Opponent Preview: Hudson (Week 9)

Week 9

Who:  Hudson

What:  Northeast Ohio Conference (Valley Division) game

Where:  Hudson Memorial Stadium

When:  October 24 at 7:00  

Opposing Coach:  Ron Wright (29-7 at Hudson)

History:  Last year, Mentor defeated Hudson 38-14 in what is their only meeting

Looking Back...

Hudson (10-2 overall) finished the 2013 regular season with a 9-1 record and ended up in 2nd place (behind Mentor) in the competitive NOC Valley.  Mentor defeated Hudson 38-14 in Week 9 last season.  The Explorers defeated four playoff qualifiers (Brecksville, Stow, Brunswick, and Solon) during their regular season and were the No. 3 seed in Region 1.  Hudson defeated Toledo Whitmer, 31-7, in the first playoff game.  Hudson played St Ignatius in Week 12 in what was the biggest game in the program's history.  An injury to star QB Mitch Guadagni during the 3rd quarter stalled Hudson's early lead.  St Ignatius won 28-17.  While the majority of the key players on offense last year were juniors, the two most valuable players on defense were seniors - LB Ben Hart and DB John Zucarro.  Both were 1st team all-district.  

Schedule...

Hudson’s non-league schedule includes Euclid, Uniontown Lake, and Brecksville.  These three teams combined for a 20-10 record in 2013.  Hudson will be challenged, but should be able to start off 3-0 once again.  The two NOC crossovers are Stow (10-2) and Cuyahoga Falls (2-8).  Hudson;s toughest task will be the NOC Valley schedule.  The league as a whole will be better than last season.  Wins against Strongsville, Brunswick, and Solon will not come as easy as they did last year, but Hudson is right there with Mentor as the favorites in the league.  

2014 Hudson Outlook...

The success starts with three-year starter QB Mitch Guadagni.  The 6'3 senior has committed to Toledo after throwing for over 2,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.  Guadagni was also the leading rusher for the Hudson offense.  Guadagni should be one of the most complete QB's in Ohio.  His main targets this season will be returning receivers Colton Whited and Reid Robinson.  Whited (1st-team All-Ohio in 2013) led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns last season.  Hudson also brings back a lot of talent and experience on both lines.  Senior Dylan Carlson is a three-year starter on the offensive line. The defense will be strong in the front seven, led by LB Matt Rightnour and DE Grant Elffers.  A lack of experience in the defensive backfield is one of the only concerns.  This senior class is a good one.  Outside of St Edward, no big school in NEO brings back as much talent and depth as Hudson.  They are good enough to beat Mentor, win the NOC Valley, and win some games in November.  

Next:  Strongsville (Week 10)