For those present, many of whom reside in and around the Napoleon/Defiance area, it was a long-awaited collision course 91 seasons and counting. The River Rock Classic as its being called today is one of the oldest and strongest rivalries in the State of Ohio. Only 15 miles apart, families are known to have allegiances to both teams.

MVP

Bishop Roberson

Defiance

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Noah Strausbaugh

Defiance

Noah will be a 3 year letterman in football and a 2 year letterman in basketball. In basketball, Noah became an all-in important 6th man off the bench helping Defiance win the Division II State Championship. With a 4.2 GPA, Noah is one of the top students at Defiance High School

Mike Waisner

Napoleon

Mike is a one year letterman in football and also plays basketball at Napoleon High School. In last year’s game, Mike had a 50 yard reception that keyed the Wildcats comeback win on Defiance. Mike is also active in the Spanish Club and a member of the St. Paul Youth Group. Mike has a 4.0 GPA and is undecided about his college aspirations at this time.

HALL OF FAME

Jamie Smiddy

Defiance

Brian Schlade

Napoleon

Bryant Schlade was a 2014 Graduate of Napoleon HS who currently attends the US Navel Academy. While at Napoleon, Bryant was a 3 sport athlete and honor student. In the 2012 “River Rock Rivalry” game, Bryant had a 86 yard touchdown run on the first play of the game. In 2013 Bryant had 2 touchdowns leading Cats from a come from behind win to defeat Definance 33-28.

GAME SUMMARY

The game started off as would any strong rivalry, slow and methodical on both ends of the field. Napoleon score first on a short run in the first followed by the short pass to go up 14 points mid way through the second quarter. Shortly after half time, Defiance score but missed the 2 point conversion try. Defiance score again and not converting on the two point conversion and trailing 14-12 going into the forth quarter. With about 4 minutes left in the game and Napoleon driving, Defiance’s Bishop Roberson #60 and MVP incepted the ball on the 15 yard line of Napoleon. A short pass later and a two point conversion, Defiance takes the lead for good after a great defensive stand to run out the time. Defiance wins 20-14 in a true rivalry game to start off the season.