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Since 1988, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats have been a foil for the Euclid Panthers.
The Wildcats have won 12 straight over the Panthers dating back to Saint Ignatius' first state title run in 1988. Following two losses to open the year, the Wildcats will try to extend the streak 13 games, in order to avoid the Wildcats’ first 0-3 start since 1966.
Last season, the Football Cats beat the Panthers twice – at home on Byers Field, 34-20, and in the playoffs, 45-22. This season, Jeff Rotsky’s men are in prime position to reverse Euclid’s previous misfortunes against the Wildcats. The Panthers have plenty of experience on both sides of the ball and are off to a 2-0 start following wins over Glenville and Lorain.
On the flipside, the Wildcats have one of the best coaching staffs in the area, if not the country, so look for the men of Ohio City to pull no punches in an attempt to get in the win column.
"Euclid will go on to win a number of games, because they're a very good team," said Head Football Coach Chuck Kyle '69. "So this is an important game for us, I think. We would have liked to win one or two of the first two, but hey, let's look ahead and focus on this one. We can take the pressure off if we do that."
EUCLID OFFENSE VS. SAINT IGNATIUS DEFENSE
Similar to Mentor, the Euclid offense features a strong, experienced offensive line with young playmakers. The Panthers can pile up points in bunches, utilizing a solid mix of run and pass.
The offensive line makes it all possible. Left tackle Darrius Johnson, who has started a team-high 24 games for the Panthers, anchors the line. Center Ashawn Berry and right tackle Jalen Jackson enter the game with 14 starts apiece as key pieces of the Panthers’ line.
Zach McMahan and Aidan Wells will be key players matched up with this stout line. To match this threat, the Wildcats plan to rotate in players such as Max Watters, Seamus Cooney, Rico Levert, and Anthony Gerace.
Dion Valentine helms the Euclid offense at quarterback. The junior has excelled in his first two starts, leading the Panthers to breakout offensive efforts the last two weeks. Valentine has 453 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air this season.
Two running backs highlight the Euclid ground game – Brandon Wright and Jaabir Mujihad. Wright, a Michigan State commit, can bully foes with his 6’2, 230-pound frame. Wright has exited both games this season due to injury, but will likely play on Friday. Mujihad has filled in well, galloping for 147 yards and a score vs. Lorain.
"Euclid has a lot of talent back from last year. Their running game is very good, they've run the ball on everybody this year," Kyle said. "Their quarterback did not play in the playoff game versus us last year. So far, he's been very effective on his long passing, especially his timing and fade routes."
As for the Wildcats, watch out for Tommy Eichenberg this week. “Eich” will likely play mostly at middle ‘backer in an attempt to stuff the Euclid rush.
A strong corps of wideouts rounds out the Euclid offense. Seniors Damien Brown, Dre’Von Lindsay, and Patrick Hawthore have all excelled this season, finding open space and lots of yards. Safeties Jack Welcsh, Danny Scelza, Chris Velotta, Jr. and Mitch Puhalsky will play a key role in limiting the deep ball.
"Defensively, what's important is getting stops," Kyle said. "In the first two games, during important time periods, we couldn't get a stop. We have to do that, and make the other team punt. Euclid will gladly run the ball with a few playactions."
SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE vs. EUCLID DEFENSE
In the last two weeks, the Wildcats have struggled to generate results on the offensive side of the ball, due to talented Hoban and Mentor defenses. Euclid will present another strong challenge.
All-Ohio safety Job Rand headlines a fast Euclid defense with several players back from last season. Look out for Tywann Johnson, Chris Parker, Reese Worship, and John Brown at defensive line in Euclid’s 4-3 defense. Titus Jackson and Damien Brown are players to watch in the secondary, while the all-senior linebacker corps of Jaylen Jacobs, Chris Parker, and Sean Jackson, Jr. will look to stop the Wildcats’ ground game.
Senior running back Jahadge “Bo” Floyd will be a key figure for the Wildcats on Saturday. The quick back will look to find running room as the new-look offensive line finds its groove.
"Offensively, I really hope we can run the ball effectively," Kyle said. "When you look at last year and so far this year, when run the ball effectively, it helps the passing game. We have to get back to that. We're working hard to do that. [We've made] a few adjustments on blocking, but overall, we're trying to be more effective, technique-oriented to create the seams while running and the separation on pass patterns. With things like that, it takes repetition and practice, and you have to do it the same way in the game. We're trying to mature in that way."
Senior Patrick Delahunty will get the start at quarterback as usual, with junior Griffin Hanna mixing in as needed. The duo will look to establish confidence early and find weapons Connor Cmiel and Luke Cooper.
SAINT IGNATIUS SPECIAL TEAMS vs. EUCLID SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Mamadou Mbaye leads Euclid’s kicking game, converting all 12 extra points this season. Junior Nick Rice is the Panthers’ punter, receiving snaps from Job Rand.
Neither Euclid nor Saint Ignatius has converted a field goal yet this season. The Wildcats have blocked a field goal and a punt this season. Two miscues on special teams hurt the Wildcats last week, so the men of Ohio City have been practicing to avoid such a fate again this week.
Friday’s forecast calls for a high of 74˚ and a slight chance of rain. Wind could be a factor, with the Weather Channel predicting 10-20 mile per hour winds.
"I think we have an advantage in the kicking game, and it's important that we use that," said Kyle. "Field position will be really important this game. We can't make special teams mistakes – we made one that hurt last week, so we have to solve that. But when we're doing it right, we're very good there, so that could be a plus for us."