Region 1 has always been a grind (especially old Region 1, with Glenville, Warren Harding, Boardman, AF, Strongsville & Solon at their heights, etc.), so I can definitely see teams getting tired or banged up, or having letdowns next game, etc. I think it also speaks to the weird inability for the other non-Edward/Ignatius Region 1 teams to break through. What was the last Region 1 state champion other than those two? Warren Harding in 1990? There have been several teams that could have (really, should have) won, many that are on EagleFan's list and many that aren't. Hopefully Mentor or Medina can do it this year.
For example, after our losses to them in the playoffs, I thought for sure Mentor would win in 2012 and Glenville in 2009.
I am still confident that Mentor will win one soon enough though.