And we're off running to the 2011 high school football season. I think Eastlake North running back Jordan Morris might still be running. Morris' monster game is just one of the many topics that will be discussed in this, our first look back at some of the action that took place in a record setting opening weekend.
I have to start at Nick Carter Stadium in Eastlake where Morris ran right through the heart of a highly touted Brush Arc defensive line to the tune of a school-record 307 yards on 34 carries. Morris scored on touchdown runs of 56, 42 and 34 yards as North lit up the Arcs, 51 - 20. QB George Gresko was sharp for the Rangers throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns and the defense more than held its own giving up just two touchdowns. The special teams yielded a 95 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but overall Coach George Burich's kids looked ready to play.
Next up: At Cuyahoga Falls. This is a rematch of of last year when North went up 21 - 0 early, but ended up needing a late touchdown to hold off Cuyahoga Falls. Brush travels to Madison to face the Blue Streaks who cruised in their opener, 42 - 20 over Lakeview.
The Lake Catholic Cougars might have answered the biggest question of the weekend with a 21 - 15 win over an always tough Strongsville team.The Cougars responded nicley to the pre-season chatter about how they had to replace 20 senior contributors. Its early, but Lake looks like they should be alright. The Cougars didn't light up the scoreboard or the stat sheet, but Cougar head coach Mike Bell got three rushing touchdowns from Evan Gormley and an impressive season opening win on the road. The Lake Catholic defense proved up to the task by hold the Mustangs to only 56 yards rushing.
Next up: At home against Ravenna. Look for Lake Catholic to try and get the passing game going after a slow start last week at Strongsville.
Notre Dame Cathedral Latin rolled over the Willoughby South Rebels, 49 - 27 in what some people are calling an upset. I'm not so sure. NDCL coach Byron Morgan is a well known coach in the area and this is the most experianced group of seniors he's had to work with. South has a ton a talent from last years playoff team to replace. The Lion's defense hassled South junior and first time starting quarterback Casey Klicman most of the night. Klicman showed signs of promise with 267 yards passing including a 57 yard scoring strike and an 8 yard TD run, but was plagued by three interceptions. NDCL quarterback Robbie Nash was a very efficient 14 of 22 for 259 yards through the air to go along with three TD passes and more importantly, 0 interceptions.
Next up: At Chagrin Falls. The Lions have a tough test against the Tigers. Chagrin has been in the Division IV State Championship game the last two years. Although the Tigers lost a lot of experienced players, the Tigers just seem to reload. South has its work cut out for them as they travel to Mayfield who looked like a team to deal with after they beat Medina last week at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
The Mentor Cardinals ran away early from the Euclid Panthers in this rivalry game played confusingly on opening night. The Cardinals raced out to a 42 - 14 halftime lead on their way to a 49 - 21, victory. Mitch Trubisky looked comfortable running Mentor's vaunted 5-wide spread attack on offense. The junior signal caller was 15 of 20 passing for 213 yards and tossed three TD passes. Mentor's highly mentioned defense was just ok, giving up almost 400 yards of offense to the Panthers. Cardinals' safety Reggie Coustillac did return an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in an otherwise solid performance by the defense.
Next up: Mentor hosts Youngstown Ursuline in a matchup that most certainly won't be missed by many. Ursuline is loaded year in and year out. Mentor has to keep their mistakes to a minimum and try and jump out quickly in a another early season test. Euclid hosts Brunswick in a rematch from last year that the Panthers lost, 38 - 28.
Play of the Week: This was a no brainer. Mentor wideout Connor Krizancic went up high and made a one-handed grab of a Mitch Trubisky pass that resulted in a six yard TD catch. Krizancic also had two TD runs in the big win over Euclid.
Team of the Week: Lake Catholic. The Cougars had a lot to prove with all its new faces and by going on the road and beating a Strongsville team that is always ready to play, Lake comes away with what I think was the biggest win of the weekend.
Game to keep and eye on in Week 2: Kirtland at Harvey. Harvey boasts the electric quarterback play of Kaleb Coffee who guided his team to big win in week one. Kirtland won in a shutout over West Branch, 17 - 0. Also worthy of mention, Harvey is starting 6'6" 306 pound freshman Reggie Sams at right tackle. That is the kind of size that Division I college recruiters look for in young offensive lineman. It will interesting to follow Sams' development.
And that wraps up an inside look to the week that was. Good luck to all area teams and I look forward to an exciting weekend of Week 2 action. And always, you can follow me on Twitter @SweetLou_21 for scores, updates and when you can expect the latest edition of the "Prep Lowdown with Lou" to appear.
No comments:
Post a Comment