Week 7 Review

With Mentor scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions and gaining an early 14-0 lead, the game had blowout written all over it.  But Brunswick buckled down and held Mentor out of the end zone for several drives in a row.  The offense did eventually catch fire as the Cards exploded for a 45-3 win.  Senior QB Conner Krizancic is continuing to look better and better.  Krizancic finished with 220 yards in the air and 91 rushing yards.  Krizancic threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two more.

Defense Shines

While the offense gets plenty of attention (and deservedly so), this was a game where the defense deserves a lot of credit.  When your offense scores 45 points, one might think it doesn't matter what defense is out there.  But the game was a two score game until midway through the third quarter.  While the offense was a bit inconsistent, the defense was steady and consistent throughout the game.  Brunswick, primarily a running team, had trouble moving the chains against the talented Mentor front seven.  The secondary was able to stay on top of their toes and make big plays when needed.  Senior CB Kiyah Powell broke up multiple passes on critical plays.

Fritts/Plavcan Play Big

Whether it is admitted or not, it has to be a frustrating season for senior receiver Brandon Fritts.  After compiling All-Ohio numbers as a sophomore and junior, Fritts (a North Carolina recruit) had just one touchdown in the last five games.  With Krizancic playing QB, opposing defenses are able to focus more on Fritts.  Adjusting to a new QB can take some time too.  In the win against Brunswick, Fritts had his best game of the season with five catches for 82 yards and a couple of touchdowns.  Fellow senior wideout Corey Plavcan also had a strong game with four catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.  Mentor's offense will be at its best when Fritts/Plavcan are causing havoc for opposing defenses.

Computer Points

According to Joe Eitel (a trustworthy source on computer points), Mentor is currently No. 6 in Region 1.  Not only is Mentor safely in a playoff spot, but they are probably one win away from clinching a home game.  The last three games against Solon (4-3), Hudson (7-0), and Strongsville (5-2) provide lots of computer point opportunities to move higher.  If Mentor can continue to win each week, they should be on the top two or three seeds in Region 1.

What's ahead?

Mentor will make a trip to Solon (4-3) to take on a Comets team that is coming off a humbling 42-14 loss to Hudson.  You better believe that Solon will be in a fowl mood when Mentor comes to town on Friday.  The Comets are Mentor's top rival in my opinion.   The two have played every season since the late 90's - including four playoff games.  Mentor has a slight edge in the overall series.  If Solon brings their best, this will be a very competitive and entertaining football game.