Hudson
Hudson (8-0) is the top team in Region 1 in the computer points standings. They didn't get there by accident. The Explorers have given Brecksville and Stow their only losses of the season. They also own signature wins over Brunswick and Solon.
Hudson's defense has given up no more than 17 points all season. Stow/Brecksville (each have a 7-1 record) scored only 7 points a piece on Hudson in regulation - Brecksville ended up with 14 total in 2OT. The Explorers are allowing just under 10 points per game. Their defense is led by LB Ben Hart, DB John Zuccaro, DL Charles Behal, DB Matthew Rightnour, among others.
On offense, it starts and ends with talented QB Mitchell Guadagni. The 6'2 junior had a stellar season in 2012 and is showing the area that he will be playing on Saturdays after he graduates from Hudson. Guadagni has an offer from Buffalo, and more are sure to come over the next several months. Aside from his 1,459 yards and 15 TD's in the air - Guadagni is the leading rusher with 580 yards and 4 touchdowns. It is rare that Mentor goes up against a team that has superior QB play. This might be one of those rare occasions. Joining Guadagni in the back field are RB's Dean Miller and Ben Hart. WR Jared Ruffing (29 catches for 441 yards) is the No. 1 target.
Mentor
The Cardinals (7-1) have been on a roll since the St Ignatius loss in Week 2. Over the last six games, the defense has posted three shutouts and also held Brunswick to just a field goal. The offense has scored 35 or more against every opponent except St Ignatius. QB Conner Krizancic is having a strong season. RB Eddie Daugherty is helping to balance the offense. Overall, Mentor is proving to be pretty balanced on both sides of the ball.
Mentor's signature wins so far are against Solon (35-0), Brunswick (45-3), and Shaker Heights (56-14). Standouts on defense include DE Kent Berger, DT Nico Lautanen, and LB Justin McMahon. Overall, the defensive line has been the most consistent unit of the entire team. This is not the 2012 defense that got their teeth knocked in week after week in the playoffs.
Matchup
Many will point to the QB battle as the key deciding factor of the game. It may be. I think Hudson needs to have superior QB play to win. Mentor shouldn't be as reliant on that factor. If Krizancic outplays Guadagni, Mentor should win. But I think the Cardinals have a little more talent in other areas and could still win the game if Guadagni proves to be a more talented signal caller.
I look for Mentor's strong defensive line to be a bigger key to the game than Krizancic. The boys up front need to put pressure on Guadagni and (more importantly) come up with some big sacks or tackles near the line of scrimmage when he is on the run. As stated, Guadagni is Hudson's leading rusher in attempts and yards. He will be throwing or running on 80-90% of the plays. If the defensive line can have a big game, it will go a long way.
On offense, Mentor needs to establish their running game. Krizancic is an effective runner that is good for at least a couple huge plays with his legs. If RB's Daugherty/Mathews can move the chains and take some pressure off the passing game, Mentor's offense should be able to shine. Hudson has some talent and experience in the secondary. They will likely be focused on stopping WR Brandon Fritts. If that happens, the Cardinals could use a big game from his counter part, Corey Plavcan.
Prediction
Hudson has proven to be a good defensive team. So has Mentor. Hudson has a dynamite QB that can kill opponents with his arm and his legs. So does Mentor. This will be a very tough matchup. Although we may find that Hudson has a more talented QB, I think Mentor has the better overall team.
Mentor 28 Hudson 17
No comments:
Post a Comment