Opponent Preview: Elyria (Week 10)

Week 10

Who: Elyria Pioneers

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium

When: October 30th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Devlin Culliver (2nd season at Elyria, )

History: Mentor and Elyria were in the LEL together in the late 90's and early 2000's. After a 13 year absence of playing, the two met up as GCC members in 2015. Elyria beat Mentor at home (27-24) that season. The Cards won the past four games against the Pioneers, averaging almost 60 points per game. 

Looking Back...
Nearly five years removed from one of the biggest wins in program history, Elyria has been on a down spiral ever since. After making the playoffs in three consecutive seasons from 2013-2015, Elyria has fallen on hard times. The Pioneers are just 5-36 since that Week 10 win over Mentor in 2015. Last season's game at the beautiful new Ely Stadium was over by the end of the 1st quarter. Mentor jumped out a 35-0 lead after 12 minutes before eventually winning 73-0. It was legendary coach Steve Trivisonno's 200th career win. Elyria ended a 15-game losing streak with last season's win was against Bedford, but it was their only win of the season. They surrendered 55+ points in five consecutive games during the middle of a eight-game losing streak. The last thing Elyria wants to do is look back at 2019. 

Schedule...
The Pioneers begin the season with Midview (5-5 in 2019), Bedford (5-5), and Lorain (6-4). This is the identical non-conference schedule they had last season. Last season Elyria beat Bedford, 7-6. With Shaker leaving the GCC for the LEL, Elyria filled that open date with Avon Lake. The Shoremen were one of the better teams in DII last season, making it to the regional final. The GCC is as good of a league as there is in Division I, so expect Elyria to have their hands full once again. Last season's closest GCC game was a 20 point loss to the now-departed Shaker Heights. The Pioneers have finished at the bottom of the league the past four seasons. The most likely opportunity for a win will be in the first two games of the season. 

2020 Elyria Outlook...
Elyria averaged just 9 points per game in the first half of the schedule before averaging 26.2 points over the final five. This included a 50-point explosion in a Week 7 loss to Shaker. Did the offense find something late season that could translate to 2020? The good news is that a lot of experienced players on offense do return. QB Daylan Sharlow, now a senior, began getting some starts as a sophomore in 2018. Receivers Jesse Stevens and Andrew Palos return. Jaheim Atkinson is a talented back that had several 100+ yard rushing games a season ago. Like Sharlow and Stephens, he will be entering his third season as a starter. Up front, four offensive lineman return after starting in 2019. Simon France (6'3, 265) is a big left tackle that is getting some college looks. Offensively, Elyria should see a lot of improvement. Atkinson is the player to watch out for, but overall this should be a group capable of scoring a lot more than they did last season. 

Defensively, the team has a lot of room for improvement after giving up an average of 45.3 ppg in 2019. Their top defensive player (1st team All-District LB Ben Doehr) has graduated. This team might be able to score, but they will need to improve a lot on defense if they are to be competitive with this schedule. Culliver is only in his second year as coach of Elyria after a few stints at area schools like Shaw, Harvey, and Maple Heights. This will be the last year that Elyria is in the GCC as they are moving to the Southwestern Conference in the fall of 2021. 

Opponent Preview: Euclid (Week 9)

Week 9

Who: Euclid Panthers

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Euclid Community Stadium

When: October 23rd at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Jeff Rotsky (6th season at Euclid, 44-16 record)

History: Mentor and Euclid have been on each other's schedules for many years whether it was in conference or out of conference. The Cardinals have a 26-17 record in the overall series. Since the two joined the GCC together in 2015, Mentor has won four of five. 

Looking Back...
The Panthers finished 8-2 in the regular season, including three wins over eventual playoff teams (Glenville, Canton McKinley, and Medina). Mentor shutout Euclid in Week 9 last season, 45-0. After a home playoff win in Week 11 against Jackson, Euclid lost to St Edward in the regional semifinal. Rotsky has brought the program back into relevance with five playoff wins since 2015. The continued thorn in their side would be St Ignatius and St Edward. The Panthers are 0-7 against those two since 2015, including losing all five playoff games. Key graduated starters from last season include QB Dion Valentine, lineman John Brown, and 1st team All-District RB Jaabir Mujihad. 

Schedule...
Euclid has a schedule with few holes as only one opponent had a losing record in 2019. Seven teams on their schedule made the playoffs last season. The non-conference portion is highlighted by state juggernaut St Edward, the team that knocked Euclid out of the playoffs four of the past five seasons. Playoff teams Cleveland Heights, Glenville, and Benedictine make up the rest of the non-conference schedule. The league will be crowded at the top with four returning playoff teams that bring back many key players. Solon, Medina, and Mentor will all be huge games for Euclid. Since the formation of the GCC in 2015, Euclid has beaten either Mentor or Solon in all but one year. Winning at least one of those games puts the Panthers in great playoff positioning as well as giving themselves a chance to win at least a share of the league title. Euclid is 19-1 against the rest of the league (Strongsville, Medina, Elyria, and Brunswick) over the past five seasons. From top to bottom, this is one of the most difficult schedules in Ohio. 

2020 Euclid Outlook...
On offense, Euclid brings back plenty of punch. Nobody in the league will have the kind of talent they do at the skill positions. Primarily a running team, Euclid's backs rushed for well over 2,000 yards a season ago. While the now-graduated Mujihad was the lead back, Atiba Fitz (Air Force commit) and Savion Jones combined for over 1,000 rushing yards in 2019. Fitz/Jones will likely be sharing carries as Euclid looks to control the clock. The Panthers will have one of the top receiving duos in the state. Senior receiver Armond Scott (6'3, 200) is ranked as high as the #16 prospect in the state. He committed to Kentucky this summer after a season in which he posted 40 catches for over 700 yards and 15 TD's. Junior Claishon Ivory made a big impact last season as he earned 2nd Team All-District honors with 37 catches for 684 yards and 9 TD's. Ivory has also been offered by Kentucky. Lineman Herman Taylor (6'4, 280) returns after earning 2nd Team All-District last season as well. One glaring hole for the Panthers will be at QB as they look to replace two-year starter Dion Valentine. His replacement does have the luxury of a variety of talented weapons. 

Defensively, the Panthers gave up 45 and 47 points in losses to Mentor and St Edward. That side of the ball will have to improve if they want to make some noise in the region. Alex Reese (6'4, 280) is a big returning defensive lineman that should be a major impact player for the Panthers. Reese committed to Akron this summer. LB Andre Tillman is a three-year starter and will be one of the defensive leaders. Fitz/Jones started on defense last year in addition to their offensive production. Senior DB Cam Smith (Eastern Michigan commit) is a top returning talent in the secondary. Senior safety Michael Gravely Jr. (Michigan State commit) transferred from Glenville recently and is sure to make a big impact for the Panthers on defense. 

Before Rotsky came, Euclid hadn't won a playoff game since 1993. Since his arrival, he has guided the Panthers to five playoff wins as they have made the postseason every year. Euclid has done very well in the league and there is no reason for that to change in 2020. If they can overcome a grueling schedule with at least 6 or 7 wins, this will be a battle-tested team come playoff time. Expect a 6th straight playoff appearance as Euclid looks to compete for the top of the league and Region 1. 

Next Preview: Elyria (Week 10)

Opponent Preview: Brunswick (Week 7)

Week 7

Who: Brunswick Blue Devils (6-4 in 2019)

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium

When: October 9th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Mark Pinzone (4th season at Brunswick, 12-18 record)

History: Mentor has won ten 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 history of both programs was a state semifinal matchup in 2007. Mentor defeated Brunswick, 39-14, and went on to their second straight DI state championship game. 

Looking Back...

From 1995-2009, Brunswick had 12 playoff appearances under legendary coach Rich Nowak that included multiple league championships and two regional titles. The last decade was a step back with only two playoff appearances (and zero playoff wins) in the past ten seasons. However, Pinzone helped guide the Blue Devils to a surprisingly winning season in 2019. After starting the season 3-0 in non-conference, the Blue Devils went 3-4 in GCC play. Their two best wins of the season were against Lorain and Strongsville. The Blue Devils showed a competitive punch even in losses to playoff teams like Solon (33-29) and Medina. With a playoff berth on the line, Brunswick came up short 45-35 against Medina in Week 10. Lineman Eddie Sevastos and Mike Grzybowski are among the graduated seniors that helped the Blue Devils achieve their 2019 success. In last year's game at Mentor, Brunswick was shutout 45-0. 

Schedule...

In non-conference, Brunswick brings back two of their opponents from 2019 and adds two new opponents. Returning on the schedule are Lorain (6-4 in 2019) and North Royalton (4-6). Brunswick beat both of those teams last season. New to the schedule are Highland (4-6 in 2019) and Olmsted Falls, a 7-3 playoff team a season ago. At a minimum, Brunswick will need at least three non-league wins to put themselves in contention for a winning record again. The top of the league (Mentor, Solon, and Euclid) remains a daunting challenge for the Blue Devils. Since 2013, Brunswick is just 1-19 against the Big Three of the GCC. The games against Strongsville and Elyria are must-win games if they are to continue to build on 2019's winning season. The Week 10 showdown with county rival Medina could end up being another season-defining game.

2020 Brunswick Outlook...

Brunswick had three all-league players a season ago. All three are coming back to lead the 2020 charge. Twins Jake and Kyle Scherette and lineman Tomas Rimac are sure to be three of the better players in the GCC once more. Jake, a QB, is entering his third season running the offense. In his two previous years, Jake has been used as a runner even more than a passer. The Blue Devils like to run the ball, and they also bring back last year's starting RB Nick Vadini. The offensive line returns a few starters, led by Rimac. The 6'6, 280-pound senior chose West Virginia over several other college offers. With talent and experience running behind a line keyed by Rimac, the running game should be one of the strengths for the Blue Devils. 

Defensively, the Blue Devils are led by some two-way players like DE Tomas Rimac and LB Kyle Scherette. Rimac is being recruited for his offensive game, but he is a difference-maker on defense too. Scherette was 1st team All-District on defense in 2019. He is joined in the middle by returning starting LB's Kyle Haber and Quintyn McKinely. Expect linebacker to be a position of strength. Brunswick has a strong and deep senior class that should put the team in a lot of competitive and winnable games. If their experience can guide them to a strong start out of the gate, expect the Blue Devils to once again be in the mix to return to the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, the league is incredibly deep and they will need to get a win against one of the top teams in order to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. 


Next Preview: Berea (Week 8)

Opponent Preview: Strongsville (Week 6)

Week 6

Who: Strongsville Mustangs (5-5 in 2019)

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium

When: October 2nd at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Lou Cirino (4th year at Strongsville, 64-41 overall coaching record)

History: These two have played every season since 2006. During that time, Mentor leads the series 13-2. Strongsville won both meetings in 2008 (including a playoff rematch). Mentor beat the Mustangs last season, 56-21. 

Looking Back…

After surrendering a total of 21 points in their previous six league games, Strongsville matched that number in Week 10 against the Cardinals. Still, Mentor did score 8 touchdowns in a comfortable victory. The Mustangs started the season 4-0 before dropping five of their final six games to finish the season at 5-5. They had two big wins in non-conference play against Hudson and Brecksville. Both of those teams made the playoffs in Division II. Back to back one score losses to Brunswick and Euclid in Weeks 5 and 6 proved to be the difference between making the playoffs or not in a very deep Region 1 field. Under Cirino, the Mustangs haven't had a losing season. All-District graduates include RB Garret Clark, DE Andrew Keating, and DT Ryan Seefeldt. 

Schedule…

The Mustangs' nonleague schedule kept all three opponents they had last season (Berea-Midpark, Hudson, and Brecksville). To fill for the departed Shaker Heights, they added Midview. Strongsville went 3-0 in non-conference games last season. Berea-Midpark (4-6 in 2019) is a team Strongsville has beaten the past few seasons. Hudson and Brecksville are coming off playoff seasons, so those games should present a challenge. After a strong run of making the playoffs five times in six seasons from 2012-2017, the Middies (5-5 in 2019) have failed to make the postseason since. This is a manageable non-conference schedule for the Mustangs that includes three DII teams. If they want to contend for a playoff spot, it is critical to win all of those games. In the league, Strongsville has been about a .500 team in GCC play (10-11 record) since Cirino took over. Most of those losses came at the hands of Mentor, Euclid, and Solon. Since 2009, the Mustangs are 0-30 against the Big Three of the GCC. Until Strongsville can find a way to win at least one of those games, there is incredibly small margin for error to make the playoffs. The games that will make or break their season are their longtime conference foes, Medina and Brunswick. 

2020 Strongsville Outlook…

If you see Strongsville this season, the first player that will stand out will be junior OL Blake Miller (6'6, 300). The tackle has offers from Ohio State, Clemson, Michigan, Florida, and many others. Despite bringing back one of their most coveted recruits in years, the Mustangs graduated most of their starters on offense. Senior Ryan Kahn will be given the opportunity to be the starting back after gaining some experience last year behind 1st team All-District RB Garret Clark. QB Maddux Beard got some starts last season as a sophomore, so expect his growth to be an important part of the team's success. Beard is a dual threat QB that showed a lot of ability to run the football last season. 

Defensively, the secondary looks to be a strength with a few returning starters that include corners Shane Slokar and Kyle Patrick. Kahn played safety last season, so it is possible to see him play on both sides of the ball. LB Jack Stephenson and DT Garrett Manney return on defense after strong 2019 seasons. Miller played some defensive line in the past, but it remains to be seen if he will be utilized on defense this season. Look for this team's success to be built on defense and the running game. If they can get out of the gate with a few wins like they did in 2019, that will go a long way as they hope to keep moving forward toward building a consistently winning program. 

Next: Brunswick (Week 7)

Opponent Preview: Medina (Week 5)

Week 5

Who: Medina Bees (7-4 in 2019)

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game

Where: Ken Dukes Stadium (Medina)

When: September 25th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Larry Laird (5th season at Medina, 25-18 record)

History: Mentor has played Medina seven times in league play since 2011, winning all seven. Last season, the Cardinals had one of their most dominant performances of 2019 with a 63-7 home victory over the Bees.

Looking Back...

Medina had a strong bounce-back year in 2019 as they finished 7-3 in the regular season and returned to the playoffs. With five playoff teams on their schedule, Medina had big wins against Cleveland Heights and Wadsworth. They also beat county rival Brunswick, which gave the Bees three wins over teams with winning records. This propelled them back into the playoffs after a three-year absence. Switching over to sophomore QB Drew Allar in Week 7 seemed to light a spark in the offense. The Bees had a tough draw with St Edward in Week 11, but the offense scored 38 points on one of the best defenses in Ohio. Their season ended in Week 11 with a 73-38 loss. Departed seniors include District Defensive POY Noah Nunn, WR Jake Nanonsky, lineman AJ Coltz, DB Kaedin Andrasik, and LB Seth DiCola. 

Schedule...

The non-conference schedule includes a couple of 2019 DII playoff teams (Warren Harding and Wadsworth) that should provide strong tests and an opportunity for big computer points. The Bees beat Wadsworth last season after losing two straight to their county neighbors. Warren Harding is a new addition to the schedule in the aftermath of Shaker Heights leaving the GCC. Highland (4-6 in 2019) has struggled to meet the heights they reached before their former coach (Tom Lombardo) left for St Edward in 2015. GlenOak, a team Mentor beat in the 2014 and 2015 playoffs, is a new addition to Medina's schedule. The Eagles (1-9 in 2019) made the playoffs eight out of ten seasons from 2007-2016, but they have struggled in the Federal League the past few seasons. Overall, this is a very manageable non-conference schedule that could see Medina be the favorite in all four games. Medina has struggled against the top three teams of the GCC (Mentor, Euclid, and Solon) with a 3-12 record against that group since 2015. Those three accounted for all of Medina's regular season losses in 2019. If Medina wants to be assured of the playoffs and avoid playing on the road in Week 11, they need to win at least one of those. Games against longtime conference foes Brunswick and Strongsville feel like must-win games. Medina is 5-0 against Elyria since the two joined the GCC in 2015. Medina's schedule shapes up as one that is challenging, but also one that could see at least 7 wins for the second straight season.

2020 Medina Outlook...

Offensively, Medina brings back junior QB Drew Allar. He is quickly becoming one of the most coveted Ohio recruits in his class. Allar went from backup to starter late in the season as he replaced Ryan Gillepsie, who also returns for the Bees. Allar (6'5, 210) has offers from Pitt, Akron, Central Michigan, and Toledo. Senior receiver Luke Hensley is a three-year starter who was 1st team All-District in 2019. The Allar/Hensley connection is one of the best in the area. Look for another big year from Hensley. WR/RB Matt Spatny is another talented offensive player for the Bees. Over the past couple of seasons, Coach Laird has utilized a lot of empty backfield looks with 5 wideouts. This pass-frenzy offense scored five touchdowns against St Edward in last year's playoff game. Up front, the Bees bring back a few starters on the offensive line including Otto Weight (6'4, 290), and Kyle Shultz (6'4, 280). With Allar getting the reigns from the start, expect this offense to be as good as any on Mentor's schedule. 

Defensively, they have several starters to replace including the Northeast Inland District Defensive Player of the Year, Noah Nunn. LB Nathan Spatny and DB Jajuan Jackson are a couple of talented returning starters that should lead the defense.  The defensive line is young and huge with defensive ends Ryan Farrell (6'3, 240) and Mason Pogue (6'5, 240) leading the way. Keeping opponents off the scoreboard was a concern last season. In their four losses (including the playoff loss to St Edward), the Bees gave up an average of 52.5 points per game. This group will need significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball in order to compete with the best teams on their schedule. On special teams, all-district kicker Ryan Miller is back. 

Coach Larry Laird has two playoff wins in his career with Medina. Those are the only two playoff wins in the history of the program. This is a strong and deep junior class. Over the next couple of seasons, don't be surprised to see the Bees add to that number as they look to challenge Mentor, Euclid, and Solon for league supremacy. 

Next Preview: Strongsville (Week 6)

Pre-Season All GCC Team

Offense

QB Ian Kipp, Mentor - This 2019 DI Co-Offensive POY (4,000 total yards and 42 TD's) has five career playoff wins and a 5-1 overall record against St Ignatius/St Edward

RB Khalil Eichelberger, Solon - The talented senior has been the workhorse for the Comets the past two seasons with close to 2,000 rushing yards and 23 TD's

RB Jaheim Atkinson, Elyria - His junior season saw a number of 100+ yard games, including a season-high of 187 yards against Shaker

WR Luke Hensley, Medina - A three-year starter, Hensley was 1st team All-District in 2019 and will be the top target in a high powered Medina passing offense

WR Claishon Ivory, Euclid - Became an impact player (37 catches for 684 yards and 9 TD's) as a sophomore last season and earned 2nd team All-District

WR Armond Scott, Euclid - At 6'3 and 200-pounds, Scott is a big and talented receiver (40 catches, 700 yards, 15 TD's) that chose Kentucky over a number of other college offers

OL Blake Miller Strongsville - The 6'6, 300-pound junior has the attention of every top program with offers that include Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan, and Clemson.

OL Hunter Colao, Mentor - A three-year starter, Colao (6'0, 260) earned 1st Team All-District honors in blocking for an offense that rushed for nearly 4,000 yards

OL Tomas Rimac, Brunswick - The 6'6, 280-pound senior recently committed to West Virginia over a dozen other offers to play at the next level, including multiple Big Ten teams

OL Herman Taylor, Euclid - After earning 2nd team All-District honors last season, Taylor (6'4, 285) is sure to get some college looks

OL Harkamal Sohi, Solon - This big senior tackle (6'6, 295) has college offers from FCS schools like Youngstown State and Indiana State

Defense

DE Najee Story, Solon - One of the most sought after defensive recruits in the Midwest defense, the three-year starter (6'4, 235) has committed to Northwestern

DL Alex Reese, Euclid - A standout two-way lineman (and Akron commit) that has the size (6'4, 280) and talent to make a big impact on both sides of the ball

DT Preston Cardina, Mentor - Now a senior, the experienced Cardina (6'1, 285) will be a key part of Mentor's big and talented defensive front

DE Brenan Vernon, Mentor - Started as a freshman last season, Vernon (6'5, 245) has compiled an impressive offer sheet including Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Michigan State

LB Evan Boyd, Mentor - In 2019, Boyd forced/recovered key turnovers that were instrumental in wins over St Ignatius, Clarkson, and Solon

LB Kyle Scherette, Brunswick - The senior was one of the leading tacklers for the Blue Devils last season as he earned 2nd Team All-Ohio

LB Markell Green, Solon - Starting as a sophomore, Green was one of Solon's top defensive players as he collected 74 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2019

DB Cameron Smith, Euclid - The 6'2, 180-pound Eastern Michigan commit was 2nd Team All-Ohio in a season that was highlighted by his game-winning play against Canton McKinley

DB Noah Gladish, Mentor - Displayed big-play potential (including two pick-sixes in a playoff game) as a sophomore in 2018, Gladish missed the entire 2019 season due to ACL injury

DB Jajuan Jackson, Medina - Was named Honorable Mention on the All-District team after having a big impact in the secondary and on special teams as a sophomore in 2019.

DB Atiba Fitz, Euclid - Dangerous on offense, defense, and special teams - Fitz is a three-year starter and an Air Force commit

Opponent Preview: St Edward (Week 3)

This is the third of my previews for Mentor's 2020 opponents. See the Week 2 opponent preview on St Ignatius here

Week 3

Who: St Edward Eagles

What: Non-conference

Where: Jerome T Osborne Sr Stadium

When: September 11th at 7:00pm 

Opposing Coach: Tom Lombardo (6th season at St Edward, 55-11 record, 144-49 overall coaching record with three state titles)

History: Mentor and St Edward split a regular season series in 2009 and 2010. With a series renewal in 2017, Mentor has won the past two regular season games. The two have split eight playoff meetings since 2003. The winner of that respective playoff game went on to win the region all eight times and advance to the state final in six of those those eight years. The Cardinals and Eagles have played 12 times (regular season and playoffs) since 2003, with Mentor having a 7-5 advantage.

Looking Back...

The Eagles finished with an 11-2 record (9-1 regular season) in 2019. Their only losses were handed to them in late game heroics by the Cardinals. The season opened with a 29-28 loss to Mentor. But the Eagles won their next 11 games and proved to be as talented as any team in the state last year. After convincing playoff wins over Medina and Euclid, a 36-35 (OT) regional final loss at the hands of Mentor ended Lombardo's hope for a 4th state title as a head coach. The Eagles' regular season was highlighted with wins over Cincinnati Elder (the eventual state runners-up) and rival St Ignatius. Mentor was the thorn in what was otherwise a very successful season. The regional final saw Mentor come back from a 21-7 halftime deficit to eventually tie the game, force overtime, and win on a two point conversion. RB Joey Formani (Bowling Green), WR Montorie Foster (Michigan State), OL Brian Kilbane (Bowling Green), OL Ronan Chambers (Akron), DE Jeff Pietrowski (Michigan State), DB's Logan/Lawson Nash (Penn), and DE Alex Colangelo (Robert Morris) are graduated seniors that will earned scholarships to play DI football. QB Connor O'Malley and WR Mackenzie Wainwright (chose baseball over football offers) are also talented graduates from a loaded 2019 offense. Last year's Eagles were as good of a team that Mentor has ever beaten.

Schedule...

The schedule is once again filled with some of the very best programs in Ohio (St Ignatius, Hoban, Elder, and Moeller) along with a mix of out of state teams. Those four Ohio programs have combined for 24 state championships. Moeller (2-8 in 2019) did struggle last season, but they shouldn't be down long. The Eagles have to make two trips to Cincinnati, always a difficult challenge. Elder, the runners-up in Division I last season to Pickerington Central, is back on the Eagles' schedule. Euclid is one of the best teams in NEO and they will be looking to avenge their Week 12 loss to the Eagles. Benedictine returns to the schedule. HD Woodson (D.C.), Canada's Football North, and Landover Royalty Institute (MD) round out the 2020 schedule. This schedule is filled with a healthy mix of very tough games as well as some very winnable games. The schedule will prepare the Eagles a November run, but it isn't too daunting as to be a road block for making the playoffs. 

2020 St Edward Outlook...

Over the last ten years, the Eagles have been the dominant big school program in Ohio. Their four state championships (2010, 2014, 2015, 2018) were tops in Division I. If not for Mentor knocking off incredibly talented Eagles' squads (2012, 2013, 2017, and 2019), they might have had five or six state championships last decade. As for 2020, look for St Eds to reload and become one of the top teams in the state. Offensively, the Eagles have to replace nearly every key position. Junior Christian Ramos is the favorite to replace O'Malley at QB. Replacing 1st Team All-Ohio back Joey Formani will be senior Malachi Watkins, who got some varsity carries last season. Watkins rushed for over 200 yards last season as the backup. At receiver, the player that returns with the most varsity experience is Joel Castleberry, who had 7 catches for 90 yards and two TD's as a sophomore last season. Lineman Chris Moran and Thomas Aden are returning starters on the offensive line. A lot of the pressure on offense will be put on the arm and legs of the highly touted Ramos. If the first year QB can establish himself as a consistent dual threat weapon, that will go a long way toward the Eagles' offensive success. 

While the Eagles are a little green (no pun intended) in some key spots on offense, they should be sharp as always on defense. Senior LB CJ Hankins is the leader of the defense as a three-year starter that played a key role on a state championship defense in 2018. Hankins is an athletic inside linebacker with offers to play at Akron and Kent. Junior DE Trey Bixby (6'5, 245) was one of the leading tacklers on the team as he was a part of a big and talented defensive front that included All-Ohio end Pietrowski. Bixby is one of the top Ohio recruits in the 2022 class with offers that include Michigan State, Minnesota, and Cincinnati. Cade Castro (6'2, 250) had 34 tackles a season ago as a rotational interior lineman. Senior corner Jaylen Castelberry is the lone returning starter from a very talented 2019 secondary. Led by a super duo of Hankins/Bixby, expect the Eagles to be one of the top defensive teams in the state. 

Region 1 has gone through the Eagles for most of the past decade. Expect 2020 to be no different. A lot of talented players at key positions have graduated, but St Edward has plenty of talent and depth to reload. This will be a state championship caliber defense that will be big and talented up front. If the offense can successfully plug in some youth/inexperience, this is the team to watch out for come November.


Next Preview: Solon (Week 4)