Week 3 Preview: St Xavier

History...

These two teams have only played each other once - and it was on the grandest of stages: the 2007 Division I state championship game. Fawcett Stadium was cold and wintry that night. St Xavier made the game feel even colder as they handed Mentor a 27-0 shutout. Since the resurgence of the program (especially the offense) in the early 2000's, that was the only time Mentor had a goose egg on the score board. The St Xavier 2007 team is widely considered one of the top Ohio teams of the last 25 years. It was the last game for Mentor's Mr. Football QB Bart Tanski. Not a good memory for Mentor fans.

Last Week...

Mentor played at home and knocked off St Ignatius in a wild 63-56 game. It featured several lead changes, over 1400 yards of total offense, several broken records, and 17 offensive touchdowns. It was a night to remember for many at the JTO.

The premier public/private rivalry in NEO is Mentor/St Ignatius. The premier public/private rivalry in SWO is St Xavier/Colerain. Coincidentally, both games were in Week 2. Unlike the offensive explosion in Lake County, the boys in Cincinnati had a defensive slugfest. Colerain won the game, 13-10, in overtime. Instead of 1,400 yards of offense, it was closer to 400. Instead of 17 touchdowns, there were just a couple. Regardless of the contrast, both games lived up to the hype.

What to Expect...

Heading into the season, I expected St Xavier to stand out on offense. They had a lot of returning talent. The Bombers scored 50 points in the first half of their Week 1 game with Covington Catholic (KY). Colerain found a way to slow down the Bombers in Week 2 as St X was limited to just 46 passing yards. The Bombers were committed to the run. Senior RB Sean Prophit is the go-to back as he had 75 of the team's 155 total rushing yards. Junior QB Sean Clifford, already a Penn State commitment, was limited to just seven completions. 

St X will look to run the ball to set the tone, but don't be surprised if they open up their passing game more as Mentor comes to town. Unfortunately, Mentor didn't show much ability to stop the long ball. That should lead to the coaching staff trying to take advantage of their talented QB and skill players. Senior TE Noah Davis (Michigan State commit) will be a tough matchup for Mentor linebackers.

Mentor showcased their offense in a big way during Week 2. The trio of QB Tadas Tatarunas, WR Jason Blizzard, and RB Alex Mathews are getting some serious attention across the state. This balanced offense was clicking on all cylinders against St Ignatius. Considering the history of strong defense from St Xavier coach Steve Specht, the Cardinals will need to be on the top of their game. St X runs a similar defensive scheme as St Ignatius. The 3-3 stack defense is well suited to contain an active passing game. The ability to use 5 defensive backs who are comfortable in coverage will make it more difficult for Tatarunas to find an open receiver. 

In order to win this game, Mentor will need to establish the running game. With just a three-man defensive front, it is imperative that Mentor's offensive line wins that battle. If Mathews can get to the second level of the defense, he is tough to bring down with his combination of strength and speed. Mentor's line will be key in opening up options for the passing game. If Tatarunas has the kind of time he did against St Ignatius, you can bet that Mentor will have a successful night on offense.

This is a classic clash of great offense versus great defense. In the past, Mentor has overcome some strong and talented defensive teams (see St Ignatius and St Edward in 2012 and 2013). Both of those teams had senior All-Ohio QB's. Tatarunas has been much better than expected, but the Bombers present his biggest challenge yet.

Prediction...

Mentor got a big confidence boost with their Week 2 win over St Ignatius (their fourth win over the Cats in the last five games). St Xavier presents a different kind of challenge. Their offense isn't built like St Ignatius. After surrendering multiple quick touchdown drives last week, that is good news for Mentor. The "long ball" is not in the offensive scheme for the Bombers. That works in Mentor's favor. But don't expect St Xavier to be content with passing the ball just 14 times like they did in Week 2. They will likely open up the offense a bit and challenge a Mentor defense that has a lot to prove.

While St X should have one of the top defenses in Ohio, Mentor has a reputation of being one one of the top offenses. It works in Mentor's favor to have played an opponent like St Ignatius the last 10 years. Their 3-3 stack defense is the same scheme as St Xavier. Mentor has been able to exploit that scheme over the years. At other times, it has been a ruthless assault on the Mentor QB. How will Mentor's line react to the blitzes? We shall see. 

Because St Xavier doesn't appear to have the kind of offensive threat that St Ignatius did, I don't expect this game to be in the 50's or 60's. If 35 or so points wins this game (and I think it will), I predict Mentor gets their first and wins this game. 

Prediction: Mentor 38 St Xavier 35

Week 2 Recap

Test #1 is Passed...

Mentor got through the scrimmage season with some important things. The coaching staff identified the winner of the QB competition. The offense and defense got to see a variety of opponents and systems. The Cardinals came out of scrimmage season mostly injury-free. After a solid "dress rehearsal" scrimmage against Hoover and a successful Week 1 against Boardman, it was time for the real test. St Ignatius and St Xavier, two of the elite programs in Ohio, awaited Mentor during Weeks 2 and 3. Going into those games, many (including yours truly) felt Mentor was going to be fortunate to win one of those games. They proved some doubters wrong with a wild and satisfying 63-56 win over the Wildcats. The first test was not perfect (it can't be when you surrender 600 yards and 8 TD's), but it was definitely a passing grade. The win takes some pressure off Test #2 in Cincinnati this week. 

Record Setting...

What can you say about the offense on a night where they score 9 touchdowns and pile up record-setting numbers? QB Tadas Tatarunas, RB Alex Mathews, and WR Jason Blizzard are quite a "Big Three" for this electric offense.  Tataruans finished with 523 passing yards and 4 TD passes. The sophomore broke the single-game passing record set by 2013 Mr. Football Mitch Trubisky. Senior WR Jason Blizzard's 342 receiving yards also set a school record. 

Did that look like a typical St Ignatius defense? No. But to pile up those kind of numbers against a legendary coach like Chuck Kyle makes the records even more impressive. 

Check out this story about ridiculous stats from the game for more.

Fair to Compare?

Did Brandon Fritts was a physical freak and a matchup nightmare. Connor Krizancic was everything you want out of a slot receiver and more. Size, speed, great hands, and elusiveness. Eddie Daugherty was as electrifying of a receiver as you will find. All received DI scholarships to play the receiver position. Go back a little farther and All-Ohio receivers Brandon James and Tyler Schutz were key playmakers that helped bring Mentor to back-to-back state championship games. Blizzard is off to a ridiculous start, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He might not have the overall high school career or college opportunity that some of the above receivers had, but look out for any single-season receiving records. Blizzard is on his way to a magical and memorable season. 

Don't Forget...

Tatarunas and Blizzard set the records. But without a steady offensive line protecting the QB, those opportunities for record-setting numbers aren't there. The line also did a good job in opening holes for an active running game. With 42 carries, the running options helps balance out the strong passing game. On his first and only carry, Frank Toth exploded for a 52-yard touchdown run for the first score of the game. Alex Mathews was a workhorse with 31 carries for 235 yards and 3 TD's. Senior WR Malik Porter had a super game that was overshadowed by Blizzard. Porter had 7 catches for 137 yards and 2 TD's. He was Tatarunas' target for the go ahead score with 0:08 left. Watch that play (over and over) right here:

How about the D?

I was taught if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. 

But seriously, the defensive play of the game came when senior safety Michael Ballentine came up with a huge interception in a tie game late in the 4th quarter. It put the ball in the hands of the Mentor offense, which is exactly what they had hoped to do. 

What's Next?

Mentor travels to Cincinnati this week for a game with St Xavier. This is a rematch of the 2007 state championship game. Look for a preview later in the week. 

Week 2 Preview: St Ignatius

History...

These two teams have played each other 13 times since 2005. Coach Kyle and Coach Trivisonno are very familiar with one another. St Ignatius has the 6-4 edge in the regular season series. The two teams played each other three straight years in Week 13. Mentor won two out of three. Last season, Mentor had their highlight win of the season with a 37-33 win at Byers. 

Last Week...

Mentor played at home to a Boardman team that couldn't match up at all in 2014. But this year's Spartans are a more talented bunch. The Cardinals did put them away with a 38-7 final. See my Week 1 review for more details and thoughts.

St Ignatius had a much easier time than Mentor in Week 1. In Part 1 of their trio of games with Parma schools, the Wildcats easily defeated Normandy at Byers Field. The Cats were clearly the superior team and it showed as they raced off to early and commanding leads of 21-0 (after 1st quarter) and 49-0 (halftime). The final score (63-7) was an example of generosity by the Wildcats. The entire varsity roster got some action in Week 1. 

All in all, neither team got tested at all in their opening game.

What to Expect...

The strength of both teams is offense. Mentor has a track record of developing successful QB's, skilled receivers, productive running backs, and effective offensive lines. Their system has produced many All-Ohio players over the years. Sophomore QB Tadas Tatarunas had a great varsity debut with over 300 passing yards and four total TD's. Mentor's balanced offensive attack will help keep St Ignatius on their toes. A couple of seniors, WR Jason Blizzard and RB Alex Mathews, are two of the area's best at their respective position. These two players will have to find a way to stand out against an Ignatius defense that will be well prepared to limit their big plays. 

Mentor's offensive line is always challenged against the Wildcats' talented defenders and diverse blitzing schemes. The line will have to be on top of their game as they look to open up some holes for Mathews a little better than they did last week. Pass protection was great against Boardman. St Ignatius will be a much more difficult task for the line as well as the decision making of Tatarunas.

Heading into the season, the biggest perceived strength of St Ignatius was their passing game. The line is anchored by a rare three-year starter (Notre Dame commit Liam Eichenberg). Senior QB Dennis Grosel is expected to take a jump to the next level after a productive junior season. The top receivers (Jack Cook and Cal Grbac) returned. Historically, St Ignatius has been able to pass the ball with a good amount of success on Mentor. 

The success in throwing the ball will be predicated on the threat to run the ball. The Cats have some weapons in the backfield with the speedy James Norris as well as junior Jimmy Andrews. There are plenty of weapons to go around for Coach Kyle. Trying to exploit Mentor's inexperience on defense will be the No. 1 objective for Grosel and company. Mentor's best hopes are to see continued improvement in the secondary as well as counting on the defensive ends to get some pressure on Grosel. If he has plenty of pass protection, Grosel will surely be able to pick apart Mentor's defense with his talented receivers. 

Both teams are known for their offense right now. But it will take a good defensive game plan and effort to win this game. 

Prediction...

This is not an ideal matchup for Mentor so early in the season. The good news is the game is at home, but talent and experience are going to matter more than homefield advantage. The last time St Ignatius had an opportunity against a sophomore QB at Mentor, the results were highly in their favor. It is not easy to figure out the Ignatius' defensive scheme. Tatarunas will have his hands full with decision making in addition to execution. 

If Mentor can get a senior-level performance out of Tatarunas, they have a real shot to win. But that is asking a lot out of a 10th grader. Mentor's defense showed some spots of excellence last week against Boardman. But overall, I don't know that Mentor will be able to overcome the obstacles of this talented and experience St Igantius offense.

Prediction: St Ignatius 35 Mentor 24

Week 1 Recap

Blizzard Warning...

I think all future Mentor opponents will get the message loud and clear: watch out for a Blizzard. Sorry for the cliche, but the senior receiver has made his name known. In the scrimmages and during Week 1, Blizzard has been the No. 1 target for the passing game. He delivered a super performance (11 receptions for 228 yards and 2 TD's) against Boardman that helped catapult the offense to a 38-7 win. Blizzard was effective as an outside threat last season. With Eddie Daugherty now playing college ball, there was an opening at the slot position. Blizzard has moved over to fill in for Daugherty and the results have been spectacular so far. When defenses focus on Blizzard, it will be up to the other receivers to step up. From what I have seen so far, I think they are capable of doing that. 

Strong Debut for QB...

Let's face it. Mentor's success over the last 15 years has been about the QB play as much as any position on the field. Most of the QB's since 2001 have been All-Ohio and/or DI scholarship QB's. A few have made starts as sophomores. Matt Eiswerth had 5 TD's in Week 1 two years ago as a sophomore. Eventual Mr. Football QB's Bart Tanski and Mitch Trubisky both started as sophomores. Neither had a passing performance as 10th graders like we saw from Tadas Tataruans on Friday. The 6'4 sophomore threw for 309 yards and three TD's in his debut. Tatarunas, who also had a rushing TD, was pretty effective running the ball when it was needed. There is no question he did a good job in Week 1. Nobody is perfect, but he made a lot of good throws that were right on the money. His decision making looked good as well. It is way, way too early to make any kind of comparisons to Mentor's recent Mr. Football QB's. But it was a good start for what is hopefully a successful three-year career as signal caller. 

Don't Forget Mr. Mathews...

Senior RB Alex Mathews has been hyped in the preseason as the focal point of the offense. When you have a sophomore QB, the offense was expected to count on riding Mathews to success. Boardman was ready for that kind of game plan. They did what they could in stacking the box to take away the running game. Mathews had a hard-earned 105 yards rushing. After one game, it appears the offense is going to be balanced enough to keep teams from stacking the box too much. That will help provide Mathews with more openings in the defense. His combination of strength and speed should continue to be a worry to opposing defenses. 

Getting Defensive...

My first three notes have been offensive to those who believe defense deserves some credit. Let's not forget the defense. They didn't get a shutout as they might have hoped, but there were some bright spots. For one, it was good to see Billy Hudson out there. The four year letterman has been a mainstay on the defensive line. His size, strength, and technique make him a load for opposing offensive lines. Aside from Hudson, sophomore cornerback Logan Shea had a solid performance. He was giving up about 8 inches to Boardman receiver Travis Koontz. Shea did a great job on him all night. That included a game-changing interception close to halftime. Boardman was driving on Mentor's side of the field as Shea picked off a pass near the 20-yard line. The offense marched down the field to give the Cardinals a secure 17-0 lead at halftime. 

GCC Recap...

Solon, Strongsville, and Brunswick all lost to strong DII programs. It was surprising to see that trio go 0-3 in Week 1. Their opponents were a strong group. Aurora (2010 state champs), Avon (No. 7 team in Cleveland.com/NEOMG), and Highland are three of the top teams in NEO - regardless of division. Still, it would be good for the league if these three can get it going. 

Euclid had a 19-13 halftime lead over a highly regarded Glenville team. But the second half was all Glenville as the Tarblooders beat the Panthers 32-19. This was a good start for Rotsky and Euclid. They could develop into Mentor's top challenger in the league if they can build on this.

Elyria (31-7 over Avon Lake), Shaker Heights (21-9 over University), and Medina (56-13 over Lakewood) all got Week 1 victories. That (along with Mentor's win) gave the GCC a mediocre 4-4 weekend. 

Mentor's other opponents (St Ignatius and St Xavier) both picked up easy victories in Week 1. St Ignatius pummeled Normandy 63-7 and St X routed Covington Catholic (KY) 57-7. 

Coming Soon...

Speaking of St Ignatius, that is Mentor's Week 2 opponent. A preview of the game will come later this week. 

Hoover Scrimmage Recap

Mentor hosted Hoover last night for one half of mostly "game-like" conditions. The only difference between the format of last night's scrimmage and this Friday's game against Boardman was no punt/kick returns. After two quarters of play, Mentor outscored Hoover by a score of 35-14.

After scoring five touchdowns in a similar kind of scrimmage format last week against Massillon, the offense continues to be clicking on all cylinders. Senior RB Alex Mathews had another good performance. He picked up several big runs as the Colgate recruit used his combination of speed and strength. Mathews' biggest runs were a 17-yard TD run and a 30-yard run that set up a Tatarunas rushing score. The running game was working well as three different players rushed for long TD runs. Backup RB (and starting LB) Frank Toth had one carry for a 39-yard TD run. 

QB Tadas Tatarunas continues to improve. The game plan was mostly conservative for the sophomore, but it was effective. Screen passes were executed well. Most of the passing game involved short passes. Malik Porter took one of those screen passes to the house for a 45-yard catch-and-run. That score was set up by a well executed fake punt. 

It wasn't all short passes. Tatarunas hit senior receiver Jason Blizzard for a long pass in the endzone. As the season progresses, I expect the confidence of Tataruans to improve. That should lead to more aggressive play calling. 

The offensive line gave Tatarunas good protection while they also opened up holes for the running game. Overall, the offense had another solid night.

Defensively, it was widely known that Mentor struggled against Massillon in last weekend's scrimmage. Mentor's defense surrendered six touchdowns in just two quarters. Last night went much better. Hoover was not as skilled or athletic as Massillon, but it was still a positive step. 

In five possessions, Hoover had one sustained drive (led to a score) against Mentor's defense. Mentor's defense set the tone by forcing three-and-outs on Hoover's first two drives. The defensive line was active in stopping the run. The secondary did just enough to stop any kind of consistent passing game. Hoover's third drive ended with an interception by senior safety Kenny Cook. The linebackers made some plays as well. 

Hoover's second touchdown score was against the backup defense with seconds left in the scrimmage. Considering Mentor's defense was basically without three starters, this was a good step forward from the second scrimmage. Still some work to do, but the defense should continue to improve when they get Billy Hudson back. 

It was a good tune-up for Week 1 against Boardman. 

Preseason All GCC Team

Offense

QB - Johnny Mooney (Solon): Solon's version of ¨Johnny Football¨ is set for a breakout 2015 season after a productive junior campaign (1,113 passing yards, 13 TD's, and 3 INT's).

RB - Alex Mathews (Mentor): The Colgate recruit (938 yards and 15 TD's in 2014) has been an important part of the last two Mentor teams. Mathews will be the focal point of the offense to start the season.

FB - Jimmy Daw (Medina): Daw is a big back that also plays LB for the Bees. He had several 100-yard games last season as a sophomore. Daw already has an offer from Bowling Green.

WR - Jason Blizzard (Mentor): The small but speedy senior moves to slot receiver this year after a very productive junior season that saw him boast 40 catches, 702 yards, and 8 TD's.

WR - Aaron Berry (Euclid): Berry was 2nd team All-District and all-league performer for the Panthers last season.

WR - Jake McCurry (Solon): Also a standout on defense, McCurry led the Comets in receptions and yards last season. He will be the primary target for the Comets.

OL - Conner Mundy (Strongsville): This big senior tackle (6'3, 275) is likely to get some college offers soon.

OL - Gary Harris (Shaker): Harris is a three-year starter for the Raiders and has been an all-league performer.

OL - Kevin Birchall (Mentor): The senior tackle (6'4, 225) is the anchor of Mentor's line.

OL - Chase Strayer (Mentor): Strayer (6'2, 245) is a versatile lineman that is transitioning from center to tackle.

OL - Vince Galassi (Strongsville): The 6'4, 300-pound lineman has been a key part of Strongsville's line since he was a sophomore.

Defense

DE - Simeon Lawrence (Elyria): Lawrence had 128 tackles (28 for loss) and 11 sacks as a junior.

DT - Billy Hudson (Mentor): The leader of Mentor's defense has been a varsity contributor since he was a sophomore. Hudson is a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. 

DE - Xavier Johnson (Shaker Heights): Shaker's defensive line will be led by the big and athletic senior lineman that is a sack machine.

LB - Zach Mason (Elyria): The senior had over 200 tackles last season.

LB - Zack Lesko (Solon): The three-year starter is the leading returning tackler for the Comets.

LB - Alex Zacharyasz (Strongsville): The three-year starter has 167 career tackles.

LB - DeAngelo Levert (Mentor): Levert is one of only a few returning starters on defense for the Cardinals. He will look to build on a productive junior season.

DB - Anthony Johnson (Euclid): The Cleveland Heights transfer has more college offers than anyone in the GCC.

DB - Gil Barksdale (Solon): The gifted athlete excelled on offense and defense last season.

DB - Zach Kahn (Strongsville): A three-year starter on defense who will also be one of Strongsville's top playmakers on offense.

DB - Keon Williams (Euclid): Part of a deep and talented defensive backfield at Euclid.

Strength of Schedule

After spending the last four weeks researching Mentor's ten opponents, I did my best to rank the games in terms of their difficulty. Enjoy.

The Big Ones...

1. St Xavier (Week 3): The Bombers last played Mentor in the 2007 state championship. The two have never met in the regular season, let alone in Cincinnati. St X is widely considered one of the top programs in Ohio. This year will be no exception. They are loaded on offense with size and talent. QB Sean Clifford is a Notre Dame commit. Top receivers (including Michigan State commit Noah Davis) and lineman also return. A potential star at RB, Sean Prophit, completes the balanced approach. Defensively, St X has been as consistent as any team in the state. Their 3-3 stack defense is the same scheme that St Ignatius runs. On pure talent alone, few opponents in Ohio would be as tough of a test as St Xavier. Throwing onto that a long trip to Cincinnati makes this the most challenging game on the season for the Cardinals.

2. St Ignatius (Week 2): Having played every year since 2005 (and three additional times in the playoffs), this has become the top public-private rivalry in Ohio. St Ignatius leads the regular season series 6-4 and Mentor has won three of the four playoff matchups in the 2000's. Overall, the series is as even as it gets. It is no coincidence that the football program elevated after years of scheduling the premier Ohio football power. This is always an important game for Coach Triv and the Cardinals to see how they stack up. The Wildcats are loaded on the offensive side of the ball. QB Dennis Grosel, WR's Cal Grbac/Jack Cook, and tackle Liam Eichenberg are part of what could be the top passing offense in Ohio. This will be an incredibly challenging game. The only reason I put this below the St X game is due to travel. Even though Mentor has fared well at Byers Field, having the game in Lake County is always an advantage.

Tier 2...

3. Solon (Week 6): The Comets have long been one of, if not the number one football rival for Mentor. After a long non-conference series, multiple playoff matchups, and being together in two different leagues - it is no secret that Mentor's success rides on the Solon game. The Comets have been down the past few years (zero playoff wins), but this season should be a couple steps forward. Offensively, they are loaded with returning skill players: QB Johnny Mooney, RB Melvin Jackson, WR Jake McCurry, and the dynamic Gil Barksdale. There are some questions on defense, but that side of the ball has been consistently good for many years. Expect the GCC crown to be decided in Week 6. Solon could very well knock off the Cardinals for the first time since 2010.

4. Elyria (Week 10): Elyria has finished 7-3 four seasons in a row. This will be the toughest conference schedule the Pioneers have faced in years. Maintaining at least 7 wins will be a challenge, but one I predict they will reach. Elyria has a lot of returning starters from a playoff team. Key skill players on offense return - like leading receiver Kyle Ringer and 1,000-yard rusher Chris Atkinson. Elyria should be big, skilled, and experienced in the front seven. They have a hall of fame coach and they get Mentor on grass in Week 10. Many elements that work in Elyria's favor. Besides Solon, I expect this to be the most challenging league game for Mentor.

Minor Challenge...

5. Brunswick (Week 9): The Blue Devils are difficult to judge right now. The most obvious reason is because they are replacing every starter from last season. Brunswick is a proud program with many years of success. But under the new coaching regime, the Blue Devils haven't even won a playoff game. Last year's team was good. The 2015 group will take a couple steps back. 

6. Strongsville (Week 8): Coach Laird had a positive season last year with the Mustangs. They had their first winning season since 2008. However, a lot of starters were part of a deep and experienced senior class. Strongsville does have some key guys returning, including QB Ryan Robertson and RB Zach Kahn. Mentor doesn't always play well at Pat Catan Stadium over the years.

7. Euclid (Week 4): Under Coach Rotsky, the Panthers should have a bit of a fire under their belt. The talent in the school combined with the incoming transfers makes Euclid a potentially dangerous team in the GCC. But sometimes it takes a couple years for the players to really catch on to a new coach and system. I expect Euclid to give Mentor more of a challenge than in recent past, but this is a game Mentor should win.

Running Clock...

8.  Boardman (Week 1): I expect Boardman to look improved this season. But some improvement won't be enough to keep this game close. Mentor's offense was a matchup nightmare for Boardman and I don't expect this year to look any different. Mentor's defense is going to take some lumps early as they have many first-year starters. But Boardman doesn't have enough talent on offense to seriously exploit Mentor's youth.

9. Medina (Week 7): The potential at Medina was seen in 2010 as they made the playoffs and knocked off Canton McKinley. But that success was short lived. The Bees have struggled to get wins in the old NOC River. They are going to be underdogs almost every week in the GCC until the program can see a major shift in numbers, talent, and confidence.

10. Shaker (Week 5):  The Raiders are Mentor's most serious challenge in the league...on the basketball floor. While Jarvis Gibson is taking the program forward, they just are not ready to compete with Mentor or the top of the GCC. It doesn't help that Shaker has lost some of their top returning players to other schools both near and far.

Next: Preseason All GCC Team

Opponent Preview: Elyria (Week 10)

**Disclaimer: This is a fan blog and not affiliated with the Mentor football program.

Week 10

 

Who: Elyria

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Ely Stadium

When: October 30th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Kevin Fell (5th season at Elyria, 28-12 record, 0-2 in playoffs)

History:  Mentor hasn't played Elyria since the two were both in the LEL over ten years ago. Mentor won the most recent meeting in 2002, 42-13. 

Looking Back...

Elyria went 7-3 in the regular season for the fourth consecutive season under Fell. It was a second straight playoff appearance for the Pioneers. After starting the season 2-3, Elyria went on to win their final five games in a row to make the Region 1 playoffs. Big wins on the season were against Brunswick (DI playoff team), Fremont Ross (DII playoff team, and Stow. Elyria finished second in the final season of the NOC River.  The Pioneers lost three regular season games to playoff teams: Mayfield (NOC River champs), Midview (12-1), and Lorain (Region 1 playoff team). Elyria's season ended in Week 11 with a 42-14 loss to St Ignatius. Four Pioneers made 1st team All-District: record-setting QB Hunter Parsh, WR Brad Schneider, LB Mike Smosny, and DB Michael Church.

Schedule...

The non-league schedule for Elyria includes Lorain, Avon Lake, and Shaw. Lorain (7-4 in 2014) was also a playoff team in Region 1 last year. They will be one of the top NEO teams next season and present the biggest challenge in non-conference play. Avon Lake, one of the proudest programs in NEO, finished just 2-8 last year. Shaw (2-8) also struggled last year. If Elyria wants to return to the playoffs, getting off to a good start with at least a 2-1 start is a must. How will the Pioneers stack up in the GCC? The last time Elyria was in the big school division of the old Northeast Ohio Conference (with current GCC teams like Solon, Brunswick, and Strongsville) - the Pioneers struggled. They found a good home in the middle division of the NOC. Having Mentor, Solon, Brunswick, and Strongsville on the schedule again will make for their most competitive league schedule in many years.    

2015 Elyria Outlook...

Coach Fell is one of the most decorated coaches in the Cleveland area. Fell has coached multiple teams to the playoffs as he has 267 wins in his career. Fell has helped turn Elyria into a program on the rise. After just one playoff season (2005) in nearly 40 years, Fell has won no less than 7 games per season each of the last four years. Elyria is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, but both were Week 11 losses. The next step for the program is to win some playoff games. Bringing back 14 starters from a playoff team is a great start.

The good news is the Pioneers do have a lot of experience. The bad news is that most of their standout players from last season were seniors. Replacing three-year starting QB is a challenge that Mentor has experienced. Parsh threw for over 6,000 yards as a Pioneer. Like Mentor, Elyria will be working in a new starting QB this season. Javon Oliver is the likely candidate. RB Chris Atkinson had over 1,000 yards rushing as a sophomore. Count on Atkinson and the other returning backs to help lead the offense early in the season while a new starting QB adjusts. Kyle Ringer returns after leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. 

DE Simeon Lawrence and LB Zack Mason are two of the top defensive players returning. Lawrence is an impact player on the edges. He had 123 tackles and 11 sacks last season. Mason led the team with over 200 tackles. 

The defensive front seven and skill players on offense are the strength of the team. Look out for Elyria to be one of Mentor's biggest challengers in the GCC. 

Next: Ranking the Strength of Schedule

Opponent Preview: Brunswick (Week 9)

Week 9 

Who: Brunswick

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium

When: October 23rd at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Luke Beal (6th season at Brunswick, 31-21 record)

History:  Mentor won all four regular season meetings as NOC members.  Mentor also won the playoff game last season, 42-0.  The teams played in the 2007 state semifinal, in which Mentor won 39-14.  

Looking Back...

Brunswick finished 7-3 in the regular season and made the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Blue Devils defeated two playoff teams in 2014: Fitch and Solon. They finished 3rd in the final season of the NOC (Valley Division). Brunswick played well against Mentor in a 21-14 loss at home.  The Blue Devils' season ended in Week 11 for the second consecuitve season as they lost to St Edward in the first round of the playoffs. Among the 40 seniors that graduated were 1st team all-district selections: QB Steven Ficyk, WR Gary Clift, OL Tom Knuff, and DB Adam Weber. 

Schedule...

Brunswick has six teams on the schedule that made the 2014 playoffs, including all three of their non-league games. They start the season with Highland, one of the top DII programs in NEO the past few years. Brecksville (8-3) is a DII playoff team the past two seasons. The toughest non-league task will be Fitch (26-3 in regular season since 2012). The GCC will have a few season-defining games for Brunswick. Solon and Elyria are two that stand out. If Brunswick wants to make the playoffs again, it will be important to win one of those. Rivalry games with Strongsville and Medina are always key to a successful season.  The NOC Valley schedule will be more challenging than last season.   

2015 Brunswick Outlook...

Coach Beal's teams have had winning seasons in four of his five years. The past two were playoff teams, but Beal is still looking for his first playoff win as the Blue Devils' head coach. Experience is hard to find on a team that started all seniors on both sides of the ball. It paid off with some 2014 success, but it leaves the 2015 group with lots of question marks. A group of unknown varsity backups and JV starters will be the core for the 2015 team. Brunswick's reputation (15 playoff appearances, two regional titles) as one of NEO's top DI programs is deserved. But they are going to have a difficult time navigating back to the playoffs considering their inexperience and schedule.  


Next Preview: Elyria (Week 10)

Opponent Preview: Strongsville (Week 8)

**Disclaimer: This is a fan blog. It is not affiliated with the Mentor football program.

This is the eight of my opponent previews. To view the other previews for the first five opponents, click on the team: Boardman (Week 1), St Ignatius (Week 2), St Xavier (Week 3), Euclid (Week 4), Shaker Heights (Week 5), Solon (Week 6), and Medina (Week 7)

Week 8

Who: Strongsville

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Pat Catan Field

When: October 16th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Larry Laird (2nd season at Strongsville, 23-10 record as a head coach)

History: These two have played every season since 2006. During that time, Mentor leads the series 8-2. Strongsville won two meetings in 2008 (including a playoff rematch).

Looking Back…

Coach Larry Laird didn't make the playoffs at Strongsville last year. Laird lead Medina (2010) and Avon Lake (2013) to the playoffs during his only season as head coach at those respective schools. They started off 6-1 before losing their final three games. Injuries, especially at the QB position, took a toll on a season that was one regular season win away from making the playoffs. But Strongsville's 6-4 record was a step forward. It was their first winning season since 2008. The Mustangs had five playoff teams on the schedule last year. They went 1-4 in those games. The big win on the season was against Berea, a Region 1 playoff team. Strongsville lost to Mentor 37-7 in last year's Week 10 matchup at the JTO. Last year's seniors were an important part of the team's success. OL Alex Uhas, RB Dominic Lombardo, WR Drew Robertson, and DE Austin Platt are the All-District players that graduated.

Schedule…

The Mustangs have one of the toughest nonleague schedules in the GCC. All three are against DII opponents, but it is still challenging. Avon (10-2 in 2014) has won 10+ games in five straight seasons. They are one of the top DII programs in NEO. Hudson was 13-1 last season and finished the regular season at the top of the AP poll. Brush (2-8) is the third nonleague opponent. Overall, Strongsville has six 2014 playoff teams on their schedule. Since 2009, Strongsville has lost 22 straight against the group of Mentor (0-6 record), Brunswick (0-6), Solon (0-6), Elyria (0-2), and Euclid (0-2). Those are five of their seven GCC opponents. Winning some of those games is a must if Strongsville wants to make the playoffs.

2015 Strongsville Outlook…

Laird didn't work the playoff magic in his first year as Mustangs coach. Accomplishing that goal in his second year will be challenging. Many of the key players on last year's team were part of a deep and strong senior class. QB Ryan Robertson filled in for three-year starter Bobby Cole (injury)  last season and performed well. Robertson (6'3, 185), now a senior, will be key to Strongsville's success. RB Zach Kahn (878 all-purpose yards last season) has been sharing duties with all-district RB Dominic Lombardo the past two years. Now it is Kahn's turn to shine. Connor Mundy (6'3, 275) is the anchor for the offensive line. 

Defensively, Kahn is a three-year starter in the secondary. His leadership and skill on both sides of the ball are an important part of Strongsville's success. Alex Zacharyasz is also a three-year starter. The senior LB was one of the leading tacklers on last year's team. 

Laird has never coached a team for more than one season. He left after successful first-year stints at Medina and Avon Lake. What will happen in Year No. 2? In order to take his third different program to the playoffs, some wins against the top of the GCC are imperative.

Next: Brunswick (Week 9)

Opponent Preview: Medina (Week 7)

**Disclaimer: This is a fan blog. It is not affiliated with the Mentor football program.

This is the sixth of my opponent previews. To view the other previews for the first five opponents, click on the team: Boardman (Week 1), St Ignatius (Week 2), St Xavier (Week 3), Euclid (Week 4), Shaker Heights (Week 5), and Solon (Week 6)

Week 7

Who: Medina

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium

When: October 9th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Dan Sutherland (4th season at Medina, 7-23 record)

History: Mentor played Medina while both were in the NOC Valley in 2011 and 2012. Mentor won by a combined score of 108-28.

Looking Back…

Medina is one of the largest school districts in Ohio. They have been successful at several sports over the years (recent state championships in soccer, cross country, and lacrosse). Football has not been one of them. Coach Larry Laird (currently at GCC member Strongsville) had the magic touch for the Bees as he guided them to the program's only playoff win in 2010. Since Laird left, Medina has had a losing season each of the past four years. 

In 2014, Medina was 2-8. Of their eight losses, five were to playoff teams and two were against teams with winning records that didn't make the playoffs. Their two wins were against Shaker Heights and Eastlake North.  The Bees had primarily senior starters last year, especially on defense. Offensive graduates include QB Collin Minor (All-District honorable mention) and lineman Zeke Martin (Illinois). 

Schedule…

As I posted on my GCC notes, Medina's non-conference schedule is somewhat challenging - but not overwhelming. Lakewood is the opener. The Rangers (2-8 last season) have had pretty limited football success in the 2000's. It is an important game for Medina to win if they want to see improvement in 2015.  The other two nonleague games are against a couple of 2014 playoff teams: Kenston and Wadsworth. Those two games will be a challenge. In the GCC, Medina is going to have their hands full with the top of the league. The Bees got outscored 106-20 last season by Strongsville, Brunswick, and Elyria - three GCC schools on the schedule. But Medina was a very reasonable 4-4 against their nearby rivals, Strongsville/Brunswick, from 2010-2013. 

 

2015 Medina Outlook…

Medina's biggest strength for the 2015 season will be the running game. Sutherland's system includes a wing-T offense. Running the ball is the focus of the offense. They did graduate top lineman Zeke Martin, but the other four starting offensive lineman do return. Starting RB Jimmy Daw had a nice sophomore season last year. He even got some action carrying the ball as a freshman in 2013. Daw is on pace to be one of the most productive RB's in Medina history. The 6'3, 205-pound junior had several 100+ yard rushing games last season. He finished the year with 850 yards rushing, 270 yards receiving, and 15 total TD's. Daw already has an offer from Bowling Green. If Medina can be successful running the ball, they should see some improvement on their recent setbacks. 

Defensively, Medina didn't close last season very well. The Bees gave up a total of 130 points over the last three games. Most of the 2014 starters were seniors. Safety Collin Winters is one of the few returning starters on that side of the ball.

The Bees are still trying to build a winning program. Considering their schedule includes six 2014 playoff teams (Mentor, Solon, Brunswick, Elyria, Kenston, and Wadsworth) - there is a good chance that a winning season will have to wait another year. 

Next: Strongsville (Week 8)

Opponent Preview: Solon (Week 6)

**Disclaimer: This is a fan blog. It is not affiliated with the Mentor football program.

This is the sixth of my opponent previews. To view the other previews for the first five opponents, click on the team: Boardman (Week 1), St Ignatius (Week 2), St Xavier (Week 3), Euclid (Week 4), and Shaker Heights (Week 5)

Week 6

 

Who: Solon

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Solon Stewart Field

When: October 2nd at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Jim McQuaide (101-37 at Solon, 177-99 overall)

History: Mentor leads the overall series 12-9. Solon leads the regular season series 9-8, but Mentor has won all four playoff meetings (2002, 2006, 2007, 2011). Mentor has won the last five games against Solon.

Looking Back…

Solon started off the 2014 season winning their first five games. It included wins over two playoff teams (Kenston and South). The season unraveled after that point. The Comets lost five of their last six games. One of those losses was a 42-16 set back to Mentor. Solon lost 23-10 to Westerville Central in Week 11. It was the second consecutive season that Solon made the playoffs at 6-4 and had to travel to Westerville. Some of the top departed seniors include All-Ohio defensive players (LB John Sensibaugh and DE Tyree Seals)

Solon has one of the highest reputations among NEO football, but the past few years have seen a step back for the program. From 1996-2011, Solon lost a total of 16 regular season games. The Comets lost 13 regular season games in just the past three seasons.

Schedule…

As I posted on my GCC notes, Solon has a pretty easy non-conference schedule. Twinsburg has gone 3-17 the past two seasons. The Tigers and Comets are local rivals that have been on each other's schedule for years. Solon has dominated the series and 2015 should be more of the same. Solon's other very winnable game is with St Thomas Moore of Canada. Ohio teams almost always easily beat our international neighbors. Those two games provide little test for a program with high aspirations. The one test on the non-conference schedule is Aurora, a DIII team. The Greenmen have been one of the most consistent teams in all of Ohio over the last ten seasons. They have made the playoffs every year since 2005. It included four regional titles and one state title (2008). Solon will hope to start 3-0 to build momentum for their first year in the GCC. Most of the GCC teams are familiar foes from their NOC days. Aside from Mentor, the biggest game on the season will be Brunswick. The Comets split their 8 games with the Blue Devils while both were in the NOC. Solon was 3-1 against Brunswick at home, which is where the 2015 game will be. The Comets have dominated the series lately with other GCC teams. Since 2004, Solon is 25-1 against Strongsville, Medina, Elyria, and Shaker. 

 

2015 Solon Outlook…

Solon took some lumps last season. The good news is that it was a young and talented team. Much of last year's offense returns. Solon's version of "Johnny Football" (senior QB Johnny Mooney) will lead the offense after a solid junior season. Mooney threw for 1,112 yards and 13 TD's. He managed the game well and had just three interceptions in the regular season. If Mooney can progress in his second year as varsity QB, the offense will be in great hands. Solon's bread and butter over the years has been their running game. The Comets have a couple of talented returning backs in Melvin Jackson (over 900 yards rushing as a sophomore) and senior Gil Barksdale. Jackson led the team with 8 rushing TD's last season. Barksdale and Jackson combined for 27 catches last season as well. Last year's leading receiver, Jake McCurry, returns. Tim Harmondy is another experienced receiver. Not many teams in the league (if any) return as many skill players on offense as Solon.  

Many great Solon teams over the years have excelled with All-Ohio football talent on defense.  In order for this year's Solon team to take steps back toward success - it has to start with their defense. Their top two defensive players from 2014 have graduated, but the cupboard is not bare. LB Zach Lesko is a three-year starter and a key part of the defense. Most of the defensive lineman were seniors last season, so the Comets will need a new group to step up and make plays in their 4-3 scheme. Solon often relies on their best athletes making plays on both sides of the ball. Barksdale and McCury are ball hawks in the secondary with a combined 7 interceptions and 85 tackles last season.  

If the Comets can use their experience and skill on offense in creative and effective ways, they will be a tough team to beat. If the defense can overcome graduation hits to play at a high level, this team should win a playoff game for the first time since 2011. Considering their returning talent and schedule, anything less than 8 regular season wins would be a surprise. Expect Solon to be the biggest test for Mentor in the GCC.

Next: Medina (Week 7)

10 Random Notes on the GCC

In honor of Mentor joining a new league in 2015, here are some thoughts, stats, schedules, and opinions on the Greater Cleveland Conference...

    

1) The Greater Cleveland Conference features seven schools (Mentor, Solon, Shaker Heights, Brunswick, Strongsville, Elyria, and Medina) from the now defunct Northeast Ohio Conference and one (Euclid) from the Lake Erie League. The original GCC ended in 1998 as the final members fled to start/join other leagues. Mentor (1967-1993) and Euclid (1950-1998) are the only members of the new GCC that were in the original. 

2) The league is mostly filled with teams from the big school division of the NOC. Many of these schools are considered too big or too successful to be included in leagues like the Western Reserve Conference, Suburban League, or Southwest Conference. For those reasons, the GCC teams all need each other and the league is a good fit. 

3) Over the past 10 seasons, Mentor and Solon lead all GCC teams with 8 playoff appearances. Here is how the rest of the league has fared since 2005: Brunswick (7 playoff appearances), Euclid (4), Elyria (3), Shaker Heights (2), Medina (2), and Strongsville (1). 

4) None of the GCC schools have won a state football championship. Three schools have been state runner-up: Mentor (2006, 2007, 2013), Solon (2000), and Brunswick (1995). 

5) Half of the GCC made the playoffs last year: Mentor, Solon, Brunswick, and Elyria. Mentor won two playoff games while the other three lost in the first round. 

6) There are some big name coaches in the league. Mentor's Steve Trivisonno (24 playoff wins, 6 regional titles) is one of the most accomplished coaches in all of Ohio. Solon's Jim McQuaide has been a longtime head coach with all kinds of success at his current school (10 playoff appearances in 12 years) as well as St Edward. Euclid's Jeff Rotsky has been a program changer at Chanel, Maple Heights, and Cleveland Heights. Larry Laird (Strongsville) has a brief, but strong reputation too. He helped turn around Medina to their fiest ever playoff win in 2010.  Elyria's Kevin Fell was inducted in the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008. Fell has coached at five different schools and gone to the playoffs with all of them. Jarvis Gibson (Shaker), Dan Sutherland (Medina), and Luke Beal (Brunswick) are the other league coaches.

7) Per the most recent figures, here is how each of the teams are ranked in enrollment (grades 9-11) by the OHSAA: Mentor (987 boys), Brunswick (896), Elyria (869), Medina (830), Euclid (791), Shaker (739), Strongsville (741), and Solon (647). 

8) All of the teams are in Division I, Region 1. With nearly half (16 out of 35) of the Region 1 teams making the playoffs, there is an excellent chance that at least three GCC teams will qualify. Whether or not four or five can qualify depends on how the GCC teams fare in non-league play. 

9) Ranking the non-league strength of  schedules for all eight teams (opponents coming off a 2014 playoff berth are underlined):

1. Mentor (Boardman, St Ignatius, @ St Xavier)
2. Brunswick (@ Highland, Fitch, Brecksville)
3. Strongsville (Avon, @Hudson, @ Brush)
4. Euclid (@ Glenville, Canada's South Collegiate, Willoughby South)
5. Medina (Lakewood, @ Kenston, Wadsworth)
6. Elyria (@ Avon Lake, @ Lorain, Shaw)
7. Solon (Aurora, @ Twinsburg, Canada's St Thomas Moore)
8. Shaker Heights (@University, Cleveland JFK, East Tech)

10) In recent years, Mentor has dominated the teams now in the GCC. The Cardinals are 21-0 against them since 2011. The average margin of victory is 30.4 points. Below is a breakdown of the recent history between Mentor and the seven other GCC programs:

Shaker Heights: Mentor has won 8 in a row over the Raiders.  The Cards won the last 6 LEL meetings (2005-2010) plus their two NOC games in 2013 and 2014.  Mentor's last loss to Shaker was an overtime game in 2004. 

Euclid: Mentor has won the last 7 meetings with the Panthers. The last Euclid victory was in 2007 against a soon-to-be state runner up Mentor team. Certainly one of the top regular season wins in Euclid's history.

Strongsville: Mentor has played Strongsville annually since 2006. Mentor is 8-2 since that series began. They lost the regular season game and playoff rematch in the 2008 season. That Strongsville team was among the most successful in program history.

Solon: Of all the teams listed, the Comets are clearly Mentor's rival. After Solon mostly dominated the first half of the series, Mentor has won 10 of the last 12 games with the Comets. Mentor has won all four playoff matchups (2002, 2006, 2007, 2011) between the two.

Brunswick: Since the two started playing in the NOC in 2011, Mentor won all five meetings. That included a playoff win in the 2013 season. Mentor also defeated Brunswick in the 2007 state semifinal.

Medina: Mentor played the Bees just twice (2011 and 2012) recently. The Cards won the two games by a combined 80 points. 

Elyria: These two haven't played since their LEL days. Mentor won the last meeting, which was in 2002. 

Opponent Preview: Shaker Heights (Week 5)

**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:

Week 1 - Boardman

Week 2 - St Ignatius

Week 3 - St Xavier

Week 4 - Euclid

Week 5

Who: Shaker Heights

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. 

Next Preview: Solon (Week 6)

Opponent Preview: Euclid (Week 4)

**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:

Week 1 - Boardman
Week 2 - St Ignatius
Week 3 - St Xavier

Week 4

Who: Euclid Panthers

What: Greater Cleveland Conference opener

Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium

When: September 18th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Jeff Rotsky (1st season at Euclid)

History:  Mentor and Euclid have played one another for decades, having been in the old GCC and LEL together. The Cardinals have an edge (22-16) in the overall series. After a four year hiatus with Mentor in the NOC, the two teams are back in the same league.

Looking Back...
Last year, Mentor won their 7th straight game over Euclid with a 49-0 win.  It was the second straight season Mentor shut out the Panthers. Euclid was 4-5 last year while facing a schedule with six playoff teams.  Euclid did have two wins over playoff teams (Maple Heights and VASJ). After the season, Tom Gibbons stepped down as head coach after seven seasons. Standout defensive players LB Harrison Roberts (Bowling Green) and DE Christian Woods were three-year starters that have graduated.

Schedule...
Euclid's non-conference schedule has Glenville, Willoughby South, and South Collegiate Institute (Canada).  It is pretty rare for a Canadian team to pose a threat to an Ohio team. That should be an easy win for the Panthers. Glenville and South will pose quite a challenge. Both have seen various levels of success for an extended period. If Euclid hopes to return to the playoffs, winning one of those two games would go a long way. The newly reformed GCC schedule includes a few 2014 playoffs teams: Solon, Brunswick, and Elyria.

2015 Euclid Outlook...
The biggest splash made in the program over the last year has been the hiring of Jeff Rotsky. After the departure of Gibbons, the program will have a different kind of leader in Rotsky. After years of successfully building Cleveland area programs like Chanel, Maple Heights, and Cleveland Heights - Rotsky will look to do similar things on E. 222nd. The Panthers haven't made the playoffs since 2009. Their last winning season was in 2012. Euclid has a stronger football heritage than the previous programs Rotsky took over.

Offensively, Euclid used two QB's last season. Both of them return: senior Terry Duckworth and junior Noah Mitchell. Duckworth has had varsity experience at the position since he was a sophomore. He is more of a threat with his legs while Mitchell is more reliant on his arm. Mitchell probably has the upper hand, but don't be surprised if both end up playing. Two-way player Aaron Berry was an All-District receiver last season. Berry should be the top target for whomever is playing QB. David Wright, a starting receiver for Shaker last season, has transferred to Euclid. Chris Collins should be the feature back after a productive junior season in which he split duties with Taji Holden.

On the defensive side of the ball, the returning standouts include Berry and Keon Williams in the secondary. Newcomer Anthony Johnson (transfer from Cleveland Heights) had 50 tackles last year. Johnson has several DI offers that include Kentucky, Cincinnati, and several MAC teams. The 6'3, 185-pound cornerback could also make an impact on offense at receiver if needed. The secondary is loaded with talent. The defense does have a gaping hole in the front seven when trying to replace Roberts/Woods.

Expect bigger things for Rotsky and Euclid going forward. The 2015 season will be a transition: new league, new coach, new players. Euclid will probably be closer to the bottom of the GCC than the top, but never underestimate a sleeping giant.

Next Preview:  Shaker Heights (Week 5)

Opponent Preview: St Xavier (Week 3)

Disclaimer: This is a fan blog and NOT associated with the Mentor football program

This is the third of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2015 season.  See the Week 2 preview on St Ignatius here.

Week 3

Who: St Xavier

What: Non-league game

Where: Ballaban Field (Cincinnati)

When: September 11th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Steve Specht (12th season, 2 state titles)

History: Mentor and St Xavier last met in the 2007 state championship game.  Mentor's Mr. Football QB Bart Tanski and the high octane offense were completely suffocated by the St Xavier defense.  The Bombers won their second title in three years with a 27-0 win over the Cardinals.  The two teams have never met in the regular season.

Looking Back...
While playing one of the most difficult schedules in Ohio, the Bombers had an impressive 8-2 record.  It included wins over Indianapolis Cathedral (2014 state champs), LaSalle (2014 DII state champs), and three other Ohio playoff teams (St Ignatius, Colerain, and Elder).  St X won two playoff games that included a rematch win over Colerain.  In a playoff rematch with Moeller, the Bombers lost 21-0 in the regional semifinal.  Key seniors on the 2014 team include All-Ohio LB Justin Hilliard (Ohio State) and RB Ben Glines (Boston College).

Schedule...
St Xavier plays in the very challenging Greater Catholic League.  This four-team league has a total of seven state titles since 2002.  St. X is notorious for often having one of the most challenging schedules in the country, let alone in the state.  Along with playing the three GCL schools (Moeller, Elder, and LaSalle), fellow Cincinnati power Colerain is also on the schedule.  St Ignatius, a fellow Jesuit school, is a long-standing opponent.  Along with Mentor, that is a "who's who" of Ohio schools.  St X has four out of state opponents: Covington Catholic (KY), Indianapolis Cathedral (IN), Warren Central (IN), and Louisville St Xavier (KY).  These four have a wealth of state football titles: Indy Cathedral (12), Louisville St X (12), Warren Central (8), and Covington Catholic (6).  Mentor is the only team on St X's schedule who doesn't have a football state championship.  That says all you need to know as to how challenging their schedule is.

2015 St Xavier Outlook...
The Bombers head into the 2015 season with local, state, and national hype.  A national website puts St Xavier as the No. 3 team in Ohio.  Mentor is ranked No. 15 in the same pre-season poll.

The Bomber offense has very high expectations.  QB Sean Clifford returns after a solid sophomore season.  The 6'4 junior QB (832 passing yards and 9 TD's) has already committed to Penn State.  St X has several returning linemen.  Fellow junior Matt Bockhorst is one of the top at his position/class in the country.  Bockhorst (6'4, 290) already has a growing list of college offers.  6'5 TE Noah Davis (20 receptions for 275 yards and 4 TD's in 2014) has committed to Michigan State.  Replacing Glines at the RB position should be Sean Prophit, another talented junior.  Prophit had 224 yards and 2 TD's on 35 carries.  He had a season-ending injuring during Week 3.  Clifford does return some of his top targets from last year.  Davis led the team in reception yards.  Andrew Homer (6'6, 210), a Miami (OH) commit, and junior Colton Paul are two other key receivers that return.

Defensively, St X graduated most of their starters.  Coach Specht has always had good defensive teams, so it shouldn't be a problem to reload.  Safeties J.P. Bitzenhofer (71 tackles in 2014) and Hayden Specht (1st team All-GCL) will be leaders of the defense. Homer was recruited by colleges as a LB and TE, so he could make a transition to the defensive side of the ball.

The Bombers should be one of the top teams in Ohio and will be serious contenders for a third state championship under Specht.  Considering the opponent and the long drive on a Friday afternoon/evening, expect this game to be the biggest challenge on Mentor's schedule.

Next Preview:  Euclid (Week 4)