This is the seventh of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2018 season. Here are the others:
St Edward
St Ignatius
Glenville
Strongsville
Brunswick
Medina
Week 7
Who: Shaker Heights Raiders (4-6 in 2017)
What: GCC Game
Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium
When: October 5th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Jarvis Gibson (9th season at Shaker, 29-32 record at Shaker)
History: Mentor and Shaker have been in two leagues together over the years. The Cards lead the series 14-7 that dates back to the LEL days. Mentor has won ten in a row in the series. Shaker's last win against Mentor was in 2004. In a game that was much closer than the final score, Mentor prevailed 35-12 against Shaker last season.
Looking Back...
The Raiders had another tough season in the Greater Cleveland Conference. They started the season strong, winning all three of their non-conference games. But for the second time in three seasons, Shaker finished in last place in the GCC. They did have a surprising win over Solon in Week 10. The Raiders were led on offense by 1st Team All-District players, QB Jamir Dismukes and WR Micah Hills. Dismukes, a three-year starter, was often a thorn in the side of Mentor's defense.
Schedule...
Shaw (2-8 in 2017), a team Shaker handled 41-6 in 2017, returns on the schedule as a winnable game to start the season. Shaker upgraded their other two non-conference games. John Adams and Collinwood (two Senate teams Shaker easily beat last season) are replaced by Fitch (6-4 in 2017) and football power Benedictine, a DII playoff team last season. In three years of playing in the GCC, Shaker has a total of four league victories. In 2018, the GCC looks to pretty strong once again. On paper, this is a very challenging schedule for the Raiders.
2018 Shaker Outlook...
Three-year starter QB Jamir Dismukes had a fantastic career for Shaker. Dismukes and his top target, Micah Hills, were responsible for the majority of the scoring last season. Not many starters return for the Raiders. It will be a rebuilding season on offense for a team that upgraded their schedule. That is not a good recipe for wins.
The Raiders usually have several players on their roster with potential college futures. Nasir Rashid (6'2, 225) committed to Air Force last month. The senior linebacker had 95 tackles, including 14 for loss, last season. After finishing in the GCC basement last season, I wouldn't expect to see Shaker math or surpass the four wins they had in 2017.
Next Preview: Solon (Week 8)
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Opponent Preview: Medina (Week 6)
Week 6
Who: Medina Bees (4-6 in 2017)
What: Greater Cleveland Conference game
Where: Ken Dukes Stadium
When: September 28th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Larry Laird (3rd season at Medina, 13-9 record)
History: Mentor has played Medina five times in league play since 2011, winning all five. Last season, the Cardinals won at home 49-14.
Looking Back...
Fresh after a 2016 season that saw Medina make the playoffs and win in Week 11, the Bees finished 4-6 in Laird's return. The Bees were a respectable 3-4 in the tough GCC. This included breaking an 11-game losing streak to Solon with a 38-28 win in Week 10. WR/QB Dylan Fultz, and 1st Team All-District linemen Patrick Ross/Will Mercurio are among the graduated starters.
Schedule...
Four of Medina's first six opponents made the playoffs last season. After Cleveland Heights (4-6 in 2017) in Week 1, the Bees have quite a tough five game stretch against Highland (9-3), neighboring Wadsworth (11-1), Euclid (9-3), Shaker (4-6), and Mentor (13-2). Medina started last season 1-5 before finishing the season winning three of four. The schedule is very challenging early on and it will be difficult to get more than one win in August/September. Strongsville and Solon are among the GCC teams that await the Bees in October. From start to finish, Medina has one of the tougher schedules in the league.
2018 Medina Outlook...
Medina could use a little bit of luck on their side in 2018 if they want to match or surpass the 4-6 record from a season ago. Health was not on their side in 2017 as starting QB Gavin Montgomery went down in Week 1 to injury. The Bees were forced to use several different QB's throughout the season, providing some experience for some underclassmen. Laird's return might not have matched his magical one-season stint in 2010 in which he guided the Bees to their first playoff win. But considering the challenges and number of underclassmen starting, it could have been a lot worse.
Medina does bring back eight starters on offense and six starters on defense. Four of the five offensive lineman return as does starting RB Dylan O'Dear. Senior receiver Chris Kelly is the top returning receiver. Finding the right QB (and keeping him healthy) is key to 2018 success. Two telling games on the schedule are Week 1 against Cleveland Heights and against longtime league rival, Brunswick. Last season, the Bees lost 25-23 to Brunswick. A win there would have swung the door to a 5-5 finish and a winning record in the league.
Next Preview: Shaker Heights (Week 7)
Medina does bring back eight starters on offense and six starters on defense. Four of the five offensive lineman return as does starting RB Dylan O'Dear. Senior receiver Chris Kelly is the top returning receiver. Finding the right QB (and keeping him healthy) is key to 2018 success. Two telling games on the schedule are Week 1 against Cleveland Heights and against longtime league rival, Brunswick. Last season, the Bees lost 25-23 to Brunswick. A win there would have swung the door to a 5-5 finish and a winning record in the league.
Next Preview: Shaker Heights (Week 7)
Thursday, July 26, 2018
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)
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)
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Opponent Preview: Strongsville (Week 4)
Week 4
Who: Strongsville Mustangs (6-4 in 2017)
What: Greater Cleveland Conference game
Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium
When: September 14th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Lou Cirino (2nd year at Strongsville, 52-32 overall coaching record)
History: These two have played every season since 2006. During that time, Mentor leads the series 11-2. Strongsville won both meetings in 2008 (including a playoff rematch).
History: These two have played every season since 2006. During that time, Mentor leads the series 11-2. Strongsville won both meetings in 2008 (including a playoff rematch).
Looking Back…
Mentor defeated Strongsville last season, 42-27. For the third consecutive year, the Mustangs hung around with a talented Mentor team before losing by just a couple scores. It was the Cardinals' 9th straight win over the Mustangs. After Strongsville had a 2-8 season in 2016, Cirino saw some success in his first year as the Mustangs finished with a winning record. A team built around a lot of juniors, winning their last four games was a great way to build momentum into 2018.
Schedule…
The Mustangs' nonleague schedule consists of Berea, Hudson, and Canton Central Catholic. The season opens with neighboring Berea, a team that Strongsville beat last year. Hudson, a team that has beaten Strongsville the past two years, is one of the top programs in NEO. That might be the game that is the difference between making the playoffs or not. Canton Central Catholic, DV state champions in 2016, struggled last season and finished 3-7. Finding a way to start 2-1 or 3-0 is critical. In the GCC, Strongsville went 4-3 last year. Mentor, Euclid, and Solon will once again be challenging opponent. Since 2009, the Mustangs have a 3-33 record against Mentor, Solon, Euclid, and longtime rival Brunswick.
2018 Strongsville Outlook…
More than half of the starters on last year's team were part of a talented junior class. The hype surrounding that group has come to the final exam as they enter their senior years. This class is headlined by QB Jony Major, who even started as a freshman against Mentor in 2015. As Major enters his fourth year on varsity, experience is on his side. Don't be surprised if the senior is the top QB in the GCC. JD Duplain (6'5, 290), a top 10 player in Cleveland.com's "Best of the Best", is one of the most highly recruited left tackles in Ohio. WR Joey Gillette, a 2017 All-District honorable mention, is a speedster with some FCS offers. 6'4, 200-pound TE Kevin Lawler gives Major a big target to throw to. Senior RB Taylor Griffin is a returning starter and a key player on an offense looking to make some noise. Gillette and Griffin made up half of Strongsville's 4x200 relay team that advanced to the state tournament in track and field. This offense has size, experience, talent, and speed.
Strongsville took a big step in the right direction last season. They had four playoff teams on the schedule, losing to all of them. In order to take another step forward, the Mustangs will need to find a way to beat one or two of the big names (Mentor, Euclid, Solon, and Hudson) on the schedule. If they can do that, expect to see Strongsville back in the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Next: Brunswick (Week 5)
Strongsville took a big step in the right direction last season. They had four playoff teams on the schedule, losing to all of them. In order to take another step forward, the Mustangs will need to find a way to beat one or two of the big names (Mentor, Euclid, Solon, and Hudson) on the schedule. If they can do that, expect to see Strongsville back in the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Next: Brunswick (Week 5)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Opponent Preview: Glenville (Week 3)
This is the third of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2018 season. See the Week 2 preview (St Ignatius) here.
Week 3
Who: Glenville Tarblooders
What: Non-league game
Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium
When: September 7th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Ted Ginn Sr. (22nd season)
History: Mentor and Glenville played regularly beginning in the late 90's through 2006. In the 2000's, Mentor and Glenville played ten times (including two memorable playoff games in 2006 and 2007). Mentor holds a 6-4 edge during that stretch. Overall, Mentor leads the series 11-5. The two teams renewed their regular season series last season as Mentor won 38-15.
Looking Back...
Glenville has been one of the state's most successful programs over the last 20 years, making the playoffs 16 times since 1999. When dropping down to Division II, Glenville also was the state runners-up in 2013. Since that season, Glenville has taken a step or two back. The number of BCS recruits is down. The number of playoff wins (two total over the last four seasons) is down. The last time Glenville defeated a team that wasn't in the Senate League was in 2015. The Tarblooders, now in Division III, lost their first three games in 2017 before winning out their league and returning to the playoffs. Their season ended in Week 11 at the hands of Toledo Central Catholic. Among the senior standouts included two-year starting QB Xander Spikes, WR Carlton Swopes (Eastern Michigan), WR Bryan West (Alabama State), and All-District RB Tre'Ron Fullerton. Legendary coach Ted Ginn Sr. won his 200th game late last season.
Schedule...
Glenville plays in the Senate Athletic League. The Tarblooders haven't lost a league game since the 90's. The league, made up of fellow Cleveland public schools, has rarely even posed a challenge to Glenville. In order to make up for the lack of harbin points in the league, Ginn has consistently scheduled some grueling non-conference games. Along with Mentor, Glenville's non-conference schedule includes Euclid and Olentangy Liberty, a 2017 state semifinalist that Mentor beat last season. The Tarblooders found a way to make the playoffs despite starting 0-3 the last two seasons. Glenville will be underdogs in all three of those non-conference games. It remains to be seen if the Tarblooders can still pull off a playoff appearance while relying on only the computer points from the Senate League. It helps some that Glenville is in Division III.
2018 Glenville Outlook...
Glenville had six players receive All-District recognition in 2017. All of them were seniors. Reloading is nothing new to Ginn as he routinely has to replace most of his impact players and starters on a yearly basis. On Cleveland.com's "80 Players to Watch," not a single Tarblooder is on the list. A decade ago, a list like that would have been littered with Glenville players. After another senior-laden team graduated, a lot of new starters will grace the fields for the Tarblooders this season. Expect the Tarblooders to have a big offensive line, a run-stopping defense, and enough speed at the skill positions to create some big play opportunities.
Glenville's season will be defined by how they stack up in their non-conference schedule and how they perform in November. They don't necessarily need to win those games against three strong DI programs, but being competitive would be a step in the right direction. If they can manage just one non-conference victory, the playoffs are a lock. Another 0-3 start will make it a challenge to make their 17th playoff appearance. The Tarblooders should sweep through their league schedule.
Next Preview: Strongsville (Week 4)
Week 3
Who: Glenville Tarblooders
What: Non-league game
Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium
When: September 7th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Ted Ginn Sr. (22nd season)
History: Mentor and Glenville played regularly beginning in the late 90's through 2006. In the 2000's, Mentor and Glenville played ten times (including two memorable playoff games in 2006 and 2007). Mentor holds a 6-4 edge during that stretch. Overall, Mentor leads the series 11-5. The two teams renewed their regular season series last season as Mentor won 38-15.
Looking Back...
Glenville has been one of the state's most successful programs over the last 20 years, making the playoffs 16 times since 1999. When dropping down to Division II, Glenville also was the state runners-up in 2013. Since that season, Glenville has taken a step or two back. The number of BCS recruits is down. The number of playoff wins (two total over the last four seasons) is down. The last time Glenville defeated a team that wasn't in the Senate League was in 2015. The Tarblooders, now in Division III, lost their first three games in 2017 before winning out their league and returning to the playoffs. Their season ended in Week 11 at the hands of Toledo Central Catholic. Among the senior standouts included two-year starting QB Xander Spikes, WR Carlton Swopes (Eastern Michigan), WR Bryan West (Alabama State), and All-District RB Tre'Ron Fullerton. Legendary coach Ted Ginn Sr. won his 200th game late last season.
Schedule...
Glenville plays in the Senate Athletic League. The Tarblooders haven't lost a league game since the 90's. The league, made up of fellow Cleveland public schools, has rarely even posed a challenge to Glenville. In order to make up for the lack of harbin points in the league, Ginn has consistently scheduled some grueling non-conference games. Along with Mentor, Glenville's non-conference schedule includes Euclid and Olentangy Liberty, a 2017 state semifinalist that Mentor beat last season. The Tarblooders found a way to make the playoffs despite starting 0-3 the last two seasons. Glenville will be underdogs in all three of those non-conference games. It remains to be seen if the Tarblooders can still pull off a playoff appearance while relying on only the computer points from the Senate League. It helps some that Glenville is in Division III.
2018 Glenville Outlook...
Glenville had six players receive All-District recognition in 2017. All of them were seniors. Reloading is nothing new to Ginn as he routinely has to replace most of his impact players and starters on a yearly basis. On Cleveland.com's "80 Players to Watch," not a single Tarblooder is on the list. A decade ago, a list like that would have been littered with Glenville players. After another senior-laden team graduated, a lot of new starters will grace the fields for the Tarblooders this season. Expect the Tarblooders to have a big offensive line, a run-stopping defense, and enough speed at the skill positions to create some big play opportunities.
Glenville's season will be defined by how they stack up in their non-conference schedule and how they perform in November. They don't necessarily need to win those games against three strong DI programs, but being competitive would be a step in the right direction. If they can manage just one non-conference victory, the playoffs are a lock. Another 0-3 start will make it a challenge to make their 17th playoff appearance. The Tarblooders should sweep through their league schedule.
Next Preview: Strongsville (Week 4)
Friday, July 20, 2018
Opponent Preview: St Ignatius (Week 2)
This is the second of my previews of Mentor's opponents for the 2018 season. See the Week 1 preview on St Edward here.
Week 2
Who: St Ignatius Wildcats
What: Non-league game
Where: Byers Field
When: September 1st at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Chuck Kyle (36th season, 11 state titles)
History: Mentor and St Ignatius are entering their 14th consecutive game in this series that started in 2005. St Ignatius has an edge (8-5) over the Cardinals in the regular season. Since 2003, Mentor has won four of five against the Wildcats in the playoffs. Legendary coaches Trivisonno and Kyle are 9-9 against one another. The very definition of a long, even series.
Looking Back...
The Wildcats finished the season 11-2 that included a runner-up trophy in Region 1. They gave Mentor, rival St Edward, and DII state champion Hoban their only regular season losses. St Ignatius boasted six players (all seniors) on the All-District 1st Team. For almost any other program, those list of accomplishments would be considered a complete success. During Week 2 last fall, St Ignatius handed Mentor a 41-31 loss. For the fourth time since 2011, Mentor and St Ignatius met in a playoff rematch. And just like the previous three times, the loser of the regular season game turned the tables and won the November rematch. St Ignatius, the No. 1 seed in Region 1 and heavy favorites to win a 12th state championship, were thwarted by Mentor at Bedford Bearcat Stadium. A last second field goal attempt by star kicker Matthew Trickett (Kent State) narrowly missed as Mentor closed out a 23-21 regional final win.
Schedule...
St Ignatius will have one of the toughest schedules in Ohio. There are a few mismatches in the favor of the Cats - two against Canadian schools and one against a first year program in Columbus COF Academy. The rest of the schedule is littered with the best of the best. Locally, a who's who of programs include longtime rival (and Mentor's Week 1 opponent) St Edward, defending state champion Akron Hoban, and a growing Region 1 power in Euclid. The Cats have three-fourths of the mighty Cincinnati-based Greater Catholic League on their schedule: Moeller, Elder, and St Xavier. Even last year, a 4-6 Moeller team found a way to hand St Ignatius their only regular season loss. Needless to say, St Ignatius will be battle tested for the playoffs.
2018 St Ignatius Outlook...
St Ignatius graduated their entire starting offensive line, both senior QB's, and several key players on defense. Coach Kyle has built a strong system that prepares the upcoming seniors to fit right in where the previous seniors left off. There are some impact players from 2017 that do return. 1,000-yard rusher Bo Floyd will be one of the top runners in the area. Floyd will be sharing carries with junior RB Jack Welsh. A group of standout lineman have graduated, but there are always big and talented underclassmen just waiting for their shot. One of those such players is Grant Abbot (6'4, 270), who recently committed to Bowling Green. Senior receiver Nigel Drummond is the leading returning receiver from 2017. The big question will be at QB, a position that Kyle and his offensive coaches have revolutionized at the high school level the past 30 years. The early favorite is senior Patrick Delahunty.
Returning to lead St Ignatius' famed 3-3 stack defense is talented LB Tommy Eichenberg (6'3, 235). The Boston College commit is the latest in a long line of talented LB's at Ignatius. He led the defense in tackles and sacks in 2017. DE Zachary McMahan is also a returning starter in the front six. Expect DE/TE Aidan Wells (Harvard commit) to make an impact on both sides of the ball, but mainly a defensive player. Safety Danny Scelza (51 tackles, 3 INT's in 2017) and corner Jett Elad, with offers from 10+ Division I colleges, return to be lead the secondary.
A grueling schedule for the most part, the Wildcats will have their hands full. Mentor has struggled with St Ignatius in the regular season more than any other opponent in the past 20 years. The Cats have enough talent on both sides of the ball and will likely be on the short list of serious contenders for their 12th state championship.
Next Preview: Glenville (Week 3)
Week 2
Who: St Ignatius Wildcats
What: Non-league game
Where: Byers Field
When: September 1st at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Chuck Kyle (36th season, 11 state titles)
History: Mentor and St Ignatius are entering their 14th consecutive game in this series that started in 2005. St Ignatius has an edge (8-5) over the Cardinals in the regular season. Since 2003, Mentor has won four of five against the Wildcats in the playoffs. Legendary coaches Trivisonno and Kyle are 9-9 against one another. The very definition of a long, even series.
Looking Back...
The Wildcats finished the season 11-2 that included a runner-up trophy in Region 1. They gave Mentor, rival St Edward, and DII state champion Hoban their only regular season losses. St Ignatius boasted six players (all seniors) on the All-District 1st Team. For almost any other program, those list of accomplishments would be considered a complete success. During Week 2 last fall, St Ignatius handed Mentor a 41-31 loss. For the fourth time since 2011, Mentor and St Ignatius met in a playoff rematch. And just like the previous three times, the loser of the regular season game turned the tables and won the November rematch. St Ignatius, the No. 1 seed in Region 1 and heavy favorites to win a 12th state championship, were thwarted by Mentor at Bedford Bearcat Stadium. A last second field goal attempt by star kicker Matthew Trickett (Kent State) narrowly missed as Mentor closed out a 23-21 regional final win.
Schedule...
St Ignatius will have one of the toughest schedules in Ohio. There are a few mismatches in the favor of the Cats - two against Canadian schools and one against a first year program in Columbus COF Academy. The rest of the schedule is littered with the best of the best. Locally, a who's who of programs include longtime rival (and Mentor's Week 1 opponent) St Edward, defending state champion Akron Hoban, and a growing Region 1 power in Euclid. The Cats have three-fourths of the mighty Cincinnati-based Greater Catholic League on their schedule: Moeller, Elder, and St Xavier. Even last year, a 4-6 Moeller team found a way to hand St Ignatius their only regular season loss. Needless to say, St Ignatius will be battle tested for the playoffs.
2018 St Ignatius Outlook...
St Ignatius graduated their entire starting offensive line, both senior QB's, and several key players on defense. Coach Kyle has built a strong system that prepares the upcoming seniors to fit right in where the previous seniors left off. There are some impact players from 2017 that do return. 1,000-yard rusher Bo Floyd will be one of the top runners in the area. Floyd will be sharing carries with junior RB Jack Welsh. A group of standout lineman have graduated, but there are always big and talented underclassmen just waiting for their shot. One of those such players is Grant Abbot (6'4, 270), who recently committed to Bowling Green. Senior receiver Nigel Drummond is the leading returning receiver from 2017. The big question will be at QB, a position that Kyle and his offensive coaches have revolutionized at the high school level the past 30 years. The early favorite is senior Patrick Delahunty.
Returning to lead St Ignatius' famed 3-3 stack defense is talented LB Tommy Eichenberg (6'3, 235). The Boston College commit is the latest in a long line of talented LB's at Ignatius. He led the defense in tackles and sacks in 2017. DE Zachary McMahan is also a returning starter in the front six. Expect DE/TE Aidan Wells (Harvard commit) to make an impact on both sides of the ball, but mainly a defensive player. Safety Danny Scelza (51 tackles, 3 INT's in 2017) and corner Jett Elad, with offers from 10+ Division I colleges, return to be lead the secondary.
A grueling schedule for the most part, the Wildcats will have their hands full. Mentor has struggled with St Ignatius in the regular season more than any other opponent in the past 20 years. The Cats have enough talent on both sides of the ball and will likely be on the short list of serious contenders for their 12th state championship.
Next Preview: Glenville (Week 3)
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Opponent Preview: St Edward (Week 1)
Here is the first of my previews of Mentor opponents for the 2018 season. Throughout July and August, I will post some info on each opponent starting in Week 1 with St Edward.
Week 1
Who: St Edward Eagles
What: Non-conference
Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium
When: August 24th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Tom Lombardo (4th season at St Edward, 33-6 record)
History: Mentor and St Edward split a brief regular season series in 2009 and 2010. The two have met in the playoffs six times since 2003, also resulting in a split. The winner of that respective playoff game went on to the state final in five of those six years.
Looking Back...
The Eagles finished the regular season 9-1 and earned the No. 2 seed in Region 1. Their season came to an unexpected end in Week 12 at the hands of Mentor (21-13). The Cardinals turned their season around late in 2017 thanks to some improved defensive play and balancing their offense with a strong running attack. Mentor's defense limited the Eagles to 262 yards on the night. St Edward scored 30+ in all ten of their wins, while averaging just 11.5 points in their two losses. The Eagles boasted nine players on the All-District teams. All but one were seniors.
Schedule...
The schedule is filled with some familiar powerhouses (St Ignatius, Elder, Moeller) along with a mix of out of state teams. Those three programs have combined for 20 big school state championships in Ohio. Erie Cathedral Prep is one of Pennsylvania's most successful programs. Cathedral Prep won their second consecutive state championship in 2017 with a 15-0 season. Cass Tech (Detroit) has won three state titles in Michigan since 2011. Returning on the schedule is Cathedral (Indianapolis), a program with ten state championships. Akron Buchtel, North St Joseph (Canada), and the brand new COF Academy in Columbus round off the Eagles' schedule. It is a schedule filled with mostly tough, but winnable games for a program like St Edward. It is reasonable to expect the Eagles to finish no worse than 7-2 in the non-Mentor portion of their schedule.
2018 St Edward Outlook...
As stated above, St Edward graduated a lot of talent from last year's team. Fourteen players signed national letters of intent to play collegiate football. Safety Michael Dowell, joining his older brothers to play at Michigan State this fall, was the most highly touted. Other notable graduates include fellow safety Darnell Shields (Cincinnati), LB Omar Fattah (Air Force), WR Devin Maddox (Toledo), RB Tylan Rice, and QB Zach Kincaid. Several impact lineman from both sides of the ball also graduated. But like most great programs in Ohio, the Eagles have the ability to reload.
The offense will have some talent and experience returning. Senior QB Zach Dzuro has gained a lot of exposure the past few years behind center. After splitting QB duties last season with Kincaid, Dzuro will have the opportunity to run the offense full-time. Leading receiver Quintel Kent gives Dzuoro a talented and familiar target. Kent has multiple scholarship offers, including Michigan. After sharing the carries with Rice last season, senior Jordan Castelberry is due for a big 2018. The 5-7 back had 856 yards and 10 TD's last season.
The defensive side of the ball is where graduation hit hardest. Safety Caden Kolesar is one of the most highly recruited players at his position in Ohio. He is one of the few returning starters on that side of the ball. Daylen Jerigan (safety/linebacker) is also a returning impact player on defense. If the new starters on defense can meet the challenge, expect the Eagles to once again be among the short list of favorites to win Region 1.
Next Preview: St Ignatius (Week 2)
The offense will have some talent and experience returning. Senior QB Zach Dzuro has gained a lot of exposure the past few years behind center. After splitting QB duties last season with Kincaid, Dzuro will have the opportunity to run the offense full-time. Leading receiver Quintel Kent gives Dzuoro a talented and familiar target. Kent has multiple scholarship offers, including Michigan. After sharing the carries with Rice last season, senior Jordan Castelberry is due for a big 2018. The 5-7 back had 856 yards and 10 TD's last season.
The defensive side of the ball is where graduation hit hardest. Safety Caden Kolesar is one of the most highly recruited players at his position in Ohio. He is one of the few returning starters on that side of the ball. Daylen Jerigan (safety/linebacker) is also a returning impact player on defense. If the new starters on defense can meet the challenge, expect the Eagles to once again be among the short list of favorites to win Region 1.
Next Preview: St Ignatius (Week 2)
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