town in Week 9. The regular season finale could potentially be winner take all for the WRC crown. Reigning WRC champs, the Riverside Beavers square off in the Hilltoppers house to conclude the 2023 regular season. Riverside defeated Chardon 21-7 in 2022.
I interviewed seniors Will Francis, Leo Colombi and Andrew Bruce about this season.
Hilltopper Head Coach Mitch Hewitt and I spoke about this season, along with some positional changes he's made.
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