Westlake Football Renewing Rivalry With Rocky River

WESTLAKE, OH — The Westlake Demons and Rocky River Pirates haven't played a football game against each other since 2014. After a five-year hiatus, the two teams will renew their rivalry in 2019.

“When I first arrived as the Director of Athletics at Westlake, we used to open our season with three non-conference games– Bay, North Ridgeville and Rocky River–and the game against River was always a great event with huge crowds. It was the place to be. The fact that we are renewing this rivalry and playing for the Westwood Cup is going to be an awesome way to kick off our season. The excitement should be at fever pitch when the teams take the field,” said Westlake Director of Athletics Tony Cipollon

The Westlake-Rocky River football rivalry dates back to 1954. This year, the two teams will begin again play for the Westwood Cup. Their first game in five years will be held at UH-St. John Stadium in Westlake.

Historically, Westlake owns a 32-28-1 season series advantage over Rocky River.

The Westwood Cup will be sponsored by Westwood Country Club, which owns property in both Westlake and Rocky River.

“We are very excited to be playing in the inaugural Westwood Cup game against Westlake," Rocky River Coach Josh Wells said. "It has been a few years since our schools have played each other. The Westwood Cup is a great way for us to renew the rivalry. We couldn’t ask for a better way to open the 2019 football season!”