**Disclaimer: This is a fan blog and NOT associated with the Mentor football program
This is the fourth of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2015 season. Click below for other opponent previews:
This is the fourth of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2015 season. Click below for other opponent previews:
Week 5
What: Northeast Ohio Conference crossover game
Where: Rupp Field
When: September 26 at 1:00pm
Opposing Coach: Jarvis Gibson (6th season at Shaker, 19-31 regular season record, 0-1 in playoffs)
History: Mentor and Shaker played annually in the Lake Erie League from 1993 to 2010. Mentor held a slight edge (9-7) during that time. The two had a short two-year stint together in the NOC (Mentor won both matchups). Now Shaker joins Mentor and six other teams in the GCC. Mentor won the last two meetings by a combined score of 103-26.
Looking Back...
Shaker Heights took some steps back last season after building positive momentum in 2012 (8-2 record) and 2013 (playoff appearance). Shaker only had one win last season and it was against a Normandy team that was 0-10. Mentor beat the Raiders, 49-12.
Schedule...
Shaker's non-league schedule includes University, East Tech, and JFK. University School has been a little down lately. They finished 4-6 last year. The other two games against East Tech (2-8) and JFK (4-6) of the Senate League are also winnable games. Shaker will need to take advantage of that portion of the schedule. The Raiders head into the new league as an underdog. Mentor, Solon, Brunswick, Elyria, Strongsville, etc. present the most challenging football league Shaker has probably ever been in. The Raiders have just one playoff appearance in the last ten seasons. They will need to take a few steps forward with their football program in order to compete with the top of the league.
2015 Shaker Heights Outlook...
After a down season, Shaker does bring back a lot of experience. It is always a good thing to have your QB return. Craig Robinson and Erick Barksdale Jr both had opportunities last season. Robinson has moved out of state. Barksdale could be in the mix at QB or another position. Marcus Carthton brings skill and experience to the receiver position. On the line, Gary Harris returns as a three-year starter and all-league performer. Shaker's running game has been the focal point of the offense under Gibson. Last year's primary ball carriers have graduated.Defensively, Shaker had a difficult time in 2014. The Raiders gave up an average of 43 points in their last 5 losses. Until they can start getting some improvement from that side of the ball, they will have a tough time keeping up with the best of the GCC. Wright and Harris play both ways and are two of the top returning defensive players.
Shaker will have a tough time getting a win or two in the league, but they are fully capable of winning a couple non-league games. Shaker should be able to improve on last year's 1-9 record...but not by much.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete