2014 Mentor Preview

I have previewed the rest, so why not preview the best?  Here is a look at what to expect for the 2014 version of the Mentor Cardinals:

Looking Back...

The 2013 season was another successful season for the program.  A 9-1 regular season included a sweep of the NOC Valley once again.  had its ups and downs to be sure.  Mentor won their fourth regional title since 2006 and made their third state final.  It was the second straight season Mentor picked up playoff wins in back-to-back weeks over St Ignatius (26-3) and St Edward (41-38).  Unfortunately, the defense couldn't figure out how to stop Moeller in the championship game.  In light of a record-setting offense in the state final and scoring 52 points, Mentor gave up a state record 55 points.  It was an exciting game, but crushing defeat for a team that once again came so close. 
 

Conner Krizancic was much better at QB than most could have imagined.  He threw for 3,230 yards and 32 TD's.  The dual threat QB had a team high 1,455 rushing yards and 23 TD's.  The All-Ohio WR turned All-Ohio QB is now at Minnesota.  WR Brandon Fritts (31 career TD's and close to 3,000 receiving yards) has joined Mitch Trubisky at North Carolina.  Fritts had a memorable Mentor career and is the most accomplished receiver in the program's history.  Fellow receiver Corey Plavcan was another talented offensive player that graduated.  All five starting offensive lineman from last season were seniors.  They will be missed. 

 

On defense, All-Ohio DE Kent Berger leaves a big hole.  Delvon Maddox, also a DE, was another key part to the defense who has since graduated.  All-Ohio LB Justin McMahon had a very good season.  The defense had some very good moments last year (5 shutouts).  Graduating 7 defensive starters puts a lot of pressure on the new group.  Mentor also graduated two-year starting kicker Mike Muzic.
 

Offense...

 

At this time last year, I thought it would be incredibly difficult for Mentor's new QB to match the incredibly high level of the previous QB.  Krizancic had a season to remember.  His level of play was nearly identical to his Mr. Football predecessor.  Incoming QB Jake Floriea was set to compete with Matt Eiswerth - last year's early season sophomore sensation.  Eiswerth decided to focus on baseball, which opened up the clear path for Floriea to lead the offense.  The senior has looked sharp in the scrimmage season.  Mentor's offense will not be going down the field as much as they did the past few years.  Mixing up more short to intermediate passing along with a stronger commitment to the running game will be the main focus. 

Senior RB/WR Eddie Daugherty (Eastern Michigan commit) will be the focal point of every opposing defense.  Daugherty continues to elevate his game and will be one of the most dangerous playmakers in the entire states.  Junior RB Alex Mathews is bigger, faster, and better than the player we saw last season.  Mathews has what it takes to be a 1,000-yard rusher - the first at RB since Mike Korecz in 2010.  First year starters at receiver include juniors Malik Porter and Jason Blizzard.  Both are deep threats on the outside.  RB/WR Jerrell Jackson will be an important part of the offense whether he is lined up in the slot or in the backfield.  The offensive line looks good so far.  The attention will be given to incoming transfer Reggie Browley (6'7, 350) due to his size.  But the rest of the line has blocked well so far in the preseason. 

 

Defense...

The strength of the defense should continue to be on the line.  DT Nico Lautanen (6'3, 265), DT Billy Hudson (6'3, 285), and DE Trevor Morrison (6'2, 250) all were important parts of last year's defense.  Lautanen, a Bowling Green commit, should again be an All-Ohio level player.  Hudson, a varsity player since he was a freshman, is looking stronger and better.  Those two in the middle of the line will cause a lot of problems for opposing interior lineman.  Morrison is transitioning to his new position on the end as last year he rotated with Hudson at tackle.  The success of the defense will start and end with this talented trio. 

 

LB JD Matsko is a three-year starter and will play in the middle.  The senior captain has some big shoes to fill as he moves over to replace Justin McMahon.  The outside linebackers and safeties have a lot of speed, which will hopefully make up for their lack of size.  The defense will be as quick as they have ever been.  Hopefully that will translate to forcing a lot of turnovers.  Seniors Marc Walton and Brenden Parker will play the pivotal cornerback positions.  If Mentor can get some consistency out of their secondary, that will go a long way toward a deep playoff run.

 

Prediction...

Usually teams that only bring back two offensive starters and four defensive starters don't reload to an elite level.  But from what I have seen so far in scrimmages, this Mentor team isn't any further behind than last year's team was in August.  The offense has reloaded very well.  The offensive line looks good.  QB Jake Floriea is looking comfortable with his arm.  As quick as he is, expect Floriea to blossom into a productive runner in this system as well.  The skill position players are all talented.  Eddie Daugherty is the preseason offensive MVP for the team and I expect him to put up big numbers even though opposing defenses will be focused on him.  The defense has shown the potential to be as good (or even better) than last year's group.  Lautanen, Hudson, and Morrison are the strength of the defense and it will star

 

There are some concerns.  The team doesn't have much depth at QB behind Floriea.  He needs to stay healthy.  The new starters on defense are plenty and they still have some room to grow.  The linebackers aren't a big group, so stuffing the run will probably not be a strength.  They will need to find some consistency in the punting and kicking game after the graduation of Muzic.  One of the biggest concerns for the program the last several years has been the secondary.  There needs to be some improvement in that unit for Mentor to accomplish their goals of a league title, Week 11 at home, and winning a state championship. 

The toughest games of the season will be the road contests at St Ignatius and Hudson.  St Edward is clearly the team to beat in Region 1.  Ignatius and Hudson join Mentor in the second tier of top Region 1 teams.  Those are the only two games I could see Mentor losing this season.  My conservative prediction is that Mentor will split those and win the rest of their games.  But an undefeated regular season is certainly feasible.

 

And so...I predict a 9-1 regular seasons, hosting a Week 11 playoff game, and another deep playoff run.