Vermilion and Clearview will renew their athletic rivalry starting in the 2026 and 2027 football seasons. The two schools, which shared a conference decades ago, will once again face off on the field.
According to Vermilion Athletic Director Andrew Stillman, the matchup became necessary after Willard, Vermilion’s previous week-three opponent, announced a conference change in 2026 that left an opening on the Sailors’ schedule. “Willard was our week three opponent but they are entering a new conference in 2026 and will have a league game on that week going forward. Therefore, we needed to find a new opponent. There were lots of options but Clearview made the most sense.” Stillman said.
Longtime Sailor Athletics announcer Cliff German said, “The future match ups between Vermilion and Clearview will create great new memories and bring back wonderful classic competitional memories that featured some of the areas great athletes!!!…”
Richard Flowers, founder of local group Lorain County’s Friday Night Lights, praised the move, saying, “It’s really nice to see the Sailors come back and pick another traditional opponent… Vermilion was in the Lakeland Conference, finishing up in the late 80s. They played Clearview every year. So it’s real good to see them revisit a Lorain County opponent. As you know I run Lorain County Friday Night Lights, and I’ll always consider Vermilion a Lorain County team in all sports, because that’s what I grew up as, Vermilion playing Lorain County schools.” To join the conversation and keep up with local athletes and game-day highlights, find his “Lorain County’s Friday Night Lights” Facebook group here (over 10,000 members strong!)
With this renewed matchup, Vermilion’s athletes and fans can look forward to packed stands, fierce but friendly competition, and the energy that only local rivalries bring. The return to more Lorain County games promises a bright future for the Sailors’ program and a thrilling atmosphere for everyone who loves Friday night football.
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