After experiencing quite a scare being down 28-7 early in the 2nd quarter, Mentor went on a 55-7 tear and defeated a talented Brush Arcs team. The final score (62-43) resembled a lot of high school basketball games. QB Conner Krizancic put together another strong performance in the win with 423 combined passing/rushing yards.
Slow Start
The first two possessions of the game went perfectly for Mentor. The defense stuffed Brush on three consecutive running plays and forced a punt. The Cardinals offense picked up where they left off against Twinsburg and drove down the field for a touchdown. The next 12 minutes or so of football went nothing like anybody would have expected. Brush's offense exploded for touchdown drives on four straight possessions. Mentor's offense struggled to find any rhythm for the rest of the 1st quarter. Before you knew it, Mentor found themselves down by three touchdowns. It felt reminiscent of the slow start against Erie McDowell in Week 1 when Mentor found themselves down 16-0 early in the game.
Electric Offense
After a mostly ineffective opening quarter, the offense erupted with five touchdowns in the 2nd quarter to help give Mentor a 42-35 halftime lead. Krizancic was effective with his arm and his legs. RB/WR Eddie Daugherty (188 total yards and 4 TD's) continues to give opposing defenses problems whether he is carrying the ball out of the back field or running a route across the middle of the field. Daugherty led the team with 10 catches. The Krizancic to Corey Plavcan (5 receptions for 96 yards and 2 TD's) connection was very smooth. It is good to see Krizancic and the offense continue to grow each week.
Computer Points
According to Joe Eitel (a trustworthy source on computer points), Mentor is currently No. 11 in Region 1. Remember that in the expanded playoffs, Region 1 now consists of 35 teams where 16 will make the playoffs. It shouldn't be a question of if Mentor can make the playoffs, but positioning for a home playoff game and one of the top seeds is the goal. The four teams Mentor has beaten so far have a combined record of 6-14. The next four teams (Shaker, Brunswick, Solon, and Hudson) are 15-5. There are lots of computer point opportunities to be had. If Mentor can take care of business and finish no worse than 8-2, they should have no problem hosting in Week 11.
What's ahead?
Shaker Heights (4-1) is back on Mentor's schedule for the first time since the two played in the LEL. This is the most important Mentor-Shaker matchup since the playoffs and league were on the line in a 2004 game at Mentor. That was the only time since 2000 that Mentor came up short against the Raiders. Shaker is coming off their first loss (14-6) of the season to an undefeated Stow team.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Week 4 Review
In barely over a half of football, the Cardinals dominated Twinsburg their 49-0 win. The game was called after one possession in the 3rd quarter when lightning filled the skies. There were lots of positives to take away from the win. It is also fair to put into perspective that Twinsburg is currently 0-4 and it is difficult to say how good they are. For what its worth, their four opponents so far are 15-1.
Krizancic's Rise
Privately, I had some concerns about senior Conner Krizancic running the offense. During the scrimmage season and the first couple regular season games, Krizancic shared duties with sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth. Krizancic had mixed results. He was mostly used as a running threat. As a fan, it was difficult to see the offense lose Conner at receiver, a position in which he is a top 5 or 10 talent in the entire state. We saw first hand that Eiswerth can play with his 5 touchdown passes in Week 1. We also saw that the two QB system failed miserably against a very talented team like St Ignatius. At that point, it seemed the best chance for the offense to succeed was to stick to one QB. Unfortunately, neither had any varsity experience at the position. The coaches went with Conner and this the Week 4 win over Twinsburg showed a lot of reasons why.
Stellar Offense
The offense was pretty close to perfect on this night. The opponent was not exactly stellar, but this was a big step from Week 3. Rather than sticking to a safe and rather predictable offense (that still would have likely been successful), Mentor's offense went for big and usually were able to hit. Krizancic looked significantly better than any other time I have seen him. After a pretty pedestrian 127 passing yards on 23 attempts, Krizancic threw for 227 yards on just 11 attempts. This went along with his usual effective running game that included a 76-yard touchdown run. What stood out from Week 3 to Week 4 was a passing game was anything but safe. Several strikes down the field to Brandon Fritts, Corey Plavcan, and Eddie Daugherty were right on the money. Daugherty continues his offensive terror. It was especially good to see Fritts and Plavcan make big plays.
Future is bright
The strength of the current senior class is obvious. But don't sell the younger guys short. The defensive tackles use a rotating trio of underclassmen. All three (sophomore Billy Hudson and juniors Trevor Morrison/Nico Lautanen) have been very effective in stopping the run and getting to the QB. Junior LB J.D. Matsko is a mainstay on the defense after getting some starts in 2012 as a sophomore. We know what sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth and junior RB/WR Eddie Daugherty are capable of. Junior receiver Kyle Tankovich has 7 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Look for that production to really blossom as Krizancic continues to stay at QB. Sophomore RB Alex Mathews has 114 all purpose yards and 3 TD's so far. Projected starter Jerrell Jackson, injured to start the season, got his first carry of the season to start the half against Twinsburg. It was a beautifully ran 30 yard touchdown.
What's ahead?
Mentor will play an NOC crossover at Brush, a 2-2 team that has lost a couple of games in the closing minutes. The Arcs have more talent than Twinsburg or Euclid, so if the defense can continue their shutout streak it would be very impressive.
Krizancic's Rise
Privately, I had some concerns about senior Conner Krizancic running the offense. During the scrimmage season and the first couple regular season games, Krizancic shared duties with sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth. Krizancic had mixed results. He was mostly used as a running threat. As a fan, it was difficult to see the offense lose Conner at receiver, a position in which he is a top 5 or 10 talent in the entire state. We saw first hand that Eiswerth can play with his 5 touchdown passes in Week 1. We also saw that the two QB system failed miserably against a very talented team like St Ignatius. At that point, it seemed the best chance for the offense to succeed was to stick to one QB. Unfortunately, neither had any varsity experience at the position. The coaches went with Conner and this the Week 4 win over Twinsburg showed a lot of reasons why.
Stellar Offense
The offense was pretty close to perfect on this night. The opponent was not exactly stellar, but this was a big step from Week 3. Rather than sticking to a safe and rather predictable offense (that still would have likely been successful), Mentor's offense went for big and usually were able to hit. Krizancic looked significantly better than any other time I have seen him. After a pretty pedestrian 127 passing yards on 23 attempts, Krizancic threw for 227 yards on just 11 attempts. This went along with his usual effective running game that included a 76-yard touchdown run. What stood out from Week 3 to Week 4 was a passing game was anything but safe. Several strikes down the field to Brandon Fritts, Corey Plavcan, and Eddie Daugherty were right on the money. Daugherty continues his offensive terror. It was especially good to see Fritts and Plavcan make big plays.
Future is bright
The strength of the current senior class is obvious. But don't sell the younger guys short. The defensive tackles use a rotating trio of underclassmen. All three (sophomore Billy Hudson and juniors Trevor Morrison/Nico Lautanen) have been very effective in stopping the run and getting to the QB. Junior LB J.D. Matsko is a mainstay on the defense after getting some starts in 2012 as a sophomore. We know what sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth and junior RB/WR Eddie Daugherty are capable of. Junior receiver Kyle Tankovich has 7 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Look for that production to really blossom as Krizancic continues to stay at QB. Sophomore RB Alex Mathews has 114 all purpose yards and 3 TD's so far. Projected starter Jerrell Jackson, injured to start the season, got his first carry of the season to start the half against Twinsburg. It was a beautifully ran 30 yard touchdown.
What's ahead?
Mentor will play an NOC crossover at Brush, a 2-2 team that has lost a couple of games in the closing minutes. The Arcs have more talent than Twinsburg or Euclid, so if the defense can continue their shutout streak it would be very impressive.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Week 3 Review
Mentor's 36-0 win at Euclid was the first step in their quest to move on and improve from the Week 2 loss to St Ignatius. The offense and defense were very effective. Mentor was up 14-0 early in the game after running just four offensive plays. The scoring couldn't keep up with that kind of pace, but overall it was a strong display of Mentor's running attack.
QB Question is Answered
After weeks of witnessing Conner Krizancic and sophomore Matt Eiswerth receive relatively equal reps, it appears the coaches are moving in the direction of using a single QB instead of two. Conner Krizancic (12-23 passing for 127 yards, one TD) took every meaningful snap behind center on Friday night. He wasn't asked to do much with arm since he was effective using his legs (64 yards and a TD on 11 attempts). It was the most comfortable I have seen Conner play the position. While it hurts the offense to lose such a talented receiver, hopefully the senior captain will make up for it with stellar play at QB. Mentor's history shows that success comes behind not just a good QB - but a great, All-Ohio (and sometimes Mr. Football) QB. It is asking a lot of Krizancic, or any QB on the roster, to live up to the standards of Thom Abbot, Bart Tanski, and Mitch Trubisky. Mentor will have to find other ways to achieve great success besides a 3,000-yard passing QB.
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie...
Junior RB Eddie Daugherty (155 yards and 2 TD's) did a terrific job running the ball and is clearly the MVP on offense through three games. Daugherty had a couple standout touchdown runs in the first half. When the offensive line can provide a hole for Daugherty to get past the first level of defenders, he is a serious home run threat. One thing that was missing in the Ignatius loss was a commitment to Daugherty and the running game. Mentor's offensive identity (especially with Krizancic at QB) is a running team. The small, but speedy back is a big key to the offense.
Defense
Euclid is not a stellar offensive machine by any means. But a shutout is a shutout. The Mentor defense did what they were supposed to do and outplayed a struggling Euclid offense. The defensive line continued to be the standout unit. DE Delvon Maddox had a key sack and interception. DT Nico Lautanen spent a lot of time in the Euclid backfield pressuring/sacking QB Ryshon Johnson as well as helping to stop the run. DE Kent Berger and DT's Trevor Morrison and Billy Hudson were also effective. Let's not forget that the 2012 defense had two shutouts in the regular season before giving up an average of 50 ppg in the playoffs. The defense can't settle for a shutout in Week 3.
What's ahead?
Mentor travels to Twinsburg, the place of one of the most heartbreaking regular season losses. In 2011 the Tigers upset the undefeated and No. 1 ranked Cardinals in Week 10. Twinsburg (0-3) has had trouble so far with their grueling non-conference schedule. It gets no easier with Mentor coming to town.
QB Question is Answered
After weeks of witnessing Conner Krizancic and sophomore Matt Eiswerth receive relatively equal reps, it appears the coaches are moving in the direction of using a single QB instead of two. Conner Krizancic (12-23 passing for 127 yards, one TD) took every meaningful snap behind center on Friday night. He wasn't asked to do much with arm since he was effective using his legs (64 yards and a TD on 11 attempts). It was the most comfortable I have seen Conner play the position. While it hurts the offense to lose such a talented receiver, hopefully the senior captain will make up for it with stellar play at QB. Mentor's history shows that success comes behind not just a good QB - but a great, All-Ohio (and sometimes Mr. Football) QB. It is asking a lot of Krizancic, or any QB on the roster, to live up to the standards of Thom Abbot, Bart Tanski, and Mitch Trubisky. Mentor will have to find other ways to achieve great success besides a 3,000-yard passing QB.
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie...
Junior RB Eddie Daugherty (155 yards and 2 TD's) did a terrific job running the ball and is clearly the MVP on offense through three games. Daugherty had a couple standout touchdown runs in the first half. When the offensive line can provide a hole for Daugherty to get past the first level of defenders, he is a serious home run threat. One thing that was missing in the Ignatius loss was a commitment to Daugherty and the running game. Mentor's offensive identity (especially with Krizancic at QB) is a running team. The small, but speedy back is a big key to the offense.
Defense
Euclid is not a stellar offensive machine by any means. But a shutout is a shutout. The Mentor defense did what they were supposed to do and outplayed a struggling Euclid offense. The defensive line continued to be the standout unit. DE Delvon Maddox had a key sack and interception. DT Nico Lautanen spent a lot of time in the Euclid backfield pressuring/sacking QB Ryshon Johnson as well as helping to stop the run. DE Kent Berger and DT's Trevor Morrison and Billy Hudson were also effective. Let's not forget that the 2012 defense had two shutouts in the regular season before giving up an average of 50 ppg in the playoffs. The defense can't settle for a shutout in Week 3.
What's ahead?
Mentor travels to Twinsburg, the place of one of the most heartbreaking regular season losses. In 2011 the Tigers upset the undefeated and No. 1 ranked Cardinals in Week 10. Twinsburg (0-3) has had trouble so far with their grueling non-conference schedule. It gets no easier with Mentor coming to town.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Week 2 Review
The 26-6 Week 2 home loss to St Ignatius was quite deflating. This was the fewest points for a Mentor team since a 17-3 loss to Strongsville in 2008. For those of us who have been so spoiled with all-world offensive execution most of the last decade (especially the past two seasons), it was a tough pill to swallow.
Offense...
Outside of a great 70-yard TD run by Conner Krizancic late in the 1st quarter, the offense wasn't able to muster much on Friday night. The two-QB system worked out in Week 1, but failed to give the offense any consistency in Week 2. Sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth, spectacular with 5 touchdowns in Week 1, got a taste of a top notch defense in the Wildcats. He saw a lot of defensive pressure and blitzes that disrupted any attempt at a scoring drive. It is safe to say that the entire offense (coaches included) feels they have a lot of work to do in order to solve the top defenses.
QB Carousel...
After Week 1's comeback win against McDowell, the question of who is the QB didn't seem to matter. When you win, nobody raises too many questions. Now after a loss, you can be sure the coaches will take a nice hard look at the immediate and future impact of the QB decision. Are two QB's better than one? If one is better, who will it be? This decision is what the season will likely hinge on. We know that Mentor relies on strong QB play to be successful.
Defense...
The defense gave up over 400 yards of offense to a balanced St Ignatius attack. But considering the hand that was dealt them, I was impressed with the way the defense kept Ignatius out of the end zone as often as they did. When a team's offense consistently is losing the field position battle, it puts the defense in a bad spot. Time and time again the St Ignatius offense had a short field. Mentor's defense wasn't without flaws, but they held their own and played good enough to win. After the way last season went, it was a step in the right direction. If the defense continues to improve all season, they will be a competent playoff defense.
What's ahead...
Mentor travels to Euclid to take on the winless Panthers. Look for a preview later in the week.
Offense...
Outside of a great 70-yard TD run by Conner Krizancic late in the 1st quarter, the offense wasn't able to muster much on Friday night. The two-QB system worked out in Week 1, but failed to give the offense any consistency in Week 2. Sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth, spectacular with 5 touchdowns in Week 1, got a taste of a top notch defense in the Wildcats. He saw a lot of defensive pressure and blitzes that disrupted any attempt at a scoring drive. It is safe to say that the entire offense (coaches included) feels they have a lot of work to do in order to solve the top defenses.
QB Carousel...
After Week 1's comeback win against McDowell, the question of who is the QB didn't seem to matter. When you win, nobody raises too many questions. Now after a loss, you can be sure the coaches will take a nice hard look at the immediate and future impact of the QB decision. Are two QB's better than one? If one is better, who will it be? This decision is what the season will likely hinge on. We know that Mentor relies on strong QB play to be successful.
Defense...
The defense gave up over 400 yards of offense to a balanced St Ignatius attack. But considering the hand that was dealt them, I was impressed with the way the defense kept Ignatius out of the end zone as often as they did. When a team's offense consistently is losing the field position battle, it puts the defense in a bad spot. Time and time again the St Ignatius offense had a short field. Mentor's defense wasn't without flaws, but they held their own and played good enough to win. After the way last season went, it was a step in the right direction. If the defense continues to improve all season, they will be a competent playoff defense.
What's ahead...
Mentor travels to Euclid to take on the winless Panthers. Look for a preview later in the week.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Week 2 Preview (St Ignatius)
History...
Mentor's 31-0 win the in the regional semifinal in 2003 was a milestone victory in their football program. Since that game, St Ignatius has a slight 6-5 edge in head-to-head meetings. The Wildcats currently have a 5-3 lead in the regular season series dating back to 2005. This has become the premier big school public/private rivalry in the state. That is largely due to the success of the programs. Since the 2001 season, these teams have combined for 41 playoff wins (19 belong to Mentor), 11 regional final appearances (six for Mentor), six regional titles (three for each), five state final appearances (two for Mentor), and three state titles (all by St Ignatius).Week 1...
Both teams played out of state opponents to open the season. Mentor edged Erie McDowell (PA) at home, 44-30. St Ignatius fell 29-20 on the road to Brother Rice, the back-to-back state champions from Michigan. What does that all mean? Hard to say. Ignatius was down 27-6 late in the 3rd quarter. Mentor got down 16-0 halfway through the 1st quarter. Both teams had some offensive struggles at times. Both teams had some trouble keeping the other offense off the field for good chunks of the game. It is safe to say that even though Mentor is somewhat pleased with their Week 1 performance, the Wildcats are not alone in feeling that vast improvement is needed.
What to expect...
St Ignatius senior QB John Thomas is still unproven, but he does have some talented receivers in Michael Siragusa, Jacky Hyland, and Nick Fabian. Siragusa and Faban both had 80-yard touchdown plays against Brother Rice. St Ignatius has a big offensive line (featuring a Notre Dame commit and a sophomore already offered by OSU) that will look to establish the running game. Senior RB Mike Vitale didn't get a lot of carries against Brother Rice, but he did have a late touchdown run that brought Ignatius within a score. While this offense doesn't seem quite as potent as most recent Ignatius teams, they still have talent. And a good offensive line.
Mentor will use strength verse strength as their line is the most talented unit on defense. Seniors Kent Berger and Delvon Maddox will have to get some pressure on Thomas and not allow time for their talented receivers to get open for big plays. The three-man tackle rotation of Nico Lautanen, Trevor Morrison, and Billy Hudson (averaging roughly 6'3 and 260) will have to be effective in stopping the run. The secondary was not tested at all against McDowell, a heavy running team. Their ability to keep the very talented Siragusa in check is a big key to the game.
When Mentor has the ball, they will try to solve St Ignatius' 3-3-5 stack defense. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they will have to continue their season without All-Ohio LB Kyle Berger. The Ohio State commit suffered a season-ending injury in their last scrimmage. Berger was a one-man wrecking crew against Mentor last season. Stopping the Ignatius pass rush will be very important for Mentor to win - especially if they play sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth a lot. The youngster will need some time in the pocket to be comfortable. When Conner Krizancic is in at QB, look for him to keep the Wildcats on their toes with his ability to throw and run.
One thing Mentor can count on is an advantage in the receiver-defensive back matchup. Brother Rice's QB had a lot of success throwing on the unproven corners and safeties of St Ignatius. Mentor's talented trio of Brandon Fritts, Conner Krizancic, and Corey Plavcan will be a threat every play. In order to open up the passing game, Mentor has to make sure they establish the run with Eddie Daughterty. The junior RB averaged roughly 10 yards per carry in Week 1.
Prediction...
Before the season, this was the only regular season game I predicted a Mentor loss. With the injury to stud LB Kyle Berger to go along with another season ending injury to a key player (QB John Mahoney), the Wildcats aren't at full strength. That is a big advantage to Mentor. Berger was as important to the St Ignatius defense as Trubisky was to Mentor's offense. I predict the defense will play better than in Week 1 with a more traditional (though potentially more dangerous) offense. I think Eiswerth and Krizancic will both be effective in their own ways.
Prediction: Mentor 34 St Ignatius 28
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Week 1 Review
Week 1 Review
Slow start...
For the first several minutes of the game, this looked like it was going to be a LONG season. Defense struggled mightily to stop McDowell's triple option offense. The Spartans had two possessions on offense and two pretty easy scoring drives. Mentor's first possession ended with QB Conner Krizancic falling on a bad snap in the end zone with a safety. The second possession looked like it was headed for a second straight three and out as Mentor faced a 4th and 1. While lined up to punt, Mentor instead called a timeout in hopes of picking up a 1st down as they were down 16-0. At that point, I have to say I speak for many fans when I say there was some inward panic about this game and even the entire season.
And then...
Mentor picked up the first down and Krizancic ended up throwing a touchdown pass to get Mentor on the scoreboard. Sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth entered the game and allowed Krizancic to slide over to receiver. The Eiswerth-led offense put up points on three more drives to get out to a 23-16 lead. The play of the half was Brandon Fritts' catch and run touchdown in which he ran through and knocked down at least a few Spartans. Even though McDowell tied the game at halftime (and had a 30-29 lead early in the 4th quarter), there was something about the improved defense and the switch at QB that gave me confidence that Mentor would indeed win the game. Two fourth quarter touchdowns from Eiswerth to Krizancic helped give Mentor the 44-30 win.
Defense...
A slow start on the first two possessions had many at the JTO thinking, "here we go again." But the defense adjusted to the triple option. The defensive line started winning the battle of the trenches and found their way into the backfield to make some big stops. Kent Berger was the biggest standout on defense, but all picked up their game after having trouble early. The improvement on defense was a major factor as Mentor finished the game on a 44-14 run.
Eiswerth...
This was quite the coming out party for the sophomore QB. With Krizancic's sore throwing arm and the offense needing a change, Eiswerth was just what the offense needed. Former All-Ohio QB's at Mentor (Thom Abbott, Bart Tanski, and Mitch Trubisky) all had varsity opportunities as sophomores. I don't think any of them had five touchdowns in one game. What does that mean? Hopefully it means Mentor has found their next All-Ohio signal caller.
Two QB's Better than One?
The phrase, "quarterback controversy" comes with a lot of baggage and negativity. There is also the old adage, "If you have two QB's, you don't have one." And there is also the "two heads are better than one." Coach Trivisonno's postgame comments allude to the fact that both Krizancic and Eiswerth will be used at the QB position from now. Apparently there is no controversy, just opportunities for the offense to make the most of both players' skill sets. We will have to wait and see how the offense will unfold with the use of both talented football players.
What is ahead?
In case you are living under a rock, Mentor's next opponent will be St Ignatius. I can't wait!
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