Week 1 Preview (Erie McDowell)

Week 1

Who: McDowell Trojans (Erie, PA)

What:   2013 regular season and home opener  

Where:  Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium 

When:  August 30th at 7:00pm

Opposing Coach: Mark Soboleski (9th season overall, 5th with McDowell)

History:  The two teams met for the first time last season.  Mentor took a rare trip to Pennsylvania and rallied from a nine point second half deficit to defeat McDowell, 34-27. 

What to Expect...

McDowell's triple option offense gave Mentor fits last year as they piled up 461 rushing yards when the two played in Erie.  The top three rushers in that game have since graduated from McDowell.  Replacing that trio are a few dynamic two-way players from 2012 that saw most of their impact on defense in the secondary.  Junior Jake Tarasovitch (McDowell's leading tackler last season) took over the starting QB position mid-way through 2012 due to injuries.  Standout DB Tyree Spearman will also become the primary ball carrier.  WR/DB Jamie Szymczak is a threat on offense as well. 

The Trojans are on the honorable mention list for the AAAA (PA's big school division) Top 10 pre-season poll released by PA Football News.  Returning all of the starters from the secondary is a big reason for that consideration.  The experience Tarasovitch received last year as a sophomore will be a big benefit in 2013.  Three starting offensive lineman return, including All-State tackle Scot Augustine.  If there is a player for Mentor's defense to really keep an eye on, it probably will be Spearman.  The senior has 4.4 speed and is one of the top recruits in his region. 

Mentor might have a little bit of trouble getting the passing game going on the account of replacing a Mr. Football QB against McDowell's experienced and talented secondary.  Big and talented senior receiver Brandon Fritts will be a difficult matchup for any team, even McDowell.  The front seven on McDowell's defense is the biggest area of concern according to Soboleski.  With a young group of lineman and linebackers on the other side of the ball, Mentor should be able to use the running game (with weapons like QB Conner Krizancic and RB Eddie Daugherty) to move the chains.  Don't be surprised to see a lot of two back sets.  Mentor looks deep at the position with sophomore Alex Mathews and junior Jerrell Jackson (transfer from Harvey) also in the mix.

Mentor had two big questions to address as they transitioned from last season to 2013.  One had to do with the defense and the other was at quarterback.  The defense returns many starters from last year's team - but it was a defense that struggled.  How much will they improve?  The other question was not only who would be the QB, but more importantly: How will they perform?  Senior Conner Krizancic has excelled at receiver the previous two seasons and is ready to take on the job.  However, sophomore Matt Eiswerth took most of the snaps at QB in Mentor's scrimmage against Hoover.  He looked very comfortable and competent at the position, which included a very nice touchdown pass to Corey Plavcan.  Will Mentor use two QB's on Friday?  Watch and find out.

Prediction...Mentor is a more balanced team in 2013.  Not an all-world offense, but also not a defense that will be giving up 450 rushing yards again.  McDowell is trying to replace the production of standout RB/DE James Conner (currently at Pitt), as well as other graduates.  A couple advantages are that McDowell relies on two-way players and the game will be in Lake County.  I think the Cardinals will win this game on the strength of their offensive weapons, a veteran offensive line, and a defense that has a chip on their shoulder.  I predict Mentor by two scores. 

Mentor 34 McDowell 20

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