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Mentor Cardinals Football 2021

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PDC said:
You were more impressed than I was with Springfield. Good team, talented, but if they are top 3-5 in D1, that's odd to me.

We'll see this Friday. Ignatius hasn't exactly challenged Mentor defensively, especially at Mentor in recent years.
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Mentor and St Ignatius have split the eight games at Mentor since 2005. They have alternated wins at the JTO. Ignatius won 05, 09, 13, and 17. Mentor won 07, 11, 15, and 19. So you could say St Ignatius is due if the pattern continues…

Mentor is 3-4 at Byers in the regular season but 3-0 in the playoff games at Byers.
 
One player who didn't have much impact (in terms of tackles, tackles for loss, pressures, or sacks) was Vernon. I don't have his stats, but based on what I saw (and heard from the PA announcer), he didn't make much of a dent in the box score. This is obviously not a knock on him. He is a fantastic talent. I'm not suggesting he necessarily did anything wrong or had a "bad" game. He was often going up against McKinley's best offensive player - Stafan Monahan (6'8, 295) along with help from the guard when needed.

Going back to our earlier discussion, I didn't see how making him a space eater on the line is what is best for this team. As for the current team not having enough depth on the defensive line, I saw two players rotate in the three man front (one was a linebacker sliding up at end and the other was tackle Ryan Lawson). Why can't Mentor go with a four man line of Vernon - LoDuca - Lawson - Savor as their base set? LoDuca and Lawson in the middle would create a lot of one on one opportunities for Vernon. They would plug up the run game at the line of scrimmage more frequently. Vernon would get more opportunities to pressure the QB on passing plays. The team has the depth on the defensive line to do it. If they want to drop back 5 in coverage, just go with a 4-2-5 like a lot of modern defenses do on obvious passing plays.
 
cardzfan1234 said:
One player who didn't have much impact (in terms of tackles, tackles for loss, pressures, or sacks) was Vernon. I don't have his stats, but based on what I saw (and heard from the PA announcer), he didn't make much of a dent in the box score. This is obviously not a knock on him. He is a fantastic talent. I'm not suggesting he necessarily did anything wrong or had a "bad" game. He was often going up against McKinley's best offensive player - Stafan Monahan (6'8, 295) along with help from the guard when needed.

Going back to our earlier discussion, I didn't see how making him a space eater on the line is what is best for this team. As for the current team not having enough depth on the defensive line, I saw two players rotate in the three man front (one was a linebacker sliding up at end and the other was tackle Ryan Lawson). Why can't Mentor go with a four man line of Vernon - LoDuca - Lawson - Savor as their base set? LoDuca and Lawson in the middle would create a lot of one on one opportunities for Vernon. They would plug up the run game at the line of scrimmage more frequently. Vernon would get more opportunities to pressure the QB on passing plays. The team has the depth on the defensive line to do it. If they want to drop back 5 in coverage, just go with a 4-2-5 like a lot of modern defenses do on obvious passing plays.
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We know why. It won't change until Funk is gone
 
cardzfan1234 said:
One player who didn't have much impact (in terms of tackles, tackles for loss, pressures, or sacks) was Vernon. I don't have his stats, but based on what I saw (and heard from the PA announcer), he didn't make much of a dent in the box score. This is obviously not a knock on him. He is a fantastic talent. I'm not suggesting he necessarily did anything wrong or had a "bad" game. He was often going up against McKinley's best offensive player - Stafan Monahan (6'8, 295) along with help from the guard when needed.

Going back to our earlier discussion, I didn't see how making him a space eater on the line is what is best for this team. As for the current team not having enough depth on the defensive line, I saw two players rotate in the three man front (one was a linebacker sliding up at end and the other was tackle Ryan Lawson). Why can't Mentor go with a four man line of Vernon - LoDuca - Lawson - Savor as their base set? LoDuca and Lawson in the middle would create a lot of one on one opportunities for Vernon. They would plug up the run game at the line of scrimmage more frequently. Vernon would get more opportunities to pressure the QB on passing plays. The team has the depth on the defensive line to do it. If they want to drop back 5 in coverage, just go with a 4-2-5 like a lot of modern defenses do on obvious passing plays.
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The defense only gave up 7 points, I'll take that every week. Vernon is going to get double teamed most of the time whether they play a 3 man or 4 man front. Mentor had such a big lead, they were able to play a lot of their 2nd and 3rd string. Lawson is 20 pounds heavier at 235 than he was last year, but he is still undersized for a DT. By next year, he should be big enough to claim a starting role. I don't know if they are going to have the luxury of giving back-ups playing time over the next 3 games.
 
FightingCardinal said:
The defense only gave up 7 points, I'll take that every week. Vernon is going to get double teamed most of the time whether they play a 3 man or 4 man front. Mentor had such a big lead, they were able to play a lot of their 2nd and 3rd string. Lawson is 20 pounds heavier at 235 than he was last year, but he is still undersized for a DT. By next year, he should be big enough to claim a starting role. I don't know if they are going to have the luxury of giving back-ups playing time over the next 3 games.
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I have no complaints about the results. On the first three possessions, the defense forced three and outs. They kept McKinley in check all night and stayed pretty sharp. The defense gave up just one score. It wasn't an A+ defensive game, but it was very solid. The opponent certainly had something to do with those results. McKinley is down right now. Let's see what happens to this defense against better teams. If they hold St Ignatius to 7 this week...I will give credit where it is due.

It is true that Vernon can get double teamed in a 4 man front. But he is going to get doubled more often in a 3 man front. Right? Do you really want to make it easier for the opposing team to neutralize your most talented player? It doesn't make any sense.
 
cardzfan1234 said:
I have no complaints about the results. On the first three possessions, the defense forced three and outs. They kept McKinley in check all night and stayed pretty sharp. The defense gave up just one score. It wasn't an A+ defensive game, but it was very solid. The opponent certainly had something to do with those results. McKinley is down right now. Let's see what happens to this defense against better teams. If they hold St Ignatius to 7 this week...I will give credit where it is due.

It is true that Vernon can get double teamed in a 4 man front. But he is going to get doubled more often in a 3 man front. Right? Do you really want to make it easier for the opposing team to neutralize your most talented player? It doesn't make any sense.
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Great post. The McKinley passing game was abysmal so the alignment deficiency wouldn't show up as much in a game like this. Vernon was a space eater as the coaching staff said he might be with this alignment.

I still disagree with it completely. But of course I hope for good results despite the coaches being deficient in defense at the top (Funk). He should enjoy retirement and let Wilcox have the top voice duties
 
Thoughts on the Ignatius game? The series had to be put on hold last season due to COVID. After playing for 15 consecutive seasons (Ignatius has an 8-7 edge in the regular season series), they are back at it on Friday. The last time these two played (2019 at Mentor) was probably the best comeback regular season win I have seen for Mentor. That was the Connor Cmiel show and Mentor found a way to make a 4th quarter comeback with three unanswered TD's if memory serves me right.

Here was my opponent preview on the Cats: https://mentorfootball.blogspot.com/2021/07/opponent-preview-st-ignatius-week-2.html

I didn't see them in person (obviously), but I came away more nervous about the Week 2 game based on how tight they played Springfield. I know the Ignatius following who was there aren't quite so optimistic. But Springfield has been a really good team the past few seasons and Ignatius had them on the ropes, and the game was on the road too. It sounds like offensively, Ignatius has some issues. Historically, Mentor has plenty of issues on defense. That matchup should be interesting.

St Ignatius is still a strong defensive team. Mentor's offense looked great against McKinley, but the Bulldogs are a big drop off from what Mentor will see this week. The offensive line blocked well and I think that will be the biggest key to Mentor's success this week. They have to open up holes for the running game. They need to keep the linebackers and the blitzes off Snow's back.

I look forwarding to seeing these two play again. This series is the best thing that has happened to the Mentor program.
 
cardzfan1234 said:
Thoughts on the Ignatius game? The series had to be put on hold last season due to COVID. After playing for 15 consecutive seasons (Ignatius has an 8-7 edge in the regular season series), they are back at it on Friday. The last time these two played (2019 at Mentor) was probably the best comeback regular season win I have seen for Mentor. That was the Connor Cmiel show and Mentor found a way to make a 4th quarter comeback with three unanswered TD's if memory serves me right.

Here was my opponent preview on the Cats: https://mentorfootball.blogspot.com/2021/07/opponent-preview-st-ignatius-week-2.html

I didn't see them in person (obviously), but I came away more nervous about the Week 2 game based on how tight they played Springfield. I know the Ignatius following who was there aren't quite so optimistic. But Springfield has been a really good team the past few seasons and Ignatius had them on the ropes, and the game was on the road too. It sounds like offensively, Ignatius has some issues. Historically, Mentor has plenty of issues on defense. That matchup should be interesting.

St Ignatius is still a strong defensive team. Mentor's offense looked great against McKinley, but the Bulldogs are a big drop off from what Mentor will see this week. The offensive line blocked well and I think that will be the biggest key to Mentor's success this week. They have to open up holes for the running game. They need to keep the linebackers and the blitzes off Snow's back.

I look forwarding to seeing these two play again. This series is the best thing that has happened to the Mentor program.
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They have been sandbagging a lot over the past couple of years. I know Eds is playing to their potential and winning the battles to get more players , but Ignatius is never a slouch especially defensively. It will be a much bigger test than McKinley . Mentor players gotta stay focused. If they are feeling themselves, they can be beaten on Friday
 
MentorGrad2002 said:
They have been sandbagging a lot over the past couple of years. I know Eds is playing to their potential and winning the battles to get more players , but Ignatius is never a slouch especially defensively. It will be a much bigger test than McKinley . Mentor players gotta stay focused. If they are feeling themselves, they can be beaten on Friday
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It's probably more a combination of being spoiled and expecting too much. (Rather than sandbagging)

I do hope Ignatius at least plays a cleaner game this week from a penalties standpoint.

I have not watched Mentor yet, but the Cats are not exactly diverse on offense yet. Not even close. Right now it's all Lenihan.
 
PDC said:
It's probably more a combination of being spoiled and expecting too much. (Rather than sandbagging)

I do hope Ignatius at least plays a cleaner game this week from a penalties standpoint.

I have not watched Mentor yet, but the Cats are not exactly diverse on offense yet. Not even close. Right now it's all Lenihan.
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That's another part of it. But didn't feel like arguing with the less stable posters on that. We'd kill for one title though. Be thankful for what you had..

Program is still better than most now too even with taking a step back for a few seasons
 
Chris Finucan is vowing to return to the field this season after a scary blow to the head resulted in him convulsing on the field. Tests showed no concussion or bleeding of the brain. Doctors will obviously proceed with caution and keep Finucan off the field for at least a few weeks. Hopefully, Chris has no further issues on or off the field as a result of the injury. Caleb Pohto will start at safety in Finucan's absence.
www.news-herald.com

Mentor football: Team captain Chris Finucan vows to return after being injured in Week 1

It took Chris Finucan three years to earn a starting job and captaincy of the Mentor football team. Injured in the Cardinals’ 49-7 season-opening win over Canton McKinley, the senior safety v…
www.news-herald.com www.news-herald.com
 
MentorGrad2002 said:
10 dollars before fees and 11.64 with fees instead of 8 for reserved tickets. Good to see Mentor gouging fans for tickets to a fricken high school event now

Won't be going to the worthless Team Canada game which was dumb to schedule in a pandemic so guess I save money there ?
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At most schools, all seating is GA. Brunswick is even worse than Mentor, with their premium blue seating between the 40s going for $12 plus fees
 
FightingCardinal said:
Chris Finucan is vowing to return to the field this season after a scary blow to the head resulted in him convulsing on the field. Tests showed no concussion or bleeding of the brain. Doctors will obviously proceed with caution and keep Finucan off the field for at least a few weeks. Hopefully, Chris has no further issues on or off the field as a result of the injury. Caleb Pohto will start at safety in Finucan's absence.
www.news-herald.com

Mentor football: Team captain Chris Finucan vows to return after being injured in Week 1

It took Chris Finucan three years to earn a starting job and captaincy of the Mentor football team. Injured in the Cardinals’ 49-7 season-opening win over Canton McKinley, the senior safety v…
www.news-herald.com www.news-herald.com
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I can’t believe the doctors said no concussion. If you hit your head and complain of anything remotely close to symptoms of a concussion, the doctors play it safe and say you have/had one.

If he can get healthy and back on the field, they will be a big plus! Things didn’t look good the other night.
 
Clarkson Football North has been allowed to travel to Maryland and Connecticut for games the last two weeks (both wins). With a number of local games getting cancelled already, I don't think I would recommend buying tickets too far ahead for any opponent.
 
FightingCardinal said:
Clarkson Football North has been allowed to travel to Maryland and Connecticut for games the last two weeks (both wins). With a number of local games getting cancelled already, I don't think I would recommend buying tickets too far ahead for any opponent.
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Agreed. I never buy ahead anyways and always buy same week , but especially would do so this year. Good that team Canada is traveling. Still a worthless game for Mentor but a home game is better than no game

That's one I'll miss voluntarily though. Hopefully we can do better than them now with the expanded playoffs
 
FightingCardinal said:
Mentor Athletics warning that tickets to Mentor vs Iggy game may sell out prior to gate sale. About 50% of reserved seats are sold.
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Mentor and Ignatius have had standing room only of 10,000 before. I will be surprised if more than half of that many are there Friday. I hope I’m wrong, but the passion to support HS football across the area (and state) has continuously decreased over the last 15-20 years. But there will be a lot better atmosphere than a 90% empty HOF stadium in Canton.
 
Week 1 stats:

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Tatarunas playing TE is interesting. Way back in 2014 I saw him play in a freshman game against St Ignatius. Because Tadas was QB on JV, he didn’t throw for freshman. He played receiver in the freshman game. I was aware of his hype at the time. I hadn’t seen him play QB at that point but I saw a kid who very well could’ve been the next Brandon Fritts if he stuck with the position. I think he could’ve turned into that if he wanted, but all worked out well for him at QB.
 
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