T.J. Powell

Tigers Come Up Three Points Short in 23–20 Battle at Bedford

Two Twinsburg High School cheerleaders smile and pose on the sideline.
Twinsburg cheerleaders share a lighthearted moment while keeping the Tigers’ spirit strong on the sideline.

The Twinsburg Tigers suffered another narrow defeat Friday night, falling 23–20 to the Bedford Bearcats in a closely contested non-conference matchup at Bedford.

Twinsburg entered the August 28 game hoping to rebound from a 22–19 opening-night loss to Kent Roosevelt. Instead, the Tigers found themselves on the wrong side of another three-point final. Through two weeks, Twinsburg has scored 39 points and allowed 45, yet remains 0–2 despite being competitive in both games.

Bedford’s victory was also a turnaround from Week 1. The Bearcats opened their season with a 12–7 loss at Akron East before returning home and earning their first win of the year against Twinsburg. Bedford improved to 1–1 with the result.

For Twinsburg, the back-to-back three-point losses will undoubtedly be frustrating. At the same time, the Tigers have shown that they can remain within striking distance for four quarters. Turning those close games into victories will depend on finishing drives, limiting costly mistakes and making one or two more decisive plays in the game’s biggest moments.

The result also reversed last season’s meeting between the programs. Twinsburg defeated Bedford 37–16 in 2025 and went on to finish the regular season 6–4 before losing a close playoff game to Nordonia. This time, the Bearcats successfully defended their home field and came away with the three-point victory.

I was at the game to photograph the action throughout the evening. My complete photo gallery is available here:

View All Photos from Twinsburg vs. Bedford

Twinsburg now turns its attention to a Week 3 matchup with Solon on Friday, September 4. Bedford is scheduled to travel to Padua Franciscan that same evening.

Two games into the season, the Tigers’ record does not reflect how close they have been. Twinsburg has lost its first two contests by a combined six points. The challenge now is to take the lessons from those narrow defeats and find the finishing touch needed to break into the win column.

Final score: Bedford 23, Twinsburg 20
Records: Bedford 1–1; Twinsburg 0–2
Next for Twinsburg: Solon, Friday, September 4

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!

Bedford High School students dressed in black fill the stands before the football game against Twinsburg.
Dressed for the blackout, Twinsburg’s student section brings plenty of energy to the stands before kickoff.
Members of Bedford High School's student section point toward the camera while dressed in black.
Twinsburg students point out the camera while showing off their blackout spirit in the evening sun.
Bedford High School students in black costumes and face paint pose for the camera.
Masks, face paint and plenty of personality—the Twinsburg student section was ready for Friday night football.
Twinsburg quarterback number 16 prepares to receive the snap against Bedford.
Twinsburg’s quarterback gets the offense set as the Tigers prepare to challenge the Bedford defense.
Twinsburg quarterback number 16 catches a shotgun snap while his offensive line engages Bedford defenders.
Eyes on the football—Twinsburg’s quarterback secures the shotgun snap as the play begins to unfold.
A Twinsburg football coach watches the field through his headset as the sun sets.
Locked in from the sideline, a Twinsburg coach watches the action beneath the warm glow of the setting sun.
A Bedford ball carrier dives forward as several Twinsburg defenders converge on him.
Twinsburg defenders converge as a Bedford runner launches himself forward in search of extra yards.
Twinsburg football player number 26 jogs onto the field with teammates behind him.
Twinsburg takes the field with focus as the last rays of sunlight fall across the Tigers’ white uniforms.
A Twinsburg defender wraps up Bedford ball carrier number 6 near the sideline.
A Twinsburg defender wraps up Bedford’s ball carrier as the Tigers fight to stop the drive.
Bedford ball carrier number 6 changes direction with a Twinsburg defender pursuing him.
Bedford’s runner cuts into open space while a Twinsburg defender works to recover and close the gap.
Twinsburg quarterback number 16 releases a pass while moving outside the pocket.
On the move and under pressure, Twinsburg’s quarterback sends the football downfield.
Twinsburg football player number 14 stands beside a coach while watching the game.
Player and coach watch from the sideline, waiting for the next opportunity to make an impact.
The Twinsburg High School marching band performs under the stadium lights.
The Tiger Marching Band fills the stadium with music and keeps the Friday night atmosphere alive.
A Twinsburg marching band trombone player performs while wearing round red glasses.
A flash of red and a blast of brass add some extra style to the Tiger Marching Band’s performance.
A member of the Twinsburg color guard performs with a bright blue flag.
A brilliant blue flag sweeps through the night as the Twinsburg color guard takes the field.
A Twinsburg marching band trombone player performs beneath the stadium lights.
Brass takes center stage as the Tiger Marching Band performs beneath the Friday night lights.

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