Opponent Preview: Brunswick (Week 5)

Week 5

Who: Brunswick Blue Devils (5-5 in 2017)

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium

When: September 21st at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Mark Pinzone (2nd season at Brunswick)

History: Mentor has won eight in a row (including a playoff win in 2014) over Brunswick since the two joined the same league in 2010. One of the biggest games in the histories of both programs was a state semifinal matchup in 2007. Mentor defeated Brunswick, 39-14.  

Looking Back...

From 1995-2009, Brunswick had 12 playoff appearances that included multiple league championships and two regional titles. After finishing 2-8 in 2016, Pinzone guided the Blue Devils to a 5-5 record (3-4 GCC) in his first season as head coach. It was a step in the right direction as Brunswick hopes to regain some of the success they had under legendary coach, Rich Nowak. Brunswick especially struggled in last year's game against Mentor, getting shut out 62-0. The one that stung the most was getting shut out 41-0 in Week 10 against their rival, Strongsville. The biggest win of Brunswick's season was in knocking off a 6-4 Austintown Fitch team. There were seven Blue Devils that received All-District recognition last season. All seven were seniors. 

Schedule...

Brunswick was middle of the pack in the GCC last year. The league schedule will once again be a challenge for a program trying to rebuild. The Blue Devils have Mentor and Solon in Weeks 5 and 6. Before that time, there are some winnable games to start the season. In non-conference, Brunswick has Highland (6-5 record in 2017), Cleveland Heights (4-6), and Valley Forge (3-7). That is followed by Week 4 against Shaker Heights, a team that finished tied for last place in the GCC. If Brunswick wants to take a step forward toward possibly making a charge at a playoff spot in Region 2, they may need to start 3-1 or 4-0 considering the grind of the league schedule that will follow. Brunswick will look to at least be competitive with the top of the GCC, something they couldn't do last season. 

2018 Brunswick Outlook...

Brunswick graduates most of their starters from a season ago. QB Cole Zamiska, RB/DB Ethan Flanigan, OL Vinnie Monachino, TE Zak Zografos, and LB Kaden Harter are among the key players that will be replaced. Senior John Stacho, the starting QB last season until an injury, does return. He is going to be an important part of Brunswick's success. Stacho orchestrated Brunswick's biggest win of the season last year against Fitch. 

At best, Brunswick is projected to finish middle of the pack in the league once again. They graduated almost all of their starters and the GCC is looking very top heavy with Mentor, Euclid, Solon, and Strongsville. Expect Brunswick to have a little bit of extra pep in their step against the Cardinals this season after getting dominated in Mentor in 2017.


Next Preview: Medina (Week 6)