Opponent Preview: Brunswick (Week 6)

Week 6

Who: Brunswick Blue Devils 

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T Osborne Stadium

When: September 24th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Mark Pinzone (5th season at Brunswick, 18-21 record)

History: Mentor has won twelve in a row (including playoff wins in 2014 and 2021) over Brunswick since the two joined the same league in 2011. One of the biggest games in the history of both programs was a state semifinal matchup in 2007 that pitted two all-time greats at their respected programs: Bart Tanski and Sean Bedevelsky. Mentor defeated Brunswick, 39-14, and went on to their second straight DI state championship game. 

Looking Back...

Last season, Brunswick put up a much improved effort against Mentor in the playoff loss (37-21) after getting shutout, 38-0, in the regular season game. After a great 15-year run under legendary coach Rich Nowak that included multiple league championships and two regional titles, the Blue Devils are taking some positive steps toward building a winning program again. Pinzone has helped guide the Blue Devils to consecutive winning seasons, including a very successful 2020. Brunswick earned one of their biggest regular season wins in years against county rival (and eventual regional finalist) Medina. They had playoff wins against Jackson and Canton McKinley. The latter of which was an impressive upset (27-14) over the the Bulldogs, who were the #3 seed in Region 1. It advanced Brunswick to the regional semifinal, their first appearance in that round since 2008. The 2020 season was led by a large group of impactful seniors like lineman Tomas Rimac (West Virginia), QB Jake Scherette, and a trio of talented linebackers: Andrew Haber, Kyle Scherette, and Quintyn McKinley. 

Schedule...

One big addition to the schedule is DII power Avon, a program that has won Region 6 for four straight seasons. The game with the Eagles will be Brunswick's most challenging non-conference game. Hudson and Olmsted Falls are on the schedule. The two are among NEO's better DII programs. Brunswick also has Highland and Toledo Waite on the schedule. In the league, the GCC is down to just five league games. The Blue Devils have had their hands full against the trio of Mentor, Euclid, and Solon since the GCC formed in 2015. During the past six seasons, Brunswick is 0-18 against these three teams that have routinely finished at the top of the league. Duplicating last year's surprise win against Medina will be especially more difficult this season as the Bees are one of the frontrunners in Region 1. Longtime league rival Strongsville is Brunswick's best opportunity for a league victory. 

2021 Brunswick Outlook...

After a season-ending injury to QB Jake Scherette, Ethan Fritz was given the difficult job of trying to replace the two-year starting captain. Fritz handled the responsibility well and helped guide Brunswick to back-to-back playoff wins. During the upset victory over McKinley, completed 10 of 16 passes for 121 yards. This was a week after a three touchdown effort in a playoff win over Jackson, which was Brunswick's first postseason win since 2008. Connin Som and JD Serwatka return at receiver. Both will provide Fritz with some playmaking ability that will keep opposing defenses on their toes. The offensive line will be led by the sole returning starter, tackle Evan Sevastos. Last season, Sevastos started at right tackle and earned all-league honors. Sevastsos, a talented two way athlete, is coming off a junior season that saw him qualify for the state wrestling tournament. With some experience in big games behind him, expect the Blue Devils to rely more on their experienced QB along with the Som/Serwatka duo will give the offense a boost.

Defensively, the Blue Devils were very good last season. The vast majority of their defense were seniors, but the cupboard is not bare. In the secondary, the Blue Devils bring back David Hamrick - a First Team All-District defensive back. The Blue Devils utilize a lot of two way players. Som is another potential impact player in the secondary. He made a big impression in the win over McKinley by returning an interception for a score early in the game. The secondary should be a unit of strength as safety Luke Petrowski also is a returning starter. The Blue Devils will have some big shoes to fill at linebacker at defensive end. Even while the program is moving in the right direction, the league is incredibly tough at the top and there is no time for rebuilding. In order to have a winning season for the third consecutive season, the first year starters on defense and the offensive line will need to step up. 

Next Preview: Medina (Week 7)