(official release)
Aquinas and Central Clarify Decision to Pause
Football Matchup for 2027–2028
CANTON, OHIO — October 21, 2026 — St. Thomas Aquinas and Central Catholic recognize the longstanding
football tradition between the Knights and Crusaders and understand the disappointment surrounding the
decision to pause the matchup for the 2027–2028 school year.
As discussion surrounding this decision continues, both schools wish to clarify the reasoning behind the
decision and emphasize an important distinction: this is a pause, not a permanent end to the rivalry.
President Joe French made the decision after considering the competitive landscape facing the school’s
athletic programs, including differences in enrollment, athletic divisions, and evolving league dynamics. Canton
Central Catholic currently competes in Division V, while St. Thomas Aquinas competes in Division VI. These
differences are relevant considerations as the school evaluates opportunities that best serve its
student-athletes and athletic programs. This decision is a reflection of our belief that there must be an
appropriate level of competition for both schools so that each can continue to grow and improve their athletic
programs.are needed to compete against schools with similar enrollment. Given ongoing changes in divisions
and league dynamics, the best decision is to wait a year to see how those changes impact our athletic
programs.
Respecting Tradition While Planning for the Future
The history between St. Thomas Aquinas and Central Catholic is meaningful to generations of students,
alumni, families, and supporters. The schools recognize that the annual matchup represents more than a
football game. It reflects shared memories, community pride, school spirit, and the relationships built through
years of competition.
That history is not diminished by a scheduling decision made in consideration of the school’s future.
High school athletics must balance tradition with the responsibility to provide student-athletes meaningful
opportunities to develop, compete, and succeed. Evaluating competitive alignment is part of that responsibility.
It is not a reflection of diminished respect for an opponent or a lack of appreciation for the traditions that
connect our communities.
Our schools remain committed to developing student-athletes through character, teamwork, perseverance,
sportsmanship, and faith. Those commitments extend well beyond any single game or season.An Opportunity to Revisit the Matchup
The decision applies to the 2027–2028 school year. President French has made clear that the matchup will be
reconsidered as enrollment, athletic divisions, and the broader competitive landscape evolve.
As the Knights and Crusaders prepare to meet on Thursday, October 22, we encourage both communities to
celebrate the student-athletes who will take the field and the tradition that has made this matchup meaningful
for so many years.
The school respects the passion of its alumni, families, students, and supporters. Their investment in Catholic
education and its traditions is valued. At the same time, decisions concerning the school’s athletic programs
must be made with consideration for current circumstances and the long-term interests of its students.
We are proud of our history, committed to our student-athletes, and open to the future. The schools will
continue to evaluate athletic opportunities and remain hopeful that circumstances may allow this historic
matchup to return.
