Opponent Preview: Brush (Week 5)

This is the fifth of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2013 season.

Week 5

Who:  Brush

What:  NOC Crossover

Where: Korb Field (Lyndhurst)

When:  September 28th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Josh Wells (2^nd season, 7-3 record)

History:  Mentor and Brush played against each other in the old Greater Cleveland Conference.  This will be the first time the two have played in the NOC. 

Looking Back...
Last season Brush was one of the surprises in the NOC as they went undefeated in the NOC Lake (7-3 overall record) to go along with a win over Twinsburg, the No. 2 team in the Valley.  The other signature win on the season was a 22-21 nail biter over NOC Lake favorite, Shaker Heights.     Brush lost a couple non-league games to Kenston/Madison that ultimately cost them a Region 1 playoff berth.  The Arcs will have to replace standout defensive players like Patric Hannon, Harry Durrah, Ransford Bailey, Devin Person, and Tony Andrews. 

Schedule...
Brush’s non-league schedule includes Padua, Kenston, and Lakeside.  Due to their success in the Lake division, the Arcs get matched up in crossovers with Mentor and Mayfield – two of the most successful teams in the NOC.  The schedule has two extremes.  On the one hand are three returning playoff teams and the other are seven teams that combined for a 17-53 record in 2012.  Brush should be a favorite to win (possibly sweep) the NOC Lake.  Shaker Heights (8-2 in 2012) has been replaced in the division by Cuyahoga Falls.

2013 Brush Outlook...
Brush has moved down to Division II this season.  In order to take the next step from last season, look for the Arcs to count on senior Stephen Shorts to lead the offense.  Shorts is an athletic QB that will use his arm and feet for big plays.  His number one target in 2013 will likely be 6’2 WR Alfonso Onunwor.  Devari Gill is a returning RB that will provide some stability to the offense.  The line will be led by Jonah Harper (6’3, 265) and Larry McClough (6’3, 215).  The team graduated most of their top defensive players from 2012.  Rebuilding that unit will be key for the Arcs as they strive to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005. 

Next Preview:  Shaker Heights (Week 6)