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[FONT=arial,sans-serif]Saturday, August 19, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,sans-serif]2006 Preseason Preview
Shaun Spence - Eastside
Welcome to the 2006 football season, ladies and gentlemen. For players, coaches, parents, and fans this is certainly one of the most exciting times of the year. Every team enters August with a chance to claim the goals they have made for themselves. For some, that might mean winning their conference; for others it might mean making the playoffs; and for those who set their goals very high: a state championship.
Last football season ended on a bitter note for the Eastside teams. Glenville, Solon, Lake Catholic, Willoughby South, and Maple Heights all finished with a very strong regular season (combined 49-1) and had their dreams of a state championship crushed way too early. We are over four months away from Week 15 - but there are certainly some Eastside teams that have been preparing for it. Before I get too far, let me unveil my early favorites for 2006:
Pre-Season Eastside Top 5 (2005 record):
1. Glenville (12-1)
The Tarblooders were at the top of the Eastside Poll all season in 2005. They were led by a strong senior class of Big Ten recruits like Arvell Nelson (Iowa), Daven Jones (Wisconsin), Royce Adams (Purdue), and the Ohio State trio: Ray Small, Robert Rose, and Bryant Browning. Overall Glenville sent over twenty seniors to play football at the next level – many of them at major Division I schools. This season Coach Ted Ginn Sr. has the transfers he needed to replace the talented seniors. Eric Thomas, Lebron Daniel, Otis Merrill are just some of the new names for Glenville. The transfer with the biggest pressure will certainly be QB Chaz Jones who came over after having a successful 2005 running the Cleveland Heights offense. Jones will have to replace two-year starter Nelson – no easy task. Some of the more important returnees from Glenville’s 2005 run include LB Jermale Hines and WR Kyle Jefferson. Glenville will get some early tests from Mentor, Warren Harding, and Strongsville. Overall, its easy to expect another succesful season from Glenville - but will this be the hear they finally get over the hump and win Region 1?
2. Mentor (5-5)
After a dissapointing 2005 season, the Cardinals look to return to the playoffs since their runs in the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Last year's schedule was the toughest in Mentor history and this year's schedule has gotten even deeper as Strongsville and Maple Heights are added. With seven teams on the schedule that made the playoffs last season, Coach Trivisonno and his talented group have no time to waste. Defense will be the strength of this team as they are led by several three year starters: Steve Matas (DE), Brady DeMell (DT), Fred Hale (DE), Adam Mayse (LB), Ryan Dugan (DB), and Nate Wilson (DB). On the other side of the ball, junior QB Bart Tanski will lead the Cardinal offense. The usually high-powered Cardinal offense struggled last season and it will be up to the arm and legs of Tanski to take this team to the next level. Supporting Tanski will be three-year starting RB Bill Deitman, WR Brandon James (40 catches in 2005), and a very big offensive line. Mentor will need to excel on both sides of the ball in order to handle their very difficult schedule (Glenville, Massillon, St. Ignatius, etc.) and to succeed in the always brutal Region 1.
3. Solon (11-1)
The Comets are quitely one of the most succesful Division I teams in Ohio over the last decade and this season will be on exception. Even through the tough losses of some of the most talented players Solon has had (QB/S Steve Valentino, RB Brandon Shimits, and LB/FB Aleksay Tigay), Coach McQuaide should be confident in his attempt for an 8th consecutive playoff appearance. Replacing Valentino is junior QB Ben Tornatore. He will not have quite the speed of his predecessor or the dynamic backfield of Shimits/Tigay - but Tornatore will be able to open up the passing game. This season Solon has a stronger and experienced group of wide receivers led by senior Charles Matthews. On defense the Comets' strength will be in the secondary which will feature three returning starters: Dominic Musarra, Deloreen Martin, and Justin Belza. The linebackers and defensive line stepping in will not be as experienced as the secondary, but will be the difference makers between a good and a great defense. Solon's early season schedule is pretty brutal which will feature Strongsville, Mentor, Hudson, and Division II power Nordonia in the first half.
4. Maple Heights (10-1)
Coach Jeff Rotsky has completely inspired the Maple Heights program since his arrival several years ago. Last season the Mustangs finished 10-0 before falling short in Week 11 to Youngstown Liberty. The Mustangs were led by many juniors, so 2006 is certainly a year to finish what they started. They head into this season as one of the favortes to win the Division II crown thanks to incoming seniors like QB Anthony Wright. He is being recruited as a defensive back by several DI schools, but make no mistake about it - this kid is a great quarterback. He threw for over 1700 yards and 13 TD's a year ago and may have even better numbers in 2006. Wright's favorite target should be WR Charles Wright - an absolute threat with the ball in his hands on offense, defense, and special teams. Keying the defense will be veteran starting LB Erique Robertson. He won a state championship in wrestling last March, but considers his future in football. That is a statement to how good of a linebacker he is. Maple Heights is filled with college prospects on both sides of the ball and they will need them as they transition into the Lake Division of the LEL. This season the Mustangs will be taking on Mentor, Euclid, and Shaker Heights. It will be quite a bit more challenging than the Erie Division.
5. Lake Catholic (10-2)
The Cougars look to continue their rich tradition with another playoff season in 2006. They will have to do so without All-Ohio QB and Iowa recruit Ricky Stanzi. In Stanzi's two-year stint as the Cougar QB he threw for well over 3,000 yards and 33 TD's. Add to that his 664 yds rushing and 12 TD's on the ground last year and it would be difficult for any QB in Ohio to fill those shoes. Senior QB Alex Kurowski is in that unfortunate position. The bad news for him is that Lake graduated their leading rusher (Corey Pruneski) and leading receiver (Vince Petruziello). The good news for Kurowski is Pruneski's fellow backmate Dane Gardner (700+ yards rushing in 2005) and an expierenced offensive line headed by tackle Dan Barry return. Also, super sophomore Randy Greenwood should be able to make an impact on offense in whatever way they can give him the ball. On defense the Cougars are very talented and very experienced. Three-year starters Nick Cipkus and Dave Jaranovic lead the way. The Cougars will have to deal with their usual tough NCL schedule to go along with non-conference games with Division I teams (Euclid and Dublin Coffman), DIII power Benedictine, and DIV power Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Best of the Rest:
Benedictine, Euclid, Shaker Heights, Brush, Chardon
Pre-Season All-Eastside
Offense:
QB - Anthony Wright (Maple Heights)
RB - Jamon Javey (Euclid)
FB - Dane Gardner (Lake Catholic)
WR - Kyle Jefferson (Glenville), Charles Matthews (Solon), Brandon James (Mentor)
OL - Dan Barry (Lake Catholic), Jeff Spikes (Harvey), Nick DiPalma (Benedictine), Shawn Sailor (Maple Heights), Lee Zamos (Kenston)
Defense:
DT - Brady DeMell (Mentor), Zach Stolarsky (Solon)
DE - Steve Matas (Mentor), Eric Thomas (Glenville)
LB - Jermale Hines (Glenville), Lebron Daniel (Glenville), Erique Robertson (Maple Heights)
CB - David Garrett (Harvey), Otis Merrill (Glenville)
S - Dominic Musarra (Solon), Nate Wilson (Mentor)
Crosstown Showdown of the Week
Benedictine @ St. Edward
Eastside Games of the Week
Glenville vs. Mentor
Solon vs. Strongsville
Lake Catholic vs. Euclid
Mike Parris - Westside
I have only one question for all the players, coaches, parents and fans: Are you ready!?!? That's right, only a few more days until the first whistle blows!
Again, the westside is going to be the home of some terrific football teams. As you all recall last season, in our crosstown showdown of the week, the westside generally cleaned the floor with their eastside counterparts. I expect the same results (as usual) in 2006.
So who are the banner teams this season? Well, to the surprise of no one, the perennial powerhouses seem to be the cream of the crop again this year. There is a clear-cut top team heading into week one, but several other squads are poised for big seasons. Without further a do.....
Pre-season Westside Top 5 (2005 Record):
1. St. Edward (12-1)
The Eagles arguably have the best returning talent among any team in the state and are hungry after their disappointing loss to Massillon in the state semifinal.
St. Edward ran the table during the regular season last year, piling up 12 straight victories before succumbing to the Tigers. They were a relatively young team last fall, and most of the key contributors are back for their senior campaigns.
The offense will again be centered around Frank Edmonds, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back. Edmonds rushed for over 2,100 yards last season and is being recruited by numerous Division I programs. Likewise for Kyle Hubbard, last season's top receiver. The 6-foot-4 Hubbard caught over 60 passes last season and will see time at both tight end and wide receiver.
The defense should be stingy as ever. On paper, the secondary for the Eagles appears to be the best in the state. Ohio State bound Nate Oliver will man one of the safety posts. The other safety will be Diauntae Morrow, who also boasts a handful over major college offers. Manning the middle of the defense is Jeff Lucas, a 220-pound middle linebacker. Like the others, Lucas is a Division I college prospect.
The Eagles face a difficult schedule. In fact, the Eagles' week three matchup against Cincinnati St. Xavier could be a preview of the state championship. The remainder of the schedule is dotted with perennial powers, including the annual "Holy War" with St. Ignatius.
2. Avon Lake (12-1)
No surprise here, folks. The Shoremen, who have won nine consecutive conference titles, are again one of the better teams in the area and should again be a force not only in the Southwestern Conference, but in the state title picture as well.
The Shoremen coasted through the first 12 games last season, outscoring opponents by an average score of 33-9 and posting five shutouts. However, they fell to eventual state champion Toledo Central Catholic in the regional finals. Coach Dave Dlugosz has a talented core of players returning and will have the group hungry to get back on top.
The Shoremen should reload as usual and rely on a strong defense. Linebacker duo Alex Berry and Sean Linder will patrol the middle while DE Jordan Frank should provide edge pressure.
Kevin Mansnerus will be the feature back, returning from a broken collarbone suffered midway through last season. He recorded nearly 500 rushing yards and four touchdowns before succumbing to injury.
3. Elyria (9-3)
The Pioneers earned their first trip to the state playoffs last season, grabbing a first round victory before bowing out to Canton McKinley in round two. With the experience under their belts and several key names returning, Elyria seems ready to make an even bigger splash.
Like last season, the Pioneers' offense will rely heavily on a two-headed rushing attack. Last season the duo of P.J. Mahone and Ja'arome Williams torched defenses. Mahone has moved on to the college ranks, but Williams returns and will be aided by the transfer of Chase Mason from Elyria Catholic. Williams rushed for 1,500 yards and over 20 TD last season, while Mason flirted with 2,000 yards last season for the Panthers. Now together in the same backfield, the long-time friends will form an extremely dangerous rushing tandem.
The Pioneers biggest task will be to find a replacement at quarterback following the graduation of last year's signal caller Roger Smith. Without a viable option at quarterback, opponents will stack the box and play only the run. The passing game must be at least effective in order to allow Mason and Williams to find running lanes.
A matchup with Avon Lake early in the season should be a good barometer on how far this team has come.
4. Amherst Steele (7-3)
The Comets made the move from Division II to Division I last season and suffered the consequences. Despite having a commendable 7-3 record, the move to Region 2 short circuited the Comets' playoff hopes, as they had to compete with traditional powers Canton McKinley, Massillon, and Toledo St. John for playoff spots. The Comets finished 11th, narrowly missing out on a postseason berth.
With 12 starters returning from last season's team, the Comets' appear ready to take the next step and get their first taste of the Division I playoffs. They will be led by returning quarterback John Salter, who threw for over 1,000 yards last season as a sophomore. He will have a veteran offensive line in front, led by two returning starters in 250-pound Ben Cooksey and 255-pound Jon Warford.
It should be another fierce battle in the SWC, as Amherst, Avon Lake, and Olmsted Falls will jockey for position as the conference's premier team.
5. St. Ignatius (5-5)
A promising 2005 season was short-circuited as the result of injuries to top playmakers, but the Wildcats still managed their 18th consecutive playoff berth. Chuck Kyle must replace much of his offense, including Notre Dame-bound John Ryan and Robby Parris, as well as break in a new quarterback.
The signal calling duties will be handed to senior Jared Roberts. His transition should be aided by Matt Merletti and Brian Mendelsohn, a tough 1-2 punch in the backfield. There is size and talent on the offensive line and experience at linebacker and secondary, led by safety Brian Sylvester and LB Pat Hennessey. A crop of talented sophomores could also play big roles.
The Wildcats' most winnable games are early in the season, so if the new faces can acclimate themselves and get out of the gates quickly, confidence should build on W. 30th and Lorain.
Best of the Rest
Strongsville, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, Brunswick, Elyria Catholic
Pre-season All-Westside
QB: Tyler Sparks (Olmsted Falls)
RB: Chase Mason (Elyria)/Ja'arome Williams (Elyria)
RB: Frank Edmonds (St. Edward)/Michael Zemerick (Padua)
WR: D.J. Woods (Strongsville)
WR: Anthony Capasso (St. Edward)
TE: Kyle Hubbard (St. Edward)
OL: Kevin Koncelik (St. Ignatius), Mike Flood (Westlake), Jon Warford (Amherst), Ben Kuhar (St. Edward)
DL: Jordan Frank (Avon Lake)
DL: Debo Elias (St. Edward)
DL: Sonny Hazelwood (Elyria)
LB: Patrick Hennessey (St. Ignatius)
LB: Jeff Lucas (St. Edward)
LB: Bobby LaRosa (Avon)
LB: Sean Linder (Avon Lake)
CB: Matt Merletti (St. Ignatius)
FS: Diauntae Morrow (St. Edward)
SS: Nate Oliver (St. Edward)
CB: Desmine Burton (Amherst)
K: Nick Yako (St. Ignatius)[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,sans-serif]2006 Preseason Preview
Shaun Spence - Eastside
Welcome to the 2006 football season, ladies and gentlemen. For players, coaches, parents, and fans this is certainly one of the most exciting times of the year. Every team enters August with a chance to claim the goals they have made for themselves. For some, that might mean winning their conference; for others it might mean making the playoffs; and for those who set their goals very high: a state championship.
Last football season ended on a bitter note for the Eastside teams. Glenville, Solon, Lake Catholic, Willoughby South, and Maple Heights all finished with a very strong regular season (combined 49-1) and had their dreams of a state championship crushed way too early. We are over four months away from Week 15 - but there are certainly some Eastside teams that have been preparing for it. Before I get too far, let me unveil my early favorites for 2006:
Pre-Season Eastside Top 5 (2005 record):
1. Glenville (12-1)
The Tarblooders were at the top of the Eastside Poll all season in 2005. They were led by a strong senior class of Big Ten recruits like Arvell Nelson (Iowa), Daven Jones (Wisconsin), Royce Adams (Purdue), and the Ohio State trio: Ray Small, Robert Rose, and Bryant Browning. Overall Glenville sent over twenty seniors to play football at the next level – many of them at major Division I schools. This season Coach Ted Ginn Sr. has the transfers he needed to replace the talented seniors. Eric Thomas, Lebron Daniel, Otis Merrill are just some of the new names for Glenville. The transfer with the biggest pressure will certainly be QB Chaz Jones who came over after having a successful 2005 running the Cleveland Heights offense. Jones will have to replace two-year starter Nelson – no easy task. Some of the more important returnees from Glenville’s 2005 run include LB Jermale Hines and WR Kyle Jefferson. Glenville will get some early tests from Mentor, Warren Harding, and Strongsville. Overall, its easy to expect another succesful season from Glenville - but will this be the hear they finally get over the hump and win Region 1?
2. Mentor (5-5)
After a dissapointing 2005 season, the Cardinals look to return to the playoffs since their runs in the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Last year's schedule was the toughest in Mentor history and this year's schedule has gotten even deeper as Strongsville and Maple Heights are added. With seven teams on the schedule that made the playoffs last season, Coach Trivisonno and his talented group have no time to waste. Defense will be the strength of this team as they are led by several three year starters: Steve Matas (DE), Brady DeMell (DT), Fred Hale (DE), Adam Mayse (LB), Ryan Dugan (DB), and Nate Wilson (DB). On the other side of the ball, junior QB Bart Tanski will lead the Cardinal offense. The usually high-powered Cardinal offense struggled last season and it will be up to the arm and legs of Tanski to take this team to the next level. Supporting Tanski will be three-year starting RB Bill Deitman, WR Brandon James (40 catches in 2005), and a very big offensive line. Mentor will need to excel on both sides of the ball in order to handle their very difficult schedule (Glenville, Massillon, St. Ignatius, etc.) and to succeed in the always brutal Region 1.
3. Solon (11-1)
The Comets are quitely one of the most succesful Division I teams in Ohio over the last decade and this season will be on exception. Even through the tough losses of some of the most talented players Solon has had (QB/S Steve Valentino, RB Brandon Shimits, and LB/FB Aleksay Tigay), Coach McQuaide should be confident in his attempt for an 8th consecutive playoff appearance. Replacing Valentino is junior QB Ben Tornatore. He will not have quite the speed of his predecessor or the dynamic backfield of Shimits/Tigay - but Tornatore will be able to open up the passing game. This season Solon has a stronger and experienced group of wide receivers led by senior Charles Matthews. On defense the Comets' strength will be in the secondary which will feature three returning starters: Dominic Musarra, Deloreen Martin, and Justin Belza. The linebackers and defensive line stepping in will not be as experienced as the secondary, but will be the difference makers between a good and a great defense. Solon's early season schedule is pretty brutal which will feature Strongsville, Mentor, Hudson, and Division II power Nordonia in the first half.
4. Maple Heights (10-1)
Coach Jeff Rotsky has completely inspired the Maple Heights program since his arrival several years ago. Last season the Mustangs finished 10-0 before falling short in Week 11 to Youngstown Liberty. The Mustangs were led by many juniors, so 2006 is certainly a year to finish what they started. They head into this season as one of the favortes to win the Division II crown thanks to incoming seniors like QB Anthony Wright. He is being recruited as a defensive back by several DI schools, but make no mistake about it - this kid is a great quarterback. He threw for over 1700 yards and 13 TD's a year ago and may have even better numbers in 2006. Wright's favorite target should be WR Charles Wright - an absolute threat with the ball in his hands on offense, defense, and special teams. Keying the defense will be veteran starting LB Erique Robertson. He won a state championship in wrestling last March, but considers his future in football. That is a statement to how good of a linebacker he is. Maple Heights is filled with college prospects on both sides of the ball and they will need them as they transition into the Lake Division of the LEL. This season the Mustangs will be taking on Mentor, Euclid, and Shaker Heights. It will be quite a bit more challenging than the Erie Division.
5. Lake Catholic (10-2)
The Cougars look to continue their rich tradition with another playoff season in 2006. They will have to do so without All-Ohio QB and Iowa recruit Ricky Stanzi. In Stanzi's two-year stint as the Cougar QB he threw for well over 3,000 yards and 33 TD's. Add to that his 664 yds rushing and 12 TD's on the ground last year and it would be difficult for any QB in Ohio to fill those shoes. Senior QB Alex Kurowski is in that unfortunate position. The bad news for him is that Lake graduated their leading rusher (Corey Pruneski) and leading receiver (Vince Petruziello). The good news for Kurowski is Pruneski's fellow backmate Dane Gardner (700+ yards rushing in 2005) and an expierenced offensive line headed by tackle Dan Barry return. Also, super sophomore Randy Greenwood should be able to make an impact on offense in whatever way they can give him the ball. On defense the Cougars are very talented and very experienced. Three-year starters Nick Cipkus and Dave Jaranovic lead the way. The Cougars will have to deal with their usual tough NCL schedule to go along with non-conference games with Division I teams (Euclid and Dublin Coffman), DIII power Benedictine, and DIV power Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Best of the Rest:
Benedictine, Euclid, Shaker Heights, Brush, Chardon
Pre-Season All-Eastside
Offense:
QB - Anthony Wright (Maple Heights)
RB - Jamon Javey (Euclid)
FB - Dane Gardner (Lake Catholic)
WR - Kyle Jefferson (Glenville), Charles Matthews (Solon), Brandon James (Mentor)
OL - Dan Barry (Lake Catholic), Jeff Spikes (Harvey), Nick DiPalma (Benedictine), Shawn Sailor (Maple Heights), Lee Zamos (Kenston)
Defense:
DT - Brady DeMell (Mentor), Zach Stolarsky (Solon)
DE - Steve Matas (Mentor), Eric Thomas (Glenville)
LB - Jermale Hines (Glenville), Lebron Daniel (Glenville), Erique Robertson (Maple Heights)
CB - David Garrett (Harvey), Otis Merrill (Glenville)
S - Dominic Musarra (Solon), Nate Wilson (Mentor)
Crosstown Showdown of the Week
Benedictine @ St. Edward
Eastside Games of the Week
Glenville vs. Mentor
Solon vs. Strongsville
Lake Catholic vs. Euclid
Mike Parris - Westside
I have only one question for all the players, coaches, parents and fans: Are you ready!?!? That's right, only a few more days until the first whistle blows!
Again, the westside is going to be the home of some terrific football teams. As you all recall last season, in our crosstown showdown of the week, the westside generally cleaned the floor with their eastside counterparts. I expect the same results (as usual) in 2006.
So who are the banner teams this season? Well, to the surprise of no one, the perennial powerhouses seem to be the cream of the crop again this year. There is a clear-cut top team heading into week one, but several other squads are poised for big seasons. Without further a do.....
Pre-season Westside Top 5 (2005 Record):
1. St. Edward (12-1)
The Eagles arguably have the best returning talent among any team in the state and are hungry after their disappointing loss to Massillon in the state semifinal.
St. Edward ran the table during the regular season last year, piling up 12 straight victories before succumbing to the Tigers. They were a relatively young team last fall, and most of the key contributors are back for their senior campaigns.
The offense will again be centered around Frank Edmonds, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back. Edmonds rushed for over 2,100 yards last season and is being recruited by numerous Division I programs. Likewise for Kyle Hubbard, last season's top receiver. The 6-foot-4 Hubbard caught over 60 passes last season and will see time at both tight end and wide receiver.
The defense should be stingy as ever. On paper, the secondary for the Eagles appears to be the best in the state. Ohio State bound Nate Oliver will man one of the safety posts. The other safety will be Diauntae Morrow, who also boasts a handful over major college offers. Manning the middle of the defense is Jeff Lucas, a 220-pound middle linebacker. Like the others, Lucas is a Division I college prospect.
The Eagles face a difficult schedule. In fact, the Eagles' week three matchup against Cincinnati St. Xavier could be a preview of the state championship. The remainder of the schedule is dotted with perennial powers, including the annual "Holy War" with St. Ignatius.
2. Avon Lake (12-1)
No surprise here, folks. The Shoremen, who have won nine consecutive conference titles, are again one of the better teams in the area and should again be a force not only in the Southwestern Conference, but in the state title picture as well.
The Shoremen coasted through the first 12 games last season, outscoring opponents by an average score of 33-9 and posting five shutouts. However, they fell to eventual state champion Toledo Central Catholic in the regional finals. Coach Dave Dlugosz has a talented core of players returning and will have the group hungry to get back on top.
The Shoremen should reload as usual and rely on a strong defense. Linebacker duo Alex Berry and Sean Linder will patrol the middle while DE Jordan Frank should provide edge pressure.
Kevin Mansnerus will be the feature back, returning from a broken collarbone suffered midway through last season. He recorded nearly 500 rushing yards and four touchdowns before succumbing to injury.
3. Elyria (9-3)
The Pioneers earned their first trip to the state playoffs last season, grabbing a first round victory before bowing out to Canton McKinley in round two. With the experience under their belts and several key names returning, Elyria seems ready to make an even bigger splash.
Like last season, the Pioneers' offense will rely heavily on a two-headed rushing attack. Last season the duo of P.J. Mahone and Ja'arome Williams torched defenses. Mahone has moved on to the college ranks, but Williams returns and will be aided by the transfer of Chase Mason from Elyria Catholic. Williams rushed for 1,500 yards and over 20 TD last season, while Mason flirted with 2,000 yards last season for the Panthers. Now together in the same backfield, the long-time friends will form an extremely dangerous rushing tandem.
The Pioneers biggest task will be to find a replacement at quarterback following the graduation of last year's signal caller Roger Smith. Without a viable option at quarterback, opponents will stack the box and play only the run. The passing game must be at least effective in order to allow Mason and Williams to find running lanes.
A matchup with Avon Lake early in the season should be a good barometer on how far this team has come.
4. Amherst Steele (7-3)
The Comets made the move from Division II to Division I last season and suffered the consequences. Despite having a commendable 7-3 record, the move to Region 2 short circuited the Comets' playoff hopes, as they had to compete with traditional powers Canton McKinley, Massillon, and Toledo St. John for playoff spots. The Comets finished 11th, narrowly missing out on a postseason berth.
With 12 starters returning from last season's team, the Comets' appear ready to take the next step and get their first taste of the Division I playoffs. They will be led by returning quarterback John Salter, who threw for over 1,000 yards last season as a sophomore. He will have a veteran offensive line in front, led by two returning starters in 250-pound Ben Cooksey and 255-pound Jon Warford.
It should be another fierce battle in the SWC, as Amherst, Avon Lake, and Olmsted Falls will jockey for position as the conference's premier team.
5. St. Ignatius (5-5)
A promising 2005 season was short-circuited as the result of injuries to top playmakers, but the Wildcats still managed their 18th consecutive playoff berth. Chuck Kyle must replace much of his offense, including Notre Dame-bound John Ryan and Robby Parris, as well as break in a new quarterback.
The signal calling duties will be handed to senior Jared Roberts. His transition should be aided by Matt Merletti and Brian Mendelsohn, a tough 1-2 punch in the backfield. There is size and talent on the offensive line and experience at linebacker and secondary, led by safety Brian Sylvester and LB Pat Hennessey. A crop of talented sophomores could also play big roles.
The Wildcats' most winnable games are early in the season, so if the new faces can acclimate themselves and get out of the gates quickly, confidence should build on W. 30th and Lorain.
Best of the Rest
Strongsville, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, Brunswick, Elyria Catholic
Pre-season All-Westside
QB: Tyler Sparks (Olmsted Falls)
RB: Chase Mason (Elyria)/Ja'arome Williams (Elyria)
RB: Frank Edmonds (St. Edward)/Michael Zemerick (Padua)
WR: D.J. Woods (Strongsville)
WR: Anthony Capasso (St. Edward)
TE: Kyle Hubbard (St. Edward)
OL: Kevin Koncelik (St. Ignatius), Mike Flood (Westlake), Jon Warford (Amherst), Ben Kuhar (St. Edward)
DL: Jordan Frank (Avon Lake)
DL: Debo Elias (St. Edward)
DL: Sonny Hazelwood (Elyria)
LB: Patrick Hennessey (St. Ignatius)
LB: Jeff Lucas (St. Edward)
LB: Bobby LaRosa (Avon)
LB: Sean Linder (Avon Lake)
CB: Matt Merletti (St. Ignatius)
FS: Diauntae Morrow (St. Edward)
SS: Nate Oliver (St. Edward)
CB: Desmine Burton (Amherst)
K: Nick Yako (St. Ignatius)[/FONT]
