Timeless Rivals

Timeless Rivals is a 2017 sports documentary that centers around one of the most storied high school football rivalries in the United States, the longstanding feud between Massillon Washington High School and Canton McKinley High School. The Ohio-based schools are located a mere eight miles apart, and their epic contests have invited fevered attention for more than a century. The film captures the history and visceral passion of this rivalry which has defined a community and enthralled generations.

In this movie, the long-time coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, emerges as a notable figure due to his direct ties to the region. Belichick's father, Steve, was born and raised in Ohio, and played football at Massillon Washington High School before enlisting in the military during World War II. Just like the community, the sport ran deep in the Belichicks’ family, further invigorating this historical rivalry.

The film ropes in a number of other prominent personalities from the region as well, including the well-known sports reporter and Massillon native, Ted Bowersox, former McKinley coach John Brideweser, and the former Cleveland Browns player Mike Brown. Directed by Dave Jingo, they each contribute unique perspectives and personal anecdotes to this rich tapestry of sporting rivalry.

Timeless Rivals is much more than simply a movie about football; it delves into the hearts and minds of each town, helps echo the values deeply embedded in their history, and captures the emotional seeds that have sown this intense rivalry. The movie skillfully shows how the rivalry has penetrated every aspect of life in these two towns, from the lunchroom banter among the students to the earnest anticipation among to the alumni returning home for the famous annual match.

Jingo does a commendable job of unpacking the history of these two high school teams. Viewers are transported through time, from the early 20th century when the rivalry first emerged on the Ohio gridiron, right up until the present day. The documentary has an impressive selection of archival footage, and the carefully selected clips add authenticity to the stories shared by the film's interviewees. The scenes oscillate between landmark games that have defined the rivalry, locker room chats, the parade floats leading up to the annual game, to silent moments of introspection before stepping on to the field, thereby comprehensively painting a picture of the magnitude of this rivalry.

The movie further delves into the community component, where the townsfolk almost consider the annual football game as an unofficial holiday. From local businesses closing early to support the teams, to the elaborate tailgating traditions, the central role the game plays in the fabric of these thriving Ohio communities is clear and palpable.

While Timeless Rivals definitely caters to die-hard football fans, its reach certainly isn't limited to them. You don't need to know the intricacies of the game to appreciate the human drama and the local culture that is intricately woven into the narrative. The compelling manner in which the documentary has been assembled tickles your sense of nostalgia and makes you yearn for an era when high school sports were a fundamental pillar of American life.

Jingo beautifully captures the pulsing heartbeat of Americana and high school football, shedding light on the hard work, dedication, and sweat that defines life in these Ohio towns along with the close-knit sense of community that binds them together. Above all, Timeless Rivals is a tribute to the tradition of sport, the spirit of competition, and the passion that fuels one of America’s greatest high school football rivalries.

In summary, Timeless Rivals is a must-see for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who has ever found themselves caught up in the excitement of a big rivalry. The movie takes you for a deep dive into the heartache and jubilation that have come to characterize Massillon versus McKinley, making you feel like a part of their tradition, and leaving you with the question - which side are you on?