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.