Mentor/St Ignatius: A Playoff Rivalry Renewed

This Friday, Mentor and St Ignatius will renew their playoff rivalry at Jerome T Osborne Sr Stadium. This will be the 9th time the two programs have played in the playoffs. These two power programs have split the eight playoff games they have played. St Ignatius has won the last two playoff matchups (2021 and 2023), but Mentor did win the regular season game in Week 2 at John Carroll University by a score of 20-14. In honor of Friday's game, let's look back at some history between these two programs. 

In 2003, Mentor and St Ignatius would end up playing in a memorable playoff game at Byers Field. In the months that followed that game, Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno pursued getting St Ignatius on the schedule more regularly. What began as a two-year series signed for the 2005 and 2006 seasons has been a long-standing agreement between two of the premier programs in the state. It is a friendly public/private rivalry that has been as important to high school football over the last 20 years as any in the state. The series has been especially beneficial to the growth of the Mentor football program. It is no coincidence that Mentor began turning a corner of success after regularly putting St Ignatius and other powerhouse programs on the schedule. 

The two first met in the playoffs back in 1992 in a regional final. St Ignatius easily defeated Mentor, 38-13, during one of their many state championship seasons during the 90's. Since then, the two have played each other in seven playoff games. The latter six were played during seasons in which the two programs had played earlier during the regular season. In the first five of those playoff games from 2011 to 2021, the loser of the regular season game went on to flip the script in the playoff rematch. It wasn't until last season that the trend was finally bucked as St Ignatius held on to win both of the 2023 matchups.

Here are my memories and recap of the past seven playoff games between the Cardinal and the Wildcats:

 Mentor 31 St Ignatius 0 (2003): Coming into this game, St Ignatius was wrapping up a period of complete dominance. From 1988-2001, the Cats won nine state titles as they were led by the legendary Chuck Kyle. Mentor's 2003 group was the most dominant regular season team in program history. The defense completely suffocated QB Brian Hoyer (future NFL QB) on this evening, picking him off five times. The Mentor defense forced three fumbles and held St Ignatius to 10 net yards rushing. Some of the defensive standouts included LB Chad Mayse, LB Paul Burger, DB Tony Martucci, DB Scott Goodwin, and DB Angelo DiFranco. 1st Team All-Ohio players Thom Abbot and RB Matt Lieb punched in scoring chances set up by an aggressive and opportunistic defense. St Ignatius hadn't been dominated like that in a playoff game before, and it hasn't happened since. Most people who witnessed that game will never forget "31-0." This unforgettable game is as much a nod to the all-time status of the opponent as it was to the talented "class" of Cardinals. 

St Ignatius 23 Mentor 17 (2011): The two had met during the regular season at a packed house in Mentor for Week 3. Mentor, led by junior QB Mitch Trubisky and a five-wide offense, wreaked all kinds of havoc against the St Ignatius defense. Senior receiver Cameron Kavan put up record breaking numbers with 284 receiving yards. Trubisky and the talented bunch of receivers picked apart the secondary on their way to a 38-24 win. Entering Week 10, Mentor was the #1 ranked team in the AP poll. A surprising Week 10 loss at Twinsburg ended that, but the aspirations of a state championship were very much still in play. The biggest obstacle that would stand in the way of Mentor's hopes of a state title would be the Wildcats. The St Ignatius defense, a group that gave up no more than 20 points in their 13 games following Week 3, was not going to be denied in the second meeting. On a windy evening in Lakewood Stadium, the combination of an aggressive and talented Wildcat defense made life much more difficult for Trubisky. Wildcat legend Tim McVey, a junior at the time, was the bell-cow as he ran 38 times for for 160 yards. Mentor, a team that relied almost exclusively on the passing game in their five-wide offense, was unable to rely on a steady running game to balance out the offense. St Ignatius used blitzes, turnovers, and much better coverage to turn the tide in the rematch. The Wildcats would win the game, the region, and the state championship. 

Mentor 57 St Ignatius 56 3OT (2012): After an amazing and unexpected come back the week prior against St Edward, it was hard to believe that anything could top that. Just seven days later, Mentor and St Ignatius put on all-time memorable performance in a game that featured the "Moment of the Year" by the 2012 Cleveland Sports Awards. In the regular season, St Ignatius dominated the game (48-21) and gave Mentor their only loss. The Cats were 11-1 heading into this game, with their only loss being to St Eds. The Cardinals got off to a great start and were in control during the first half. Mentor had scored on their first four possessions of the game. They were about to score on their fifth before the Cats picked off Trubisky in the end zone, leaving the halftime score at 20-14. St Ignatius got control of the second half as they would score two touchdowns to take a 28-20 lead in the 4th quarter. Trubisky guided Mentor to a game-tying 80-yard touchdown drive that included a two point conversion to Fritts. After a stop by the defense, Trubisky led the Cards on a 64-yard drive that resulted in a 35-28 lead with only 48 seconds left in the game. St Ignatius QB Mike LaManna and WR Mike Siragusa took advantage of a prevent defense and connected for a touchdown to send the game into overtime. The two juggernaut offenses, that included Ignatius all-time great Tim McVey, exchanged blows back and forth in overtime sessions until Coach Triv went for two at the end of the third overtime. A Trubisky-Fritts connection in the corner of the end zone sealed the victory for Mentor. In my opinion, that St Ignatius team was the best team that Mentor has ever beaten. Anyone who watched will never forget it. If you want some goosebumps, watch this video

Mentor 26 St Ignatius 3 (2013): The previous season, Mentor pulled off the unthinkable and knocked off St Edward and St Ignatius in back-to-back weeks in the playoffs. In 2013, the Cardinals would have that chance again. Just like the year prior, St Ignatius dominated the regular season matchup with a 26-3 win in Week 2. On a windy and snowy rematch in Week 13 at Byers Field, Mentor's defense combined with the difficult elements to completely dominate the Wildcats. Both teams struggled offensively for the majority of the first half in less than ideal weather conditions. With two minutes left in the 2nd quarter, the score was 5-3 in favor of Mentor. An Eddie Daugherty halfback pass to Corey Plavcan gave Mentor a commanding two score lead just before the half. The Mentor defense, led by All-Ohio players like Kent Berger and Justin McMahon, smothered the Wildcats to a total of 126 total yards on the night. QB Connor Krizancic had trouble throwing the ball in the elements, but made plenty of plays with his feet (167 yards rushing). 

Mentor 23 St Ignatius 21 (2017): Of Mentor's four trips to state championship games, the 2017 run was probably the most unlikely. The team was 9-1 in the regular season, but had some inconsistencies (including giving up 59 points to Euclid in Week 8) that were causes for concern. Once the clock turned November, the defense (led by junior DE Noah Potter) flipped a switch. Late in the season, senior RB Eli McDougal became one of the most unexpected stars. Running behind a big and talented offensive line, McDougal completely transformed Mentor's chances at knocking off the top teams in Ohio. After upsetting St Edward the week prior, the Cardinals found themselves facing St Ignatius in yet another pivotal Region 1 playoff game. Mentor had lost to St Ignatius in the regular season game, 41-31, in a game that McDougal was unavailable for. McDougal's 41-yard TD run on the game's opening drive put Mentor ahead and gave them some early momentum that was soon snatched away by the talented Cats. McDougal finished the game with 18 carries for 151 yards and 2 TD's. St Ignatius had leads of 14-7 and 21-14 before senior QB Tadas Tatarunas found sophomore receiver Luke Floriea to pull Mentor within a PAT from tying. Unfortunately, the kick was blocked and St Ignatius had a 21-20 lead halfway through the 4th quarter. Mentor kicker Conor McIntosh hit a 27-yard field goal with 37 seconds in the game. St Ignatius All-Ohio kicker Matthew Trickett's 52-yard field goal attempt sailed just wide as time expired to earn Triv his third straight playoff win over the legendary Chuck Kyle. This would end up being the last playoff game between the two legendary coaches. 

St Ignatius 35 Mentor 32 (2021): After Mentor won their Week 2 matchup (28-26) at home, the two programs went in pretty different directions throughout the season. St Ignatius would win six of their final eight regular season games highlighted by wins over Akron Hoban and Cincinnati St Xavier. Mentor would follow up their biggest regular season win by losing five of the next six games, finishing without a winning record in the regular season for the first time since 1997. During this playoff game, St Ignatius came out incredibly strong in building a huge 35-10 lead entering the 4th quarter. It looked like a running clock was inevitable. The running backs of the Wildcats combined for 252 rushing yards. Mentor receiver Evan Harper scored early in the 4th quarter in attempts to give the Cardinals some hopes of a comeback. The lights at Byers Field went out and the game was on pause. Upon its return, Mentor picked up where Harper left off. Two more scores (including Harper's third TD of the game) brought Mentor within a field goal with just a few minutes left in the game. The Wildcats recovered an onside kick and sealed the victory. The miracle comeback came up just short. St Ignatius would go on to win one more playoff game before falling to a talented Drew Allar led Medina Bees in a regional semifinal. It was the fifth straight time the playoff rematch went to the loser of the regular season matchup. 

St Ignatius 10 Mentor 7 (2023): After the winner of the regular season game went on to the lose the playoff rematch in five consecutive occurrences, the Wildcats finally stopped the trend with a narrow win in a rare defensive battle between these two. St Ignatius entered the Week 11 game at Mentor with only one win on their belt, and that was against the Cardinals. Mentor was held scoreless until late in the 4th quarter when QB Scotty Fox his Austin VanHuss for a touchdown pass. A late Mentor field goal was unsuccessful in sending the game to overtime. Returning from an injury that cost him most of his junior season, Cody Haddad scored the pivotal touchdown for the Wildcats that helped give them a lead they never surrendered. 

Pre-Season All GCC Team

 Offense

QB Scotty Fox, Mentor - The West Virginia recruit has been a rare four year starter. Fox threw for 2,275 yards and 22 TD's in 2023 to go along with a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns. 

RB Marquise Davis, Cleveland Heights - One of the most talented offensive players in the state, the Kentucky commit ran for 2,228 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2023. 

WR Ky’Mari Frieson, Euclid- The Panthers have a talented receiver in Frieson, a 6'2 speedster with multiple DI offers. 

WR Justen Hodge, Mentor - An explosive athlete with good size, Hodge enters his junior season with multiple DI offers. Hodge (46 catches for 872 yards and 8 TD's) was a First Team All-District player in 2023. 

WR Austin VanHuss, Mentor - A senior with college football in his future, VanHuss had 45 catches for 716 yards and six TD's in 2023. 

WR Cooper Neel, Brunswick - A senior slot receiver that looks to make an impact in whatever way the Blue Devils can get the ball in his hands (1,291 all-purpose yards in 2023). 

OL Jason Owens, Cleveland Heights - This big and talented center leads the interior of the Tigers' line. Owens earned Second Team All-Ohio honors in 2023. 

OL Landry Brede, Mentor - The junior tackle started every game as a sophomore. Brede (6'5, 280) has many DI offers already, including Florida and Michigan State. 

OL JoJo LoDuca, Mentor - The 6'3, 270-pound junior has offers from some MAC schools. LoDuca is a key returning starter on a very talented Mentor offense. 

OL Sandale Jackson, Cleveland Heights - The senior tackle has tremendous size (6'7, 295), talent, and will be a scholarship player at the Division I level. 

OL Douglas Hoston, Shaker - An impactful returning two-way lineman for the Raiders, Hoston (6'3, 300) is key in opening holes for the talented RB Cornell Beard. 

Defense

DL Brandon Cesar, Cleveland Heights - A key part of a talented Heights defense, the 6'4 255-pound lineman is one of the most highly recruited players as his position in the Midwest. 

DL Julian Solis, Mentor - After an impactful junior season that saw him earn Second Team All-District, Solis looks to lead the front of the Mentor defense.

DT Jayquan Stubbs, Cleveland Heights - A center of the one of the biggest and most talented defensive line in the state, Stubbs (6'6, 250) is a Minnesota commit

DE Jameil Hamm, Cleveland Heights - A transfer from Glenville, Hamm had a handful of MAC offers before committing to Miami (OH). 

LB Cooper Josefczyk, Medina - The senior was one of the top linebackers in Northeast Ohio last season, earning recognition as the GCC Defensive Player of the Year. 

LB Storm Miller, Strongsville - Just a junior, Miller is a four start recruit with nearly 20 different offers including Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Clemson. 

LB Caiden Clair, Mentor - The top returning tackler from a good Cardinals defense in 2023, Clair earned Second Team All-District recognition as a junior. 

DB Trey McNutt, Shaker - A two way standout in high school, McNutt is the highest ranked safety prospect in the country with offers from every major college football conference. 

DB Henry Perrymond Jr., Cleveland Heights - A three year starter already as a junior, Perrymond is a talented two-way player that fields offers include Miami, Kentucky, and Indiana.

DB Tallen Hulvey, Medina - A key part of Medina's returning defense, Hulvey earned Second Team All-District honors in 2023. 

DB Kei’shjuan Teflair, Euclid - A bright spot on Euclid's 2023 season, Telfair was a two-way starter as a freshman. He enters his sophomore season with his first DI offer from Akron. 

Mentor Basketball Single Game Scoring

With 46 points against Strongsville on January 23, senior Matthew Biddell hit a scoring milestone of 1,000 career points. He also put himself near the top of the single game scoring record for Mentor basketball. Behind eight three pointers and many strong finishes in the lane, Biddell put together a night that many in attendance won't soon forget. 

Over the years, there are five single game performances that stand out. I personally witnessed all of these regular season games. These rank as the five highest single game scoring marks since 2000:

1. Adam May: 49 points against Eastlake North on November 27, 2004

The 6'8 wing was one of the most unguardable scorers to play for Krizancic. May, a DI scholarship player at Holy Cross, became one of the top players in the area for his three years on varsity. In the first game of his senior season, May lit up the scoreboard with his 49 points against the Rangers that still sits at the top of the Mentor record books. Some players might put up high scoring marks on games where they are taking dozens of shots. On this night, May was incredibly efficient as he shot 75% on two point field goal attempts, 50% on three point field goal attempts, and nailed 22 of his 23 free throws. When he finished his career at Mentor in 2005, May ranked as the program's all-time leading scorer. That would soon be passed by two other players on this list. 

2. Joe Meyer: 48 points against Cleveland Heights on February 1, 2008

In a program known for shooting excellence, Meyer is arguably the best shooter the Cardinals have ever had. During his senior campaign, Meyer helped lead a young and small Mentor team to an excellent season. His personal highlight came during a big LEL showdown on the road against Travis Kelce (24 points and 11 rebounds in a loss) and the Cleveland Heights Tigers. Meyer helped carry the Cardinals to a 90-76 win that helped secure a league title. Behind six three-pointers along with sinking 22-24 free throws, he demonstrated a strong all-around game with eight rebounds and five assists. Meyer's historic night puts him as the #2 single game scorer in Mentor history.

3. Matthew Biddell: 46 points against Strongsville on January 23, 2023

Mentor entered this game already having handed Strongsville their only loss of the season. In order to secure the victory, Mentor needed a legendary night from senior Biddell as he scored 46 in a 114-100 track meet. Biddell's final points even propelled him to the monumental 1,000 career point mark. With eight three pointers (including six in the second half) to go along with a strong inside game, Strongsville was unable to stop the Walsh University commit. Biddell is a three-year starter that has helped Mentor to many big wins. This night is one that (for now) is his career high and is tied for 3rd all-time in single game scoring for Mentor with Chris Jacklich. 

4. Justin Fritts: 44 points against Garfield Heights on January 13, 2012

At the time, Garifeld Heights was a conference foe in the old Northeast Ohio Conference. Fritts, the 2012 Mr. Basketball winner, is the single season leader in points for Mentor. And on this night against an incredibly talented Bulldogs team, Fritts poured in his career high in single game scoring with 44 big points in a 73-63 home victory. Playing without two key players, Mentor relied on Fritts even more than usual as he scored 26 in the second half. Fritts shot 68% on two point field goals, 50% on three-pointers, and was perfect on 10 free throw attempts. Fritts, the only Mr. Basketball winner in Mentor history, finished his career as the program's second all-time leading scorer. 

5. Cole Krizancic: 42 points against Warren Harding on January 11, 2010

The son of legendary Coach Bob Krizancic, Cole was a four year starter with many single game highlights. He is the program's all-time leading scorer. During his junior season against Warren Harding, Krizancic put on a show at Cleveland State University in scoring his single game career high. The 42 points came from a typical array of masterful scoring. Krizancic attacked WGH inside and outside as they found no answers to stop him. Both teams entered this game undefeated. It lived up to the hype as Mentor won a double overtime thriller, 99-91. This Mentor team would eventually go on to secure the program's first trip to the state Final Four. 

All five of these players are among the highest scoring players in the program history. Each hit the 1,000-point career plateau. Krizancic is the program's all-time leading scorer. Fritts is the only Mr. Basketball winner in program history. May, a rare DI scholarship player, joins Krizancic and Fritts on my First Team selection for "Mentor Basketball 2000's All-Stars." Click Here to read that list.