According to Trivisonno, Mentor may be 'a year away'

Mentor (9-3)

* Players to Watch – QB Sam Mayse (6-5, 200, Sr.), OG Bryan Vayo (6-3, 285, Sr.), RB Mike Korecz (5-11, 195, Jr.), LB Nick Lamonica (6-2, 215, Sr.).

* Outlook – The Cardinals had back-to-back state runner-up finishes in 2006-07. They only got as far as the second round last year before a 17-3 loss to Strongsville.  But coach Steve Trivisonno, back for his 13th year at the helm, has six starters back on offense and three on defense.

“I think it will be an interesting year,” Trivisonno said. “We are going to be a young team. We may be a year away from being the real deal. In 2010, we may have a shot to get back to where we were in 2006 and ’07.

“We have some talent in some spots. It will come down to how quickly they come along.”

Korecz rushed for 1,100 yards last year as a sophomore.

“Mike is one of the more talented backs we’ve had,” Trivisonno said. “He has very good speed and good balance.”

Mayse took over at quarterback and threw for 1,800 yards.

“Sam is a big-time quarterback,” Trivisonno said. “He is a big, strong-armed kid. He is being recruited by everybody. He has a great arm. He has solid speed and he is a smart kid and a good football player.”

Before getting into Lake Erie League play, Mentor faces a murderer’s row, including Lakewood St. Edward, Strongsville, Solon, Cleveland St. Ignatius and Cincinnati Moeller.

“It is a very difficult first five,” Trivisonno said.

Schedule

Aug. 28, Lakewood St. Edward, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4, Strongsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11, at Solon

Sept. 18, Cleveland St. Ignatius, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26, at Cincinnati Moeller, 2 p.m.

Oct. 2, at Euclid, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10, at Shaker Heights, 2 p.m.

Oct. 16, Maple Heights, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23, at Massillon Washington

Oct. 30, Cleveland Heights, 7 p.m.