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@SIHSSports sihsathletics2019 GAME NOTESWEEK SEVEN:ST. EDWARDIgnatiuswildcats.comsihssports1
THE MATCHUPTeam InformationSaint Ignatius High School: 3-3OHSAA Division I, Region 1Head Coach: Chuck Kyle ’69Record at School: 356-93-1Overall Record: 356-93-1atSaint IgnatiusWILDCATSSt. EdwardEAGLESOctober 12, 2019Lakewood StadiumKickoff: 7 pmMedia InformationSaint Ignatius ScheduleDate OpponentTime/Score8/31 @ Loyola Academy (IL)W, 27-109/6 @ MentorL, 31-389/13 @ Archbishop HobanW, 42-419/21 @ DeMatha Catholic (MD)L, 0-429/28 vs. Clarkson Football North (ONT)L, 40-4110/5 vs. Rockledge (FL)W, 42-710/12 @ St. Edward7:00 pm10/19 @ Archbishop Moeller2:00 pm10/26 vs. St. Xavier2:00 pm11/2 vs. West Toronto Prep (ONT)7:00 pmFollow the Wildcats on social media for fullcoverage of every Saint Ignatius team.@SIHSSportssihsathleticssihssportsAnd also visit . ignatiuswildcats.com2St. Edward Eagles: 5-1OHSAA Division I, Region 1Head Coach: Tom LombardoRecord at School: 49-10Overall Record: 138-48For information and credentialrequests, contact:Joe Ginley ‘12Communications Coordinatorfor Athletics(P): 216-651-0222 x242email: jginley@ignatius.eduFor full coverage of the Wildcats,visit ignatiuswildcats.com.Broadcast InformationSaint Ignatius BroadcastingNetworkPlay-by-Play: Jack O’Rourke ’20Color Analyst: Nick Fletcher ’20Analyst/Show Host: Max Marazzi ’20Moderator: Joe Ginley ’12 /Jeff McCormick ’83(P): 216-651-0222email: jginley@ignatius.edujmccormick@ignatius.eduS BN2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
THE RIVALRYTHE GAME: SAINT IGNATIUS VS. ST. EDWARDPrevious Matchupsvs. St. 8-3510-41H Reg. QTFHAN Reg. Final AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAHAAAHReg. SemiReg. QTFOTOT3OTIgnatiuswildcats.comFor the 59th time in series history, Saint Ignatius and St.Edward will do battle on the gridiron.The Wildcats have enjoyed great success lately, winning four offive, save for a 21-19 heartbreaking loss to St. Edward last seasonin the playoffs. The Wildcats drove the length of the field, withPatrick Delahunty scrambling for a gritty touchdown. But a 2-pointconversion fell short, ending the Wildcats’ season and propellingthe Eagles to a state championship.This year, the Wildcats will be looking to avenge the loss andsolidify their playoff hopes.Series HistoryMeetings .58First Meeting .10/17/1952Most Recent Meeting.11/2/2018Saint Ignatius Wins.32Last Saint Ignatius Win.10/26/2018St. Edward Wins.25Last St. Edward Win.11/2/2018Ties. 1Last Tie .10/15/83Longest Winning Streaks In SeriesSaint Ignatius.4; 10/29/16-10/26/18St. Edward.8; 11/13/71-9/15/78Current Streak.St. Edward, 1Largest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.47 points; 10/13/90St. Edward.31 points; 11/1/14Rule of 14For Saint Ignatius, the magic numbervs. St. Edward is 14 points. TheWildcats have never won whenscoring less than 14 points.Record scoring 14 points: 2-1-1Record scoring 15 or more: 30-3Record scoring 13 or less: 0-21Kyle vs. The EaglesOverall Record: 26-13-1Record since 1988: 25-10Record vs. Tom Lombardo: 4-2Record in the playoffs: 3-1Record by VenueFirstEnergy Stadium: 2-0 WildcatsLakewood Stadium: 17-7 WildcatsByers Field: 5-4 Eagles3
ABOUT THE WILDCATS .A Look Back .Oct. 19, 2013Some heads turned when theWildcats and Eagles decided topush ahead their annual gridironrivalry from Week 10 to Week7. However, the majority of theWildcats vs. Eagles games haveoccurred outside of Week 10.In the Chuck Kyle era, the tworivals met in Week 7 from 198386. Kyle’s first win came in 1986on October 11 in a 14-5 win.But from 2007-18, the Wildcatsand Eagles met in Week 10, withone exception – 2013.Looking back, the situation entering the 2013 game looks eerilysimilar to this season. In 2013, theEagles entered as the favoriteswith a spotless 6-0 record, whilethe Wildcats brought in a 4-3mark. This year, the Cats stand at3-3 and the Eagles are 5-1.In a prime example of whythis rivalry is so fun, the recordsmeant nothing and crazy thingshappened on October 19, 2013 atLakewood Stadium.Things started great for the Eagles. Shaun Crawford dashed 80yards for a score on the first playfrom scrimmage. After a 4-yardscore by the Wildcats’ Michael Vitale (following a Crawford fumble), the Eagles responded with a16-yard TD pass. But the Cats tiedit heading into half with a 7-yardTD pass from John Thomas toreceiver Michael Siragusa.In the end, special teams decided the outcome.A Crawford muffed punt, aroughing the kicker penalty onthe Eagles, and three MatthewColella field goals led to a SaintIgnatius win. The Wildcats limitedSt. Edward’s vaunted offense tojust 3 points in the second half,and held on for the win.Both teams went on to clinchplayoff spots, only to lose to Mentor in back-to-back weeks.4Wildcats Storylines .PLAYOFF POINTS: As the playoffs start to come into focus, the Wildcatsneed to compile computer points. Saturday’s contest offers a prime opportunity for the Wildcats, currently enjoying a slight edge for the 8th andfinal playoff spot. A win would cement the Wildcats’ cause with secondarypoints from the Eagles’ five wins.ROAD, SWEET ROAD?: The Wildcats are no strangers to the road, with thismarking the fifth road game of the year. However, Lakewood Stadium is nota foreign venue. The Wildcats have an all-time record of 74-12-1 at Lakewood Stadium, playing many home games there in the 1990s and 2000s.The Wildcats have won five of the last six games as the road team vs. theEagles at Lakewood Stadium.GENERAL GRIFFIN: The Wildcats’ field general at quarterback is GriffinHanna. The senior signalcaller is the centerpiece of the Saint Ignatius offense. Griffin surpassed the 1,000 passing yard mark on Saturday. He nowhas 1,397 total yards and 16 touchdowns on the year.GOING LONG: The Wildcats’ passcatchers enjoyed a great game on Saturday, going deep for touchdown passes of 67, 39, 42, and 29 yards. HenryCook and Connor Cmiel did much of the damage, scoring three of the fourtouchdowns. The dynamic duo has 706 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.Jake Lang has also made a big impact, with 15 catches for 237 yards on theyear. All three Wildcats will need to have solid games against the Eagles.BALANCED ATTACK: The Wildcats will look to employ a balanced approach on Saturday vs. St. Edward. On the year, the Wildcats have beenperfectly balanced, with 164 rushes and 164 passes. Jack Welcsh hashelped the Wildcats remain stable offensively, with 73 carries for 325 yardsand 4 touchdowns. James Crosby has been a threat in both the rushingand passing game, with 38 touches for 175 yards.THE BIG UGLIES: The Wildcats’ linemen will be important on both sides ofthe ball on Saturday. Nick Schwitzgebel and Tony Georges have anchoredthe line as veteran tackles on offense. Ashton Montgomery, Gus Salopek,and Owen Keane have also been great on the O-Line. On defense, AnthonyGerace returned last week and had a significant impact with 2.5 tackles.THE LEGION: The strength of the defense has been the linebacker legionthis season. Aidan Hubbard leads the team in tackles with 30 tackles and 2fumble recoveries. Connor Francz and Aidan Conway both have 20 tackles,and Michael McNamara starred with 4 tackles last week. Aidan Crummiealso chipped in 3 tackles. Expect all five to be involved this week in helpingto stop the run.SECONDARY SQUAD: The Wildcats made some changes at secondary lastweek in terms of positioning, and it showed. The secondary limited theRaiders to just 101 passing yards. Emmett Hanna and Merick Hartley playedstarring roles, with a combined 12.5 tackles. Look for both men to be heavily involved this week.CAPTAINS: The four captains for the 2019 season are #10 Griffin Hanna,#34 Jack Welcsh, #44 Michael McNamara, and #71 Nick Schwitzgebel.2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ABOUT ST. EDWARD .Learning about the Eagles .HOME AGAIN: The Eagles have played a tough schedule, but onewith not too much travel. Eight of 10 games this year are home contests, with seven at FirstFederal Lakewood Stadium. The Eagles are2-1 at Lakewood Stadium so far.GROUND AND POUND: The St. Edward offensive philosophy issimple: Pound the opponent into submission with the run and popsome playaction. The strategy has worked so far this season, with2,235 total yards (372.5 average per game) and 228 points (38 ppg).So far this season, the Eagles have attempted 246 runs and just 92passes.FORMIDABLE FORMANI: Joe Formani is the definition of a bellcowrunning back. Before the Eagles pounded Buchtel, Formani had 115of St. Edward’s 168 rushing attempts. At 5’11, 205 pounds, Formani isa quick back with great strength and excellent vision. He’s the focalpoint of the offense, with plenty of designed counters to suit Formani’s vision and physical skillset.BLOCKING GAME: St. Edward hangs it hat on its running game, soyou’ll see plenty of creative run plays. The Eagles mainly utilize twoblocking schemes – zone and gap. In zone blocking, the offensivelinemen block whatever defenders enters their zone. In gap blocking, the OL picks a running lane and throws its blockers at the hole,looking to overwhelm the defense. The Eagles use both quite well,splitting evenly between the two. The Eagles also love to use pullinglinemen and tight ends on the gap runs, particularly on option runswith Formani and QB Conor O’Malley.O’MALLEY’S OFFENSE: Conor O’Malley leads the offense at quarterback. The senior, a first-year starter, passes and runs equally effectively. The Eagles often use him on designed QB runs and RPOs(run-pass options). O’Malley will run playaction passes frequently tocapitalize on the Eagles’ strong running game.BIG MEN UP FRONT: The Eagles tend to line up in a 4-man front ondefense. Jeff Pietrowski, a Michigan State commit, is a talented endwith a team-best 55 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumblerecoveries, and 10 quarterback hurries. Fellow linemen Alex Colangelo (53 tackles) and Terron Lee (52) also play a big role on defense.HANKINS’ BACKERS: CJ Hankins is the most fearsome St. Edwardlinebacker. The 6’0, 218-pound linebacker has 51 tackles on the yearas a roving linebacker. Against an I-formation, Hankins is one ofthree linebackers on the field. Against the spread, a linebacker subsout for a nickel back.2019 St. EdwardSchedule8/29 vs. MentorLakewood StadiumL, 28-299/7vs. Cass TechLakewood StadiumW, 41-209/13@ Erie CathedralPrep (PA)Dollinger FieldW, 21-149/21vs. ElderW, 42-25Medina Highland HS9/28 @ Winton WoodsFrederick StadiumW, 51-31vs. BuchtelLakewood StadiumW, 45-2110/12 vs. Saint IgnatiusLakewood Stadium7:00 pm10/510/18 vs. Clarkson Football 7:00 pmNorthLakewood Stadium10/26 vs. ArchbishopMoellerLakewood Stadium4:00 pmvs. NationalChristian AcademyLakewood Stadium7:00 pm11/2SECONDARY SCHEMING: As per usual, the Eagles have a talentedsecondary. Lawson and Logan Nash lead the way as persistent playmakers. Watch out for Richard Johnson at safety. Jaylen and JoelCastleberry also get plenty of time. The Eagles mostly use Cover4. In this coverage scheme, 4 defensive backs (typically 2 corners,2 safeties) split the field into four. The outside linebackers or nickelcorner will cover the flats, and the MLB covers short inside routes.Ignatiuswildcats.com5
BY THE NUMBERS/ WILDCATS TO WATCH900All-purpose yards byConnor Cmiel100First downs by theWildcats’ offense74-12-1Wildcats’ all-timerecord at LakewoodStadium39Tackles for loss by theWildcats’ defense26-8-1Coach Chuck Kyle’srecord in Week 75Field goals by DeclanMangan this season6LT NICK SCHWITZGEBEL ’20The Division I recruithas anchored theWildcats’ line at lefttackle successfully allyear. He’ll need a biggame to protect Griffin Hanna in the pocketand to open space inthe running game. Theteam captain is a savvyblocker with a nose forthe blitz. Schwitzgebelwill be key in stopping St. Edward’s bigplaymakers in the frontseven.S EMMETT HANNA ’21The playmaking safetywill be an importantweapon in stoppingJoe Formani. Hannahelped to limit Rockledge’s Ladarius Tennison last week, tabbing 10 tackles in aproductive day. Hannawill again play a crucialrole in containing Formani from picking upbig chunks of yardagein the ground game, aswell as watching for theplayaction pass.2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY 152535455Mike SimcakErik DaugentiRory McConvilleHenry CookDeclan ManganJaxon FrenchConnor CmielMichael MorganGriffin HannaSteven BodamerAlec LaSpinaBilly SpearAndrew ChimeSean CookJack DunstanColin WiehnPat KeaneEmmett HannaAnthony SantagataChris SnyderMerick HartleyDaniel FinnanDomenic FabeJames CrosbyAdam OrmsteadRyan WaldronCharlie KinzelDominic DeVengencieCalum CampolietiJohn FolianoVincent FagnilliMichael CorteJack WelcshChristopher MathewsColin MacMillanNick VelottaJacob DavisSam KemptonPatrick KotekJake LangMatthew OleksikMichael McNamaraAidan HubbardBraeden LairJack NorrisAidan ConwayCole SmithMatthew KallConnor FranczAshton MontgomeryMax WattersAidan CrummieChristopher SpeelmanIgnatiuswildcats.comYr. Ht. Wt. Position 4767879808182838485868891929497NameYr. Ht. Wt. PositionCarter ZimmermanKevin KempfferJohn LenhardRico LevertBennett AdlerTony GeorgesGus SalopekOwen KeaneNick SchwitzgebelConnor KinneyBrian KeaneJake ReedAlec GottschalkBen KormosSam DaugstrupCharlie SpurrierJohn BeckerJimmy SpearSebestyen BalassyTimothy LewisNick LamirandJonathan McNeilLuca LaSpinaJaylyn NorrisGavin MooreAnthony min RossiAlex TuasonNathan SommerfeldDanny SalemWilliam MooreFinn CooneyJake BondMatthew O’NeillSr.Sr.Sr.Jr.Jr.So.Sr.Fr.Intern / Assistant CoachIntern / Assistant CoachStudent Training AidStudent Training AidStudent Training AidStudent Training AidManagerManagerCoaches:Chuck Kyle ’69Nick Restifo Hon. ’19Ryan Franzinger ’02Jim Cahill ’89Terry Fergus ’72Jack Hyland ’14Adam Rini ’99Paul YappelDave CicettiMark SullivanKevin Johnson ’10John Pieschalski ’89Mo SizemoreTony ConnacherRev. Dan Reim, S.J.Anthony LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLTEWRWRWRWRWRTEWRDLDLDLDLHead CoachOffensive Coordinator/QBDefensive Coordinator/LBQuarterbacks CoachRunning Backs CoachWide Receivers CoachOffensive Line CoachOffensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Backs CoachDefensive Backs CoachHead Athletic TrainerAssistant Athletic TrainerTeam ChaplainDirector of Strength andConditioning7
ST. EDWARD ROSTER2019 St. Edward Varsity Football RosterHead Coach - Tom LombardoAsst. Coaches:Dan CorcoranJake PreuhsTJ GallagherBill RockwellDave JacobsDan ScanlonRick LytleBrad StaplesPete PappasNorm StickneyBill Powers#FirstLastHeight Weight Position yFallon6'05'116'16'25'101112AidanBrianSkinnerKeefe Jr.131315MontorieMichaelAndrew1617Height Weight Position erBrendanJeffreyBiggomCantrellBelzPietrowski, erronLee III5'10235DL12President - Jim Kubacki Principal - KC McKenna Athletic Director - Kevin HickmanAthletic Trainer - Brian Warner Team Physicians - Dr. Morgan Jones, Dr. Jessica Churchill PT - Bailey LanserTeam Managers - Liam Scanlon, Liam McIlwee, Hunter Wagner, Cody Wagner, Kevin Wilker, Max ThomasBand Director - Angelo Kortyka Head Cheer Coach - Gretchen Toddy-LudwickVarsity Cheer Team: Lauren Toddy, Mackenzie Hammond, Julia Scheatzle, Kiersten SappEmmeline Slaght, Maeghan McCarthy, Zeakia Jordan, Lauren Kast, Lillien Heywood, Kaitlyn Mincey82019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
SAINT IGNATIUS DEPTH CHART* Depth chart subject to change on gamedayDEFENSEOFFENSEQB107Griffin HannaJaxon FrenchSr. 6’2” 180So. 6’0” 170DESr. 5’8” 171 ORSr. 6’0” 201539197Max WattersLuca LaSpinaAnthony GeraceSr.Jr.Sr.6’2”6’5”6’2”RB2534James CrosbyJack WelcshTE4286WRNTJake LangNick LamirandSr. 6’3” 195Jr. 6’5” 1955362Max WattersRico LevertSr.Sr.6’2” 2506’0” 248DE8Connor CmielSr.6392Bennett AdlerJaylyn NorrisJr.Jr.6’3” 2105’10” 223WR5Henry CookSr. 5’10” 170OLB45 Aidan HubbardJr.44 Michael McNamara Sr.6’4” 218 OR6’2” 220WR1612Jack DunstanAlec LaSpinaJr.Jr.5’11” 1506’0” 167MLB48 Aidan Conway54 Aidan CrummieJr.Sr.6’2”6’1”LT7179Nick SchwitzgebelBen KormosSr. 6’3” 293Sr. 6’6” 270OLB5137Connor FranczNick VelottaSr.Jr.6’3” 2206’0” 210LG66 Gus Salopek50 Matthew KallJr.Sr.6’5” 2406’1” 271CB828Connor CmielCharlie KinzelSr.Sr.6’2” 1905’10” 152C52 Ashton Montgomery So. 6’2” 29564 Tony GeorgesSr. 6’2” 290SS3429Jack WelcshSr.6’0” 201Dominic DeVengencie Sr. 5’10” 165RG70 Owen Keane50 Matthew KallSr. 6’3” 290Sr. 6’1” 271SS19 Emmett Hanna46 Braeden LairJr.So.6’2” 2005’11” 180RT64 Tony Georges79 Ben KormosSr. 6’2” 290Sr. 6’6” 270FS2214Merick HartleyAndrew ChimeSr.Jr.5’10” 1806’0” 181CB321Erik DaugentiChris SnyderSr.Jr.6’1”6’1”6’2” 190PRONUNCIATION GUIDE#3 Erik Daw-JEN-tee#8 Connor Kah-MEEL#10 Pat CANE#16 Jack DONE-stan#22 MARE-ick HEART-lee#24 Domenic FAYB#29 DominicDee-ven-JENN-see#33 Michael COURT#34 Jack WELSH#37 Nick VA-lott-tah#51 Connor FRANZ#54 Aidan CRUMMY#62 Rico Le-VERT#66 Gus SALL-oh-peck#70 Owen CANE#71 Nick SCH-witz-ga-bel#79 Ben CORE-mos#86 Nick LAMB-err-and#97 Anthony 68SPECIAL TEAMSKO 6Declan ManganJr.5’11”FG46Rory McConvilleDeclan ManganSr.Jr.5’10” 165 OR5’11” 165PAT 4Rory McConvilleSr.5’10” 165PDeclan ManganJr.5’11”165Henry CookBennett AdlerHenry CookMichael MorganConnor CmielDominic H5LS 63PR 59KR 8291659
RANKINGS/ HISTORYJoe Eitel, Division I, Region 1Cleveland.com Top 25Rank W-L Mailing City16-0 Mentor26-0 Euclid35-1 Lakewood45-1 Canton55-1Massillon64-2 Stow75-1 Brunswick83-3 Cleveland94-2 Solon10 4-2 Medina115-1 Cleveland Heights124-2 Strongsville131-5 Elyria14 2-4 Lorain151-5 Shaker Heights16 1-5 Canton171-5 Berea180-6 Newark1. (1) Mentor (6-0)2. (2) St. Edward (5-1)3. (3) Archbishop Hoban (5-1)4. (4) Kenston (6-0)5. (5) Euclid (6-0)6. (6) Avon (6-0)7. (8) Saint Ignatius (3-3)8. (9) Avon Lake (5-1)9. (10) Perry (6-0)10. (11) Aurora (6-0)11. (12) Kirtland (6-0)12. (13) Mayfield (6-0)13. (7) Benedictine (6-0)14. (15) Barberton (5-1)15. (17) Medina (4-2)16. (18) Cleveland Heights (5-1)17. (21) Wadsworth (4-2)18. (14) Stow (4-2)19. (16) Solon (4-2)20. (19) Brunswick (5-1)21. (22) Olmsted Falls (6-0)22. (20) Strongsville (4-2)23. (23) Brecksville (4-2)24. (24) Streetsboro (6-0)25. (25) Chardon (4-2)Week 5 Poll: Released October 1SchoolGames .11First Game .1934Most Recent Game.2013Saint Ignatius Wins.7Last Saint Ignatius Win.2007Saint Ignatius Losses.4Last Saint Ignatius Loss.2013Ties.0Largest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.53, 1957 vs. Lincoln &1973 vs. West TechOpponents.14, 1934 vs. Tiffen Junior HomeGames on Oct. 12 (7-4):vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.vs.10Tiffen Junior HomeCleveland LincolnHoly NameHoly NameCleveland West TechSt. EdwardVilla Angela-St. JosephCanton McKinleySt. EdwardCincinnati LaSalleEastern Christian Acad.Avg Level 1 L2 L2 divisor Last playoff18.433338.0 121.0 100 201817.714637.5 113.5 99201816.150030.0 111.5 100 201813.616729.5 87.0 100 201813.5000 30.0 85.0 100 201713.266723.5 93.5 100 201712.9500 31.5 77.0 100 201411.483318.5 84.0 100 201810.866725.0 67.0 100 201810.716725.0 65.5 100 20169.866729.5 49.5 100 20159.616725.0 54.5 100 20182.70006.017.0 100 20152.516711.56.0100 20172.20006.012.0 100 20131.08336.50.0 100 20161.00006.00.0 100 20150.00000.00.0 992005Statewide Division I AP PollThis Day in 3SchoolMentorEuclidSt EdwardCanton McKinleyJacksonStow-Munroe FallsBrunswickSaint IgnatiusSolonMedinaCleveland HeightsStrongsvilleElyriaLorainShaker -020-031-053-00-120-847-1925-222-2029-321. MentorT-2. St. EdwardT-2. Euclid4. Fairfield5. Olentangy Liberty6. Elder7. Toledo Whitmer8. St. Xavier9. Springboro10. SpringfieldLast Wk 1st votes Record 2912811510696836326Others receiving 12 or more points: T-11. Pickerington Central(21); T-11. Dublin Coffman (21); T-13. Cincinnati Colerain (16);T-13. Canton McKinley (16); 15. Massillon Jackson (14)USA TODAY Super 25Regional Football RankingsMIDWESTIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan,Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin1. (1) Male (Louisville, KY) (6-0)2. (2) Mentor (OH) (6-0)3. (3) Muskegon (MI) (6-0)4. (4) East St. Louis (IL) (6-0)5. (5) Muskego (WI) (7-0)6. (7) De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis, MO) (6-0)7. (10) Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort, IL) (6-0)8. (–) Olentangy Liberty (OH) (6-0)9. (–) St. Edward (5-1)10. (–) Wayzata (Plymouth, MN) (6-0)2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
GAME PREVIEWRIVALRY MATCH OFFERS BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR WILDCATSWhatever the records, whenever the game, whoeverthe players, Saint Ignatius vs. St. Edward is always agreat rivalry on the gridiron.With the switch to Week 7 to avoid back-to-backgames, the Wildcats enter at 3-3 and St. Edwardstands at 5-1. The schools decided to move the gameearly to avoid a back-to-back scenario like in 2018.An earlier showdown is not a new idea. From 198386, the two teams played in Week 7 and from 19872006, the schools faced off in Week 8.Based on records this season, the Wildcats enter asthe underdog. But Saint Ignatius will be as motivatedas ever to win and gain critical computer points.SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE VS. ST. EDWARDDEFENSEThe Wildcats have experienced no difficulty in scoring points in the last two weeks, posting 40 and 42points. Griffin Hanna has been the catalyst of an offense averaging 30.3 points per game.The senior quarterback has 1,317 yards and 12touchdowns through the air, along with 4 rushingtouchdowns. An excellent decision-maker, Hanna canbe reliable in the short-to-intermediate game, withthe ability to loft it deep to Connor Cmiel.The senior wideout will play a huge role on Saturday. The Ohio State lacrosse commit has 18 catchesfor 410 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year. HenryCook has been great in the short passing game,hauling in 22 passes for 296 yards and 5 scores. JakeLang and Jack Dunstan are also dangerous options.The offensive line has been remarkably consistent.Whether paving lanes for running backs Jack Welcshand James Crosby or allowing Hanna time in thepocket, the big boys up front have been great.The Eagles run a 4-man front led by Jeff Pietrowski.The Michigan State commit leads St. Ed’s in tackles(55), sacks (6.5), (3) forced fumbles, fumble recoveries (2), and quarterback hurries (10). Alex Colangelo(53 tackles) and Terron Lee (52) are also solid.The linebacking core is led by CJ Hankins. Thetalented senior has 51 tackles on the year. Hankins isalmost always joined by a second ‘backer, and a thirdin running situations.The defensive backfield is uber-talented. BrothersLogan and Lawson Nash are excellent playmakers.Richard Johnson is a smart free safety. Jaylen andJoel Castleberry also get plenty of time.St. Edward uses mostly quarters coverage. In thisCover 4 scheme, four defensive backs (typically 2safeties and 2 corners) split the field into four. Tobeat the Cover 4, offenses try to beat the linebackers short, or run post routes with the slot wideoutsand fly routes with the outside receivers to get singlecoverage deep.Ignatiuswildcats.comSAINT IGNATIUS DEFENSE VS. ST. EDWARDOFFENSEIt’s no mystery what the Eagles want to do onoffense – pound you with Joe Formani and the rungame and keep you on your toes with playaction.St. Edward prides itself on the ground game thisseason, with Formani leading the way. The 5’11,205-pound running back is strong and athletic. Hisvision is excellent, as he can sense a cutback lane.Formani is a bellcow. Entering Week 6, Formanihad 115 of the Eagles’ 168 rushing attempts.Part of what makes the offense work is ConorO’Malley. A smart senior, O’Malley can run or passequally well. O’Malley runs options and designeddraws just as well as playaction passes. He has thearm to find his talented wideouts – Montorie Foster, Michael Lombardo, Nathan Simon, and others.The offensive line also deserves plenty of kudos.The Eagles utilize two main blocking schemes –gap and zone. In a gap scheme, compared to afastball in baseball, the idea is to throw blockers ata gap to open a running lane and overwhelm thedefense. The Eagles do this well on QB runs andcounters with pulling linemen and tight ends. In azone scheme, the linemen block whatever defender enters their zone. Whatever the scheme, theEagles have been able to establish the run.And the moment you bring another defenderinto the box, the Eagles will make you pay with aplayaction pass.On Saturday, the Wildcats will look to limit theground game and keep the lid on the offense. Inother words, Coach Kyle and Co. don’t expect tocompletely stop Formani, but the Wildcats hopeto contain him and prevent big runs. To do this,the Wildcats are working hard in practice on disguising blitzes and reading keys.With Anthony Gerace and Michael McNamaraback last week, the Cats looked great on defense.Linemen Bennett Adler, Max Watters, and RicoLevert will also be vital to stopping the run. TheWildcats will rotate in at linebacker to stay fresh.In the secondary, Merick Hartley and EmmettHanna have emerged as playmaking safeties. Bothwill be crucial to limiting St. Edward.SPECIAL TEAMSIn this type of rivalry, the game often comesdown to special teams. The Wildcats may have theedge here. For the Wildcats, Declan Mangan is reliable kicker with a long range and a great punter.Grant Saringer handles field goals and kickoffsfor St. Edward. He converted his first field goal ofthe year, a 23-yarder, vs. Buchtel. Justin Slatterytakes care of punting, averaging 35.8 yards.11
ROCKLEDGE RECAPWILDCATS ROUT RAIDERS FOR MUCH-NEEDED VICTORYThunder and lightning struck on Saturday
St. Edward EAGLES at Saint Ignatius WILDCATS Broadcast Information Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network Play-by-Play: Jack O'Rourke '20 Color Analyst: Nick Fletcher '20 Analyst/Show Host: Max Marazzi '20 Moderator: Joe Ginley '12 / Jeff McCormick '83 (P): 216-651-0222 email: jginley@ignatius.edu jmccormick@ignatius.edu S BN Media .
