Mayor declares Nov. 21 ‘Hilltopper Day’ to honor season

A drive through Chardon makes clear that high school football fever has hit the town.

Signs have popped up throughout the community in response to the Hilltopper team’s perfect season thus far, earning it a trip to the Division III state finals this weekend.

The success also is inspiring city officials. Mayor Dan Meleski has issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 21 “Hilltopper Day,” in anticipation of the championship game against Columbus St. Francis DeSales. I

t is the team’s third time competing for the title.

The proclamation listed several accomplishments this year:

• Defeating Tiffin Columbian in the Division III state semifinals 47-7

• Outgaining opponents 4,276 yards to 1,830 yards, a difference of 1.39 miles

• Dominating the Western Reserve Conference, holding five of six opponents to seven or fewer points

• Defensively having 26 takeaways (15 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries)

• Holding opponents to 39 or fewer rushing yards in five of 11 games, with three opponents rushing for negative yardage

• Holding four opponents to 21 or fewer passing yards

• Having 10 of 11 games shortened by the “Mercy Running Clock Rule” due to leads of 30 points or more

• Ranking No. 1 state AP poll all season

“The community will rally behind the Chardon High School Football Team to beat Columbus St. Francis DeSales,” the proclamation reads.

In addition, it encourages supporters to wear Chardon High School apparel or black and red colors, and to watch the game at 7 p.m. on Spectrum Cable Channel 1 or chardonathletics.org.

At the Nov. 12 City Council meeting, City Manager Randy Sharpe said his staff would be contacting the school about plans for a big sendoff and celebration upon the team’s return.

“It’s very, very exciting, and we’re proud of the school and the boys, and everyone associated with that program,” he said.

Head Coach Mitch Hewitt noted the added significance of the season amid the pandemic.

“Chardon has always been passionate about their football, and in a year like we have endured, it’s even more special to see a community come together and support these young men who have worked so hard and overcome so much,” he said.

“Friday night football over the last 11 weeks, and sports in general, have brought a small sense of normalcy and a lot of joy to a lot of people.”

“Chardon has always been passionate about their football, and in a year like we have endured, it’s even more special to see a community come together and support these young men who have worked so hard and overcome so much.” —Mitch Hewitt, Head Coach, Chardon High School football team, the Hilltoppers