St Ignatius Football
St Ignatius Football – When you hear the name St. Ignatius Football, you aren’t just talking about a high school sport; you are talking about a cross-country legacy of Jesuit excellence. From the powerhouse “Wildcats” of Cleveland to the legendary “Wildcats” of San Francisco, these programs represent the pinnacle of prep football.
Whether you are looking for the latest St. Ignatius football score, the current St. Ignatius football roster, or the history of a legendary St. Ignatius football coach, this guide covers everything you need to know about these elite programs.
St. Ignatius Football Cleveland (OH): A Powerhouse in Transition
For decades, St. Ignatius Football Cleveland has been one of the most feared names in Ohio’s Division I. Under the legendary coach Chuck Kyle, the program secured 11 state championships. However, the 2024 and 2025 seasons have seen a significant shift for the Wildcats.
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The Recent Record and Coaching Changes
Following the retirement of Chuck Kyle, Ryan Franzinger took the helm. Recent seasons have been challenging for the Cleveland Wildcats, who finished the 2025 regular season with a 1-9 record. Despite the struggles, the team earned a playoff berth but unfortunately fell to Perrysburg in an overtime thriller (24-17).
- St. Ignatius Football Coach Update: Following the 2025 season, Ryan Franzinger resigned as head coach after three seasons. The school is currently conducting a national search for its 20th head coach.
- St. Ignatius Football Record (2025): 1-10 overall.
- The Rivalry: The annual “Holy War” against St. Edward remains the biggest game on the calendar, drawing thousands of fans to Lakewood or Cleveland Browns Stadium.
St. Ignatius Football San Francisco: The West Catholic Athletic League Elite
On the West Coast, St. Ignatius Football San Francisco is a dominant force in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL). Known for their “never-say-die” attitude, the SF Wildcats are a staple of the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs.
2025 Season Highlights
The San Francisco program had a resurgent 2025 season. Despite a middle-of-the-pack league finish, they went on a historic playoff run.
- The Score: They capped off their season with a dramatic 24-21 victory over their arch-rival, Sacred Heart Cathedral, in the CCS Division II Championship.
- St. Ignatius Football Schedule: The 2026 schedule is expected to feature traditional powerhouses like Serra and Archbishop Riordan.
- Coach: The program is currently led by Lenny Vandermade, a former USC standout and NFL player who has brought a professional intensity to the SI sidelines.
Essential Information: Roster, Scores, and Media
For fans looking to stay updated in real-time, these resources are essential:
- St. Ignatius Football Twitter: Follow
@SI_Wildcats(SF) or@SIHSSports(Cleveland) for live score updates, highlight reels, and injury reports. - St. Ignatius Football Roster: Both schools post their official rosters—including heights, weights, and college commits—on their respective athletic sites: IgnatiusWildcats.com (Cleveland) and SIWildcats.com (San Francisco).
- St. Ignatius Football Logo: The iconic “Block I” and Wildcat head remain symbols of one of the most prestigious Jesuit athletic programs in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to St. Ignatius football?
In Cleveland, the program has undergone a difficult transition following the retirement of Chuck Kyle, recording its most losses in school history over the last two seasons. In San Francisco, the program remains highly competitive, recently winning the 2025 CCS Division II title.
What was St. Ignatius famous for?
St. Ignatius (the saint) was the founder of the Jesuits. The schools named after him are famous for their “Men for Others” philosophy, rigorous academics, and national-caliber athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball.
Who won the Texas 6A football championship?
In the 2025 season, North Shore won the Texas 6A Division I title by defeating Duncanville 10-7, while DeSoto captured the 6A Division II title with a 55-27 win over C.E. King.
Who is the football coach at St. Ignatius Ohio?
As of late 2025, the position is vacant following the resignation of Ryan Franzinger. The school is currently searching for a new head coach to lead the Wildcats into the 2026 season.
Who is St. Ignatius’ biggest rival?
- Cleveland: St. Edward High School (The “Holy War”).
- San Francisco: Sacred Heart Cathedral (The “Bruce-Mahoney Game”).
Where is St. Ignatius buried?
St. Ignatius of Loyola is buried in the Church of the Gesù in Rome, Italy. His remains are located under a magnificent altar in the left transept of the church.
