Week 1 Review

Slow start...

For the first several minutes of the game, this looked like it was going to be a LONG season.  Defense struggled mightily to stop McDowell's triple option offense.  The Spartans had two possessions on offense and two pretty easy scoring drives.  Mentor's first possession ended with QB Conner Krizancic falling on a bad snap in the end zone with a safety.  The second possession looked like it was headed for a second straight three and out as Mentor faced a 4th and 1.  While lined up to punt, Mentor instead called a timeout in hopes of picking up a 1st down as they were down 16-0.  At that point, I have to say I speak for many fans when I say there was some inward panic about this game and even the entire season.  

And then...

Mentor picked up the first down and Krizancic ended up throwing a touchdown pass to get Mentor on the scoreboard.  Sophomore QB Matt Eiswerth entered the game and allowed Krizancic to slide over to receiver.  The Eiswerth-led offense put up points on three more drives to get out to a 23-16 lead.  The play of the half was Brandon Fritts' catch and run touchdown in which he ran through and knocked down at least a few Spartans.  Even though McDowell tied the game at halftime (and had a 30-29 lead early in the 4th quarter), there was something about the improved defense and the switch at QB that gave me confidence that Mentor would indeed win the game.  Two fourth quarter touchdowns from Eiswerth to Krizancic helped give Mentor the 44-30 win.  

Defense...

A slow start on the first two possessions had many at the JTO thinking, "here we go again."  But the defense adjusted to the triple option.  The defensive line started winning the battle of the trenches and found their way into the backfield to make some big stops.  Kent Berger was the biggest standout on defense, but all picked up their game after having trouble early.  The improvement on defense was a major factor as Mentor finished the game on a 44-14 run.  

Eiswerth...

This was quite the coming out party for the sophomore QB.  With Krizancic's sore throwing arm and the offense needing a change, Eiswerth was just what the offense needed.  Former All-Ohio QB's at Mentor (Thom Abbott, Bart Tanski, and Mitch Trubisky) all had varsity opportunities as sophomores.  I don't think any of them had five touchdowns in one game.  What does that mean?  Hopefully it means Mentor has found their next All-Ohio signal caller.  

Two QB's Better than One?

The phrase, "quarterback controversy" comes with a lot of baggage and negativity.  There is also the old adage, "If you have two QB's, you don't have one."  And there is also the "two heads are better than one."  Coach Trivisonno's postgame comments allude to the fact that both Krizancic and Eiswerth will be used at the QB position from now.  Apparently there is no controversy, just opportunities for the offense to make the most of both players' skill sets.  We will have to wait and see how the offense will unfold with the use of both talented football players.  

What is ahead?

In case you are living under a rock, Mentor's next opponent will be St Ignatius.  I can't wait!