Mentor had another strong showing in a scrimmage against one of Stark County's best. After handling Massillon last Saturday, the Cards shutout Hoover 27-0 in one half of game-like conditions. The first team offense has scored touchdowns on 9 of their 10 possessions in the last two scrimmages. The defense has yet to give up a score. The preseason scrimmages really couldn't have gone any better.
Mentor's first drive of the game was the only that didn't end in a score. A sustained drive stalled at the 20-yard line with a missed field goal. Mentor scored touchdowns on their next four possessions. QB Jake Floriea had another solid effort as he helped move the offense with his arm and occasionally his legs. Floriea mixed it up in spreading the ball around to all of the receivers. Most of his throws were short to intermediate passes, but Floriea did show the ability to stretch the field. He is still trying to get comfortable figuring out how to use his athleticism to break some big runs, but I expect that to be a part of his game that blossoms.
Like the Massillon scrimmage, Mentor did a good job of mixing up the pass and run on offense. Junior RB Alex Mathews is looking very good. He has a dangerous combination of size, speed, and vision. Mathews had a few good runs to go along with a 3-yard touchdown. Mathews looks to be a very important and effective part of the offense.
RB/WR Eddie Daugherty was the offensive player that stood out the most. His 24-yard catch and run went for a touchdown and put Mentor up 27-0. Daugherty had a rushing touchdown for the first score of the scrimmage. Mostly operating in the slot, Daugherty also got some carries in the back field. When Eddie gets into open space, he is incredibly dangerous. He is Mentor's MVP on offense right now.
The offensive line, replacing all 5 seniors starters from 2013, looked very sharp. Big Reggie Browley (6'7, 350) stands out due to his size, but he backed up that size with a productive game. The entire line did a great job in protecting Floriea. He was pretty comfortable in the pocket during the entire scrimmage. The offensive line also did a good job of opening holes for Mathews, Daugherty, and senior RB/WR Jerrel Jackson. The third score of the night came on a short run from Jackson.
The offense will get the press clippings, but the defense showed a lot tonight as well. The defensive line set the tone. The big and talented trio of Nico Lautanen, Billy Hudson, and Trevor Morrison all made some big plays. The defense allowed a couple of sustained drives by Hoover, but overall it was pleasing to see the Cards keep the opponent off the score board. The defense is creating turnovers, stopping the run, and limiting the opposing passing game. If they continue to grow, this could be a good unit. Lots of potential speed and playmaking ability in the secondary and at linebacker.
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