T.J. Powell

Solon Defeats Twinsburg on Military and First Responders Night

Friday night’s football game at Tiger Stadium was about more than the final score, although Solon left Twinsburg with a 24–12 victory over the Tigers.

Twinsburg welcomed Solon on September 4 for Military and First Responders Night, an annual event honoring the men and women who serve our country and protect our communities. Flags and other patriotic touches could be seen throughout the stadium, adding special meaning to an already important night for the Twinsburg community.

I am always proud to be a part of this event and to help document it through my photography. It is a privilege to capture not only the action on the field, but also the traditions and moments of recognition that make this night so meaningful every year. Seeing the community come together to show its appreciation for military members and first responders is something I never take for granted.

The game brought together two neighboring rivals in front of a lively crowd. It had also been selected as the Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week No. 3. As part of that program, the winning school’s football program receives a $3,000 award.

Twinsburg entered the game looking for its first victory after opening the season with two close losses. The Tigers fell to Roosevelt, 22–19, and then came up three points short against Bedford, 23–20. Solon arrived with a 1–1 record after rebounding from an opening loss to Kenston with a 19–9 win over Shaker Heights.

There was some recent history behind the matchup as well. Twinsburg defeated Solon, 27–3, last season. This time, however, the Comets reversed the result, defeating the Tigers by a final score of 24–12.

The loss dropped Twinsburg to 0–3, while Solon improved to 2–1 under first-year head coach Antonio Hall. For the Tigers and fifth-year head coach Charles Saulter, the attention now turns to a road game against Revere on Thursday, September 10.

Although the scoreboard did not fall Twinsburg’s way, it was still a memorable night at Tiger Stadium. Between the rivalry game, the Cleveland Browns spotlight and the recognition of our military members and first responders, there were meaningful moments everywhere I looked.

You can view my complete set of photographs from the evening here:

View All Photos from Twinsburg vs. Solon

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!

Four Twinsburg cheerleaders wearing patriotic accessories point toward the camera before the Solon football game
Four Twinsburg cheerleaders bring plenty of red, white and blue spirit to Tiger Stadium before kickoff.
The Twinsburg cheerleading squad poses in patriotic colors during Military and First Responders Night
The Twinsburg cheerleading squad shows its patriotic spirit on Military and First Responders Night.
A memorial challenge coin honoring fallen Twinsburg Police Officer Joshua T. Miktarian rests in a person’s hand
A memorial challenge coin honors fallen Twinsburg Police Officer Joshua T. Miktarian, whose service and sacrifice remain part of the community’s story.
Twinsburg Police Chief T. Mason speaks with a football official on the field before the game
Twinsburg Police Chief T. Mason shares a light moment with a game official before the evening’s ceremonies begin.
A Twinsburg majorette performs a deep backbend with her baton on the field
Strength, balance and concentration come together as a Twinsburg drum major performs on the Tiger Stadium turf.
Members of Twinsburg VFW Post 4929 present the American flag and military service colors at Tiger Stadium
Members of Twinsburg VFW Post 4929 present the colors during Military and First Responders Night at Tiger Stadium.
A vertical view of Twinsburg VFW Post 4929 presenting the colors before the football game
Standing proudly beneath the colors, members of VFW Post 4929 help Tiger Stadium pause and remember what the evening represents.
Members of the Twinsburg police and fire departments stand together on the field during a recognition ceremony
Members of the Twinsburg police and fire departments stand together as the community recognizes their service.
The football officiating crew stands on the field with an American flag behind them before the game
The officiating crew pauses before kickoff
Twinsburg football players charge onto the field carrying American and military service flags
With flags held high, the Twinsburg Tigers charge onto the field for Military and First Responders Night.
Twinsburg football players in blue uniforms run onto the field surrounded by American and military flags
A wave of red, white and blue fills the field as the Tigers make their entrance before facing Solon.
The Twinsburg student section dressed in patriotic colors stands behind USA and Friday Night Lights banners
Decked out in red, white and blue, the Twinsburg student section turns the stands into a patriotic backdrop for Friday night football.
A Twinsburg ball carrier in a blue number 7 jersey cuts away from a Solon defender in white
Twinsburg’s No. 7 plants his foot and changes direction as a Solon defender reaches for the stop.
Solon quarterback number 4 carries the football while looking downfield
Solon’s No. 4 rolls away from the pocket with the football secured and his eyes searching downfield.
A Twinsburg cheerleader wears American flag sunglasses while cheering from the sideline
Stars, stripes and Tiger spirit—the patriotic theme carries all the way to the Twinsburg sideline.
Twinsburg quarterback number 16 controls the snap as the offense begins a play against Solon
Twinsburg quarterback No. 16 controls the snap and reads the defense as the play begins to unfold.
Twinsburg quarterback number 16 hands the football to a teammate during the game against Solon
Twinsburg quarterback No. 16 places the ball into his teammate’s arms as the Tigers attack on the ground.
Twinsburg defenders in blue converge on Solon ball carrier number 33 during the nighttime football game
Twinsburg defenders close from every direction and bring down Solon’s No. 33 under the lights.
The Twinsburg quarterback prepares to throw a pass during the nighttime game against Solon
With the pocket forming around him, the Twinsburg quarterback sets his feet and looks for an opening downfield.

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