Mentor Football Preview

Here is a look at what to expect for the 2019 version of the Mentor Cardinals:

Looking Back...

The 2018 season was another successful one for the program. A 9-1 regular season began with back-to-back wins against St Edward and St Ignatius. The Cardinals, behind a highly decorated group of lineman, caught the attention of the state quickly. Injuries to QB Ian Kipp and RB Brian Trobel gave the team an opportunity to showcase their depth and resiliency. Mentor's only regular season blemish was an overtime loss at home to Solon. The Cardinals picked up a huge victory (without Kipp/Trobel) at Euclid in Week 9. The first two rounds of the playoffs were impressive wins. Mentor's playoff win against Canton McKinley (36-6) secured their 10th regional final appearance since 2002. The rematch with St Edward in Week 13 resulted in a 24-14 loss, ending the hopes of a state championship. All-Ohio graduates included DE Noah Potter (Ohio State), OL Ryan Jacoby (Ohio State), and OL Nick Samac (Michigan State). 

Offense...

Over the last 20 seasons, the offense has been the bread and butter of the Mentor program. The no-huddle spread offense has given nightmares to many opposing coaches. One part of that equation that has been an important part of the success is having a talented QB. For nearly every season since the early 2000's, Mentor has had an All-Ohio level type of QB. This season will be no exception. Junior Ian Kipp was the starter beginning in Week 1 of his sophomore season. Last year's offense was predicated more on the run than the pass thanks to a strong offensive line, a pair of talented backs, and the running ability of Kipp himself. This season, more of the offense will be placed on the arm of Kipp. He may need to be a 2,000-yard passer in the regular season for Mentor to meet their goals of winning the league and hosting a playoff game. Senior WR Luke Floriea has been a key part of the offense since his sophomore season on the state runners-up. The speedy Floriea, a Boston College commit, should have another All-Ohio type of season. Seniors Justin Luke and Nolan Vernon also return after getting plenty of varsity experience at receiver a season ago. Senior RB Brian Trobel burst onto the scene from the start in 2018. He finished with over 1,400 yards and 28 TD's. The offensive line is pretty green in terms of varsity starts. They don't have the big time recruits like last season, but this group should be able to hold their own. Led by a terrific trio (Kipp, Floriea, and Trobel), expect Mentor's offense to be the strength of the team. 

Defense...

While the offense gets plenty of attention, it is said that defense wins championships. Mentor brings back several guys that started games in 2018. Up front, the graduation of three-year starters Noah Potter and James Pedley will take a toll. Freshman sensation Brenan Vernon (6'5, 240) is going to start at defensive end. Vernon already has an offer at Kent State and will likely add several more offers in the next 12 months. But a freshman starting at such a key position won't come without some growing pains. Junior Preston Cardina (6'1, 290) is a big talent in the middle that should do his job at taking up blockers and slowing down the run up the middle. At linebacker, three-year starters Jackson Paglio and Kyle Bischoff have plenty of big game experience. If they can put together All-District kinds of seasons, that will go a long way. Some experience returning in the secondary as well, led by corner Nyzier Fourqurean and safety Marco Toth. This group has a nice mix of experience and potential. The early season challenges of St Edward and St Ignatius will test this side of the ball right from the start. 

Prediction...

Expect the final season of Coach Trivisonno to be one filled with lots of emotion and plenty of success. The first two games of the season are a difficult way to start. I don't expect Mentor to start 2-0 against St Eds and St Ignatius again. A split of those two games plus a league title is what I expect to see. Euclid and Solon are fully capable of beating Mentor, but I think this is the year they finally run through the GCC unscathed. The offense should once again be one of the very best in the state. If the defense can improve and do their part, the sky is the limit.

 

And so...I predict a 9-1 regular seasons, hosting a Week 11 playoff game, and another deep playoff run.