LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) — The St. Edward Eagles further cemented its status as a dynasty football program, defeating Springfield 28-14 for its sixth state championship.

On Monday, the team was welcomed back to school with a celebration in front of the entire student body.

“Super proud, it’s a lot of pressure to handle, we got rated highly to start,” Head Coach Tom Lombardo said. “I don’t know if we were the No. 1 team in the beginning of the year, but we were the best team at the end of the year.”

The celebration for the Eagles included a video tribute and the chance for the team’s captains to speak to the school.

Senior defensive end Michael Kilbane said the emotional victory was the optimal way to end his high school career.

“I was crying with some of my coaches and brothers after the game,” Kilbane said. “It was just a very surreal experience for me. Obviously, last year was pretty cool to win the first one, but to go back-to-back and finish out, that was really cool to me.”

Eagles senior center Ricky Wolverton said it feels great to bring pride to a community he cares so much about.

“It’s more than just us — it’s a whole community, it’s a whole school, a whole state even sometimes,” Wolverton said. “It’s just great.”

Going back-to-back is no easy accomplishment, which is why Lombardo said this win feels so good.

“You get everyone’s best shot always, especially the deeper you get in the playoffs,” he said. “So, to do it back-to-back, and to do it with these guys is very special.”

The Eagles’ state championship also earned the school an extra day of Christmas vacation.