Opponent Preview: Strongsville (Week 8)

This is the eight of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2016 season. Here are the other previews:

Massillon

St Ignatius

St Xavier

Euclid 

Shaker Heights

Solon

Medina

Week 8

Who: Strongsville

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium

When: October 13th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Larry Laird (3rd season at Strongsville, 28-15 record as a head coach)

History: These two have played every season since 2006. During that time, Mentor leads the series 9-2. Strongsville won two meetings in 2008 (including a playoff rematch). 

Looking Back…

Last year's game at Pat Catan Stadium was in doubt until late in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs were forced to start a freshman QB after dealing with some injuries. Mentor would pull away with a 35-24 win. During the season, Strongsville got off to a 4-1 start that included a big win over Hudson (DII state semifinalist). The second half of the schedule featured four GCC playoff teams. Strongsville lost to all of them and finished the season 5-5. The Mustangs snapped a six-game losing streak against rival, Brunswick. 

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 2015) has won 10+ games in six straight seasons. They are one of the top DII programs in NEO. Hudson was 11-3 last season and would go on to win Region 3. Brush (1-9) is the third nonleague opponent. Overall, Strongsville has six 2015 playoff teams on their schedule. Since 2009, Strongsville has a 1-26 record against Mentor, Solon, Brunswick, Euclid, and Elyria. 

2016 Strongsville Outlook…

After two decent seasons (6-4 in 2014 and 5-5 in 2015), Strongsville has their hands full in 2016. If they can manage to not have a losing record, it would be a very successful season for Coach Laird. After starting mostly seniors last year, this will be a rebuilding year. QB Ryan Robertson and RB Zach Kahn were among the key seniors on last year's team. 

The good news is that Strongsville's sophomore class is super after finishing 10-0 as freshman last season. QB Johnny Majors got promoted late in the season and landed the starting varsity job as a freshman. Majors played well against Mentor and will be a big key to Strongsville's hopeful climb up the DI ladder over the next few years. Considering the reliance on a sophomore class, overcoming a very tough schedule will mean the Mustangs will take some lumps. They are a year away from really competing with the top of the league.

Next: Brunswick (Week 9)