The 2026 high school football season began with a close one in Twinsburg, as the Kent Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders defeated the Twinsburg Tigers 22–19 on Friday, August 21.

Only three points separated the teams at the end of a competitive season opener. Kent Roosevelt left Tiger Stadium with a 1–0 record, while Twinsburg began its season 0–1.

The game was part of an especially memorable night for the Twinsburg community. Before kickoff, students, families, school officials and Tigers supporters gathered to celebrate the reopening of the renovated Tiger Stadium. The festivities included a community tailgate, recognition of youth football players and cheerleaders, a parade welcoming the Class of 2039, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music from the Tiger Marching Band and a fireworks display.

You can read more about the celebration in my earlier post, “Twinsburg High School Celebrates the Reopening of Tiger Stadium.”

Once the game began, the focus shifted to the field. Twinsburg and Kent Roosevelt remained within striking distance throughout the night, producing the kind of close contest in which every possession and extra point mattered. The Tigers scored 19 points but came up just short against a Roosevelt team that finished with 22.

With 41 combined points and a final margin of only three, it was a dramatic way to open the season—and the first varsity football game played on the newly renovated field.

I was at Tiger Stadium to photograph the entire evening, from the pregame community celebration and cheerleaders along the sideline to the action around the goal line. The new stadium provided a great setting for football and an energetic backdrop for one of Twinsburg’s biggest community events of the year.

My complete photo gallery from the game is available here:

View all photos from Twinsburg vs. Kent Theodore Roosevelt

Although the final result was not what the home crowd wanted, the Tigers gave their supporters a competitive opening-night performance. Twinsburg will look for its first victory when it travels to Bedford on Friday, August 28. Kent Roosevelt will return home to play Willoughby South.

You can also see an index of all the 2026–2027 Season Events.

Also, please check out why I shoot sports.

Some of my favorite photos are below. Enjoy!