2011 Football Preview: Mentor Lake Catholic

Eric Frantz · (#1)

Mentor Lake Catholic (12-2, D-II State Semifinalist)

* Players to Watch – ATH/LB Kyle Schinke (6-1, 190, sr.), RB/LB Lou Vettel (5-11, 175, sr.), LB Steve Freiberg (5-9, 180, sr.)

* Outlook – The Cougars have won back-to-back regional titles under head coach Mike Bell (76-36 in nine years) but stretching that streak to three will be tough. MLC must replace 21 of 22 starters. Only one player (Vettel) who ran for over 100 yards on the season returns. Defensively, Schinke (47 tackles, nine TFL) and Freiberg (35 tackles, five TFL) are back. Despite the graduation losses, Bell says, “I really believe this has been our best overall off season. The players are working extremely hard, they have shown tremendous leadership, and have very high expectations for the 2011 season.” New teams on the MLC schedule include: Strongsville, Ravenna and Avon.

Hobanator · (#2)

Lchsman,
Not looking good for MLC in 2011

lchsman · (#3)

Well, I mentioned this to you at the end of last season. Losing 21 out of 22 starters will be very tough to overcome. This might be very similiar to the 2002 season. Again, I would be extremely happy with 5-5, but with this schedule I think 4-6 might be more realistic.

All I can say at this point is watch out for the Cougars in 2012! And of course...best of luck to the Hoban Knights this season! See you guys in Mentor week 9.

Hobanator · (#4)

Thanks and of course best of luck to MLC except week 9. We have a really tough schedule and alot of green talent as well. Everyone is focused on Mcmullen and Lewis but as you know it takes 22 guys, not just 2. I don't know if you have seen our schedule but here it is:
week 1, Gonzage Prep out of DC (1000 Boys) sounds like the Ignatius of DC
week 2 @ Benedictine
week 3 Boardman (D1)
week 4 @ Bishop Hartley
week 5 St V-St.M @ Infocisions
week 6 Massillon @ Infocision
week 7 Walsh Jesuit
week 8 @ NDCL
week 9 @ MLC
week 10 Padua

Not an easy game in the bunch, honestly we could go 8-2 or 0-11. It is going to be very interesting. We have a 7 0n 7 this Wednesady with Perry and Wadsworth.Happy 4th!

GreenNGrey · (#5)

Injuries plagued that 2002 team. Vettel should provide a spark, good genes as his father played at ND. But any significant injury this year and your looking at a sub-.500 year.