FRIDAY Benedictine at Walsh Jesuit
Lake Catholic quarterback Bryan Blondeaux hopes to lead the Cougars to another conference win Saturday against Padua, which is also 2-0 in the North Coast League Blue Division.
-
(Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)
FRIDAY
Benedictine at Walsh Jesuit
What, when, where: Nonleague game, 7 p.m., Conway Memorial Field, 4550 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Call 330-929-4205.
Records: Benedictine 1-6; Walsh Jesuit 5-2.
What to watch: The Warriors are coming off a rousing 17-10 victory over rival St. Vincent-St. Mary, which kept their playoff hopes alive in Division II, Region 5. It will mean little if they let this game slip away. Ranked 10th in The Plain Dealer Top 25, Walsh needs to win out in order to maintain or improve on its current hold on eighth place in the region. The offense, keyed by senior quarterback and Michigan State recruit Connor Cook, junior running back Ryan Jun, senior receiver Tyler Starkey and junior tight end Kevin Enright, needs to score early and put the game away. The Bengals have not come close to preseason expectations, mainly because their schedule is too brutal. Bryan Lacey and Marshall Howell have combined for 701 yards on the ground and quarterback Ty Wilcosky has thrown for 544 yards. Walsh Jesuit leads the all-time series, 10-6. Benedictine won last year, 14-3, to snap Walsh Jesuit's five-game winning streak.
PD pick: Walsh Jesuit.
Brecksville-Broadview Heights at Amherst
What, when, where: Southwestern Conference game, 7:30 p.m., Amherst Field, 450 Washington St., Amherst. Call 440-988-4433 ext. 226.
Records: Becksville 5-2, 3-1; Amherst 7-0, 4-0.
What to watch: The Bees bounced back from a loss to get past North Olmsted, but they needed a late touchdown by sophomore quarterback Tom Tupa to get it. Senior running back Matt Galland had another big game with three scores. This is their playoff run, with Avon Lake next on the schedule. The Comets built a 41-0 lead at halftime against Midview, prevailing 47-20. Junior quarterback Brennan Hosier passed for three scores. The defense has been solid. The Bees will have to take advantage of every opportunity in what should be a low-scoring affair.
PD pick: Amherst.
Brunswick at Strongsville
What, when, where: Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division game, 7 p.m., Pat Catan Stadium, 20025 Lunn Road, Strongsville. Call 440-572-7102.
Records: Brunswick 4-3, 1-1; Strongsville 5-2, 2-0.
What to watch: It doesn't get any easier for Brunswick, a 27-0 NOC Valley Division loser to Solon in Week 7. The Blue Devils have a nice 1-2 punch in their running game with Nick Roberts and Eric Fox, while their defensive standouts are LBs Mike Vrsansky, D.J. Osters, DL John Bruketa and CB Scott Suren. TB Tevin Jackson and DE Jake Maurer are still serving five-game suspensions for breaking a team rule. Strongsville, riding a five-game win streak, has prospered on the arm of QB Austin Pritchard, the running of TB Matt Bianco and capable receivers in two-way players Ryan Aske and Iowa recruit Ray Hamilton. Zach Sedivy leads a talented LB corps while DLs David Kaminski and Mike Rosado, along with LB/S Ryan Przeslica, are reasons the Mustangs' defense has given up an average of just nine points a game in the last five weeks.
PD pick: Strongsville.
Green at Copley
What, when, where: Suburban League game, 7 p.m., Copley Stadium, 3807 Ridgewood Dr., Copley. Call 330-664-4833.
Records: Green 4-3, 4-0; Copley 7-0, 4-0.
What to watch: Copley has put itself in position to accomplish two goals. It can take a major stride in making the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and it can win at least a share of the league title for the first time since 2004. The Indians, in fourth place in the Division II, Region 5 computer standings, have a diverse offense. Sophomore running back Aregeros Turner, junior quarterback Lou Gigliotti and wide receiver Shawn Taylor are capable of scoring from any spot on the field. Things looked bleak for Green a little more than a month ago. It had lost its first three games and had given up 107 points in the process. The Bulldogs still are giving up points -- about 19 per game over their last three outings -- but they are scoring more too. It's probably too late for the Bulldogs to make the playoffs, but they still can earn a share of the league title with undefeated Tallmadge up next week.
PD pick: Copley.
Mayfield at Medina
What, when, where: Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division game, 7 p.m., Ken Dukes Stadium, 777 E. Union St., Medina. Call 330-636-3228.
Records: Mayfield 4-3, 0-2; Medina 6-1, 1-1.
What to watch: Mayfield is playing without QB Caden Loew because of a season-ending knee injury so sophomore Alex Brooks has been put on the hot seat. RBs Carlos Cruzado and Nick Canganelli as well WRs Chuck Zavarella, Nick DiSanto and Harry Morgenstern are now expected to pull most of the load on an offense that mustered just 130 total yards in a Week 7 loss to Strongsville. Mayfield's secondary needs to be aware of WR Walter Bailey, who has stepped up in the place of suspended Justin Letts. If Medina QB Mason Schreck can't find anyone open, he'll turn to reliable TB Jason Suggs, who led the way as the offense totaled 505 yards in last week's victory at Nordonia. Medina's defense has been solid because Laterian Brown is a shutdown CB and defensive lineman Werner Ostmann has been a thorn for opposing teams.
PD pick: Medina.
Parma at Garfield Heights
What, when, where: Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division game, 7 p.m., Blaugrund Field, 4900 Turney Road, Garfield Heights. Call 216-475-8075.
Records: Parma 6-1, 2-0; Garfield Heights 3-4, 1-1.
What to watch: Bring a snack because footballs will fill the air, making for a long game. Parma is known for its dangerous passing game thanks to QB Joe Pullman and WRs Romey Johnson, Amer Smith, Billy Pullman and Dylan Kurtz. But the athleticism of Joe Pullman, along with the recent emergence of FB Cameron Thompson and the blocking of 6-4, 290-pound tackle Jason Varwig has given the offense more versatility. Garfield Heights was committed to the running game the first six weeks but is back to passing the ball thanks to sophomore James Bennett, who had a successful starting debut in last week's NOC Lake Division win over Valley Forge.
PD pick: Parma.
Perry at Aurora
What, when, where: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division game, 7 p.m., Inkstop Field at Veterans Stadium, Aurora High, 109 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora. Call 330-954-2008.
Records: Perry 5-2, 2-2; Aurora 6-1, 4-0.
What to watch: Perry QB Mitchel Hokavar is out, probably for the season, with an illness. Converted split end Mickey Parker passed for 147 yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 loss to Kenston, and he might be asked to be a bigger part of the running game this week. Both teams have strong offensive and defensive ends, so there will be plenty of action in the trenches. Aurora's defense is allowing an average of 12 points thanks to a stellar front seven that flies into backfields. Greenmen junior QB Blake Calcei has been playing well and passed for 228 yards in the first half of a blowout of Wickliffe.
PD pick: Aurora.
St. Vincent-St. Mary at Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
What, when, where: Nonleague game, 7 p.m., Stambaugh Stadium, One University Plaza, Youngstown. Call 330-941-1978.
Records: SVSM 5-2; Mooney 4-2.
What to watch: If SVSM ever needed a victory it is now. With a demanding schedule taking a toll, the Irish simply cannot afford to lose another game if they intend on making a 15th appearance in the playoffs. Mooney might not be the best opponent the Irish need to be playing at this juncture. It has beaten SVSM 17 times in 18 games, including a 34-9 decision last year at Green Street. Undoubtedly, the game will have playoff ramifications. Mooney is fourth in Division III, Region 9 and SVSM is fifth. The Irish need to find some consistency on offense as it is averaging a little over two touchdowns a game and that's not enough with its schedule.
PD pick: SVSM.
Stow at Elyria
What, when, where: Northeast Ohio Conference River Division game, 7 p.m., Ely Stadium, 1915 Middle Ave., Elyria. Call 440-284-8300.
Records: Stow 2-5, 1-1; Elyria 3-4, 2-0.
What to watch: Stow will need the same kind of effort from TB Duane Mitchell, QB Mike Greenwell and receivers Mike Jones and Mike Garrison that it got during last week's 41-0 NOC River shutout over Lakewood because Elyria can put points on the board. The Pioneers, thanks to versatile QB Dustin Stolarski, RBs Keon Nealy, Jumarr Lewis and Jared Williams and standout receiver Demetrius Walton, could give the Bulldogs' defense fits. As if that's not enough, Elyria has one of Ohio's best two-way lineman in Ohio State recruit Chase Farris.
PD pick: Elyria.
West Geauga at Chagrin Falls
What, when, where: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division game, 7 p.m., Harris Stadium, Chagrin Falls High, 400 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls. Call 440-247-2072.
Records: Both are 6-1, 3-1.
What to watch: This could be a high-scoring, high-charged affair. Chagrin Falls has owned the rivalry since 2006. West Geauga comes in with an offense that has been slowed by one team, Aurora. Chagrin has piled up more than 100 points and 1,000 yards in its past two games. West G option QB Joe Drenski has diversified this year, frequently passing for more yards than he runs. Chagrin Falls has been effectively alternating QBs Tim Porter and Tommy Iammarino and a stable of running backs to complement several talented wideouts, including Spencer Diedrich and Marc Geraci.
PD pick: West Geauga.
Westlake at Avon Lake
What, when, where: Southwestern Conference game, 7:30 p.m., Avon Lake Stadium, 175 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake. Call 440-933-5164.
Records: Westlake 5-2, 2-2; Avon Lake 6-1, 4-0.
What to watch: The Demons could not get anything going in a 10-0 loss to Olmsted Falls. They are still in the hunt for the Division II playoffs, as they are fifth in Region 6. Avon Lake is fourth. After an opening loss to Avon, the Shoremen have scored at least 40 points in four games. They have outscored their past two opponents, 91-7. Quarterback Trent Toy guides the balanced offense. The Demons will have to control the ball to keep the home club off the field.
PD pick: Avon Lake.
SATURDAY
Cincinnati St. Xavier vs. St. Edward
What, when, where: Nonleague game, 2 p.m., Lakewood Stadium, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood. Call 216-529-4034.
Records: St. Xavier 4-3; St. Edward 7-0.
What to watch: St. Edward, ranked third in The Plain Dealer Top 25 and fourth in the state poll, has allowed 12 points -- total -- in its past five games. Eagles QB Kevin Burke has been steady and has 14 combined touchdowns passing and rushing. Senior tailback Reggie Terrell has stepped in and played well for injured Terrell Bates (knee). Terrell has 542 yards on 60 carries (9-yard average) and seven TDs. Bates probably won't play, but should return in the next two weeks. The Eagles destroyed 2009 Division III state runner-up Columbus DeSales, 62-0, last week. St. Xavier has played a tough schedule and two of its losses were to state-ranked Moeller and LaSalle. St. Xavier junior TB Conor Hundley has 1,030 yards and 11 TDs rushing. LB Steven Daniels has 12 sacks.
PD pick: St. Edward.
Elyria Catholic at Cleveland Central Catholic
What, when, where: North Coast League White Division game, 1 p.m., Stefanski Stadium, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland. Call 216-441-8373.
Records: Elyria Catholic 6-1, 1-1; CCC 6-1, 2-0.
What to watch: The Panthers had their perfect season scuttled by Padua, 41-23, as they were outscored in the second half, 21-6. Still, senior quarterback Danny Reaser passed for 397 yards and three scores. He has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,661 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Ironmen have won five straight since a loss to Field in Week 2. Senior quarterback Darius Richard has guided the passing offense, with senior defensive end Eshawn Dixon anchoring the defense. This is the biggest game in years for CCC, which is playing at its new home field. The Panthers look to have the playoffs locked up, while the Ironmen are on the bubble for their first postseason since 1982. This should be a high-scoring affair.
PD pick: Elyria Catholic.
Padua at Lake Catholic
What, when, where: North Coast League Blue Division game, 7 p.m., Osborne Stadium, 6477 Center St., Mentor. Call 440-951-0077.
Records: Padua 5-2, 2-0; Lake Catholic 6-1, 2-0.
What to watch: The Bruins knocked off Elyria Catholic with a strong second-half defensive effort. They will need two halves of that and more to get past the Cougars. Quarterback Jim Solano has produced points when needed. Still, the Cougars have been dominating in three straight shutouts, outscoring opponents 161-0. It's 272-52 overall. Senior running back Richie Sanders has 1,185 yards and 14 touchdowns. Keeping it close early is a must for the visitors.
PD pick: Lake Catholic.