Week 7
Who: Brunswick Blue Devils (5-5 in 2017)
What: Greater Cleveland Conference game
Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium
When: October 11th at 7:00pm
Opposing Coach: Mark Pinzone (3rd season at Brunswick, 6-14 record)
History: Mentor has won nine 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. Pinzone followed up a solid first season with a very tough 2018. The Blue Devils finished 1-9 after a 5-5 season the year before. Mentor shutout Brunswick (35-0) last season. Offensively, the Blue Devils scored 7 or less points in seven of their ten games. They only scored more than 17 points once - a 31-0 against Elyria. The last thing Brunswick wants to do is to look back on 2018.
Schedule...
In non-conference, Brunswick has three different opponents from 2018. Lorain (6-4 in 2018), North Royalton (4-6), and Rhodes (2-8). These are all games that the Blue Devils should be competitive, and quite possible have chances to win. A 2-1 start before league play would not be surprising. Brunswick struggled in league play last year, as their only victory was against winless Elyria. The top of the league is going to be a daunting challenge for the Blue Devils. League games against Shaker, Elyria, and rival Strongsville will make or break their season.
2019 Brunswick Outlook...
QB Jacob Scherette returns after starting last season as a sophomore. He was used more in a running role than passing. If there is some hope for Brunswick to improve in 2019 on offense, the running game will need to be a strength. All-district tackle Tomas Rimac (6'6, 280) will lead the offensive line. Defensively, the team is going to need to get some consistency if they are going to try and build back into becoming a program that can make the playoffs. For this season, there are a few winnable games. But against the top of the league, expect this to be another challenging season for the Blue Devils.
Next Preview: Shaker Heights (Week 8)
Next Preview: Shaker Heights (Week 8)