Opponent Preview: St Xavier (Week 3)

This is the second of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2016 season.  See the Week 2 preview (St Ignatius) here.

Week 3

Who: St Xavier Bombers

What: Non-league game

Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium 

When: September 9th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Steve Specht (13th season, 2 state titles)

History: Mentor and St Xavier have played twice. The first was a 27-0 state championship win for the Bombers in 2007. Last year the Cards traveled to Cincinnati in Week 3 riding high after their win over St Ignatius. Mentor ate a big piece of humble pie as the Bombers dominated every facet of the game. The final score was 59-13. 

Looking Back...
Last year's game was long over before the dreaded 45-6 halftime deficit. The Bombers dominated in every facet of the game. The most surprising aspect was how their defense completely frustrated a Mentor offense that had scored 63 points the week before. The win over Mentor was part of a roller coaster regular season that some highs (defeating eventual state champion LaSalle) and lows (OT losses to Elder/Colerain and falling 34-20 to Jesuit rival, St Ignatius). The Bombers finished the regular season 6-4. After picking up a Week 11 playoff win against Gahanna Lincoln, St X had their season ended in a 42-12 loss to Colerain.

Schedule...
St Xavier routinely plays one of the most difficult schedules in the country, let alone the state. Their four-team league (Greater Catholic League) out of Cincinnati is a murderer's row: LaSalle (won last two state titles in DII), Moeller (nine state titles), and Elder (two state titles). Warren Central (IN), Louisville St Xavier (KY), and Indianapolis Cathedral (IN) have combined for 32 state titles. Rounding out the schedule is St Ignatius (11 state titles, Cincinnati power Colerain, and St John Bosco (CA), a team that finished No. 11 in the final USA Today national rankings last season. In other words, a road game at Mentor might be the "easy" game on St X's schedule - a very scary thought.

2016 St Xavier Outlook...
Offensively, the Bombers bring back some key starters from last year. It starts with senior QB Sean Clifford (6'3, 200). The three-year starter is committed to Penn State. Clifford had a great game against Mentor last year on his way to over 1,700 passing yards. Seniors Louis Raines and Colton Paul were two of the top receivers last season. The Bombers graduated their starting RB (Sean Prophit) from last year, but a trio of backs (Quinn Earley, Pete Rumpke and Cameron Specht) will have opportunities this season. The offensive line is big and talented, led by Clemson recruit Matt Bockhorst (6'4, 290). The potential for a well balanced and successful offense is in place.

Defense is where Specht and St Xavier have really stood out over the years. The standout LB group all graduated. There is some returning experience and talent on the defensive line. Up front, DI recruit Bobby Jefferson (6'3, 235) will look to make an impact after some strong showings during his sophomore season. Some guys with little varsity experience will have to step up and replace key contributors from last year's defense. 

With a tough schedule, it is always hard to predict St X's record. You can bet they will playoff-tested come Week 11. Regardless of how the Bombers stack up against their hefty schedule - this will be one of, if not THE biggest challenge on Mentor's schedule.

Next Preview:  Euclid (Week 4)