Solon Comets (2-0) at Mentor Cardinals (1-1)
The Solon Comets has shown little reluctance to do whatever it takes on the field. One of the hardest working teams in high school football, the Comets have had little, if any difficulty putting opponents to the ground in misery, having outscored them by an overwhelming margin of 77-13 in the first two games. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are up to the challenge. They are one of those teams that could easily be 2-0 right now, if not for a seven point loss to St. Edward's. Mentor beat Strongsville in convincing fashion last week on the road, and now they are on their home turf. This game has the making of a classic.
Lake Catholic Cougars (2-0) at Ursuline Irish (2-0)
Ursuline may not seem like much, but they have taken care of business with little objection from their opponents. A high powered offense that has put 90 points on the board to start the season is flourishing under head coach Daniel Reardon. Their defense has given up just 14 points, about one touchdown per contest. They did not allow a score period until the fifth quarter of the season. Lake Catholic will look to senior multi purpose half back Richie Sanders to carry the load, and the team. The Cougars have averaged nearly 200 yards on the ground thus far.
North Royalton Bears (1-1) at Highland Hornets (1-1)
North Royalton is a tough team to figure out. They have played well in both of their games, but showed two different identities in doing so. They competed with Brecksville-Broadview Heights until the finish, but came up short 21-17. Yet they were able to lock down Rivere 37-0. Perhaps this week, we will discover the Bears' true colors. Highland has a team equipped to succeed but struggles against larger schools. Their offensive line will be tested by the ferocious Bears front seven on every down in this one.
Euclid Panthers (1-1) at Willoughby South (2-0)
It should be a good one. The Panthers could be the best 1-1 team in the league. They are physical at the line of scrimmage, and have a good run defense that rarely misses tackles. Their defensive back field is a concern, however, as Brunswick quarterback James Grega found out last week. Willoughby will look to attack that weakness with an offense that has already scored 118 points, and only allowed 48. They've posted 57 points or better in each of their two Friday night affairs vs. Alliance and Mayfield. This is a game the Panthers want badly, patiently awaiting the arrival of St. Vincent-St.Mary's in week 4.
Elyria Catholic Panthers (2-0) at Elyria Pioneers (1-1)
A good old cross town rivalry. The Pioneer's 1-1 record can be deceiving. They are able to keep themselves in the game no matter what the circumstances. They kept the North Olmsted Eagles out of the endzone in last week's 10-6 victory, but will have a tough time making a repeat performance. The Panthers will have their hands full this week as compared to their two previous wins versus Clearview (45-6) and Buckeye (42-18). Elyria Catholic's trademark is a strong first quarter, and the Pioneers will look to cool them off right out of the game. The Panther's face paced offense counters the Pioneers big bulky defense well.