The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Week 1» Games to watch AVON LAKE AT ELYRIA
What: Matt Medley Memorial Game of the Week When: 7p.m., Aug. 24 Where: Ely Stadium, 1915 Middle Ave., Elyria 2017records: Avon Lake 6-4, Elyria 1-9 Last meeting: 2017— 21-20, Avon Lake
For the record: Last year, this game came down to the final moments. Neither team could know it back then, but it also appeared to be a sign of the season for both teams — Elyria dropping some tight games and Avon Lake pulling out plenty of close ones. But that was last year, and these teams are not the same. Avon Lake returns some very strong talent on offense, but features a defense that at times was susceptible to the big plays. If that happens against Elyria, it could be a long game for the Shoremen. Elyria, however, lost a heck of a lot from last year and will be looking for an identity in Week 1. With that being said, expect the Pioneers to be ready from opening kickoff, buoyed by the emotions that come with the opening night for the new Ely Stadium. While it would be irresponsible to think this one could be as tight as last season, it is hard to believe that this one will be in the bag until late in the fourth quarter.
LORAIN AT MIDVIEW
What: Nonconference game When: 7p.m., Aug. 24 Where: Ross Field at Ed Adelsberg Stadium, 38199 Capel Road, Grafton 2017records: Lorain 8-3, Midview 8-3 Last meeting: 2017— 37-34, Midview For the record: This year’s edition of one of the most exciting games of 2017is a bit more of a mystery. Both teams enter the season with a number of questions surrounding them. For Lorain, how will the offensive line fare? For Midview, will replacing both quarterback and running back lead to a dip in offensive production? Even with the questions, though, there should be no doubt that this will be one of the more exciting showdowns in Week 1. Expect what could be a sloppy start on both sides to quickly tighten up as the first game jitters disappear. Like last year, this game could easily go down to the wire.
AMHERST AT CLEARVIEW
What: Nonconference game When: 7p.m., Aug. 24 Where: Tom Hoch Field, 4700 Broadway, Lorain 2017records: Amherst 6-4, Clearview 9-2 Last meeting: 2017— 41-6, Amherst
For the record: It’s always fun when two legitimate playoff contenders battle in Week 1. It’s even better when both of those teams feature players who should be among the top 10in The Morning Journal area come the end of the season. That is what you get with this one. And, while there are a lot of things that could happen in this one, there is one thing that any fans in attendance should expect: lots of running. Amherst’s offense features the talents of Khennedy Scagliozzo. A Matt Wilhelm Award finalist in 2017, the senior looks better than ever and is poised to build on his stellar junior year. On Clearview’s end, running back Drew Engle is player who will match Scagliozzo carryfor-carry. Engle finished in the top 5for rushing yards last season, and there is no reason he shouldn’t be able to increase that total this year. Expect a lot of running in this one, and be prepared to enjoy what should be one of the best running duels of the year.
BAY AT KEYSTONE
What: Nonconference game
When: 7p.m., Aug. 24 Where: Wildcat Stadium, 580 Opportunity Way, LaGrange 2017records: Bay 12-1, Keystone 4-6 Last meeting: 2017— 10-0, Bay
For the record: Last year’s 10-0final was the closest game of the season for both teams. But both teams are vastly different this season, so it’s tough to say if the result this year will be similar. Bay, a regional finalist last year, graduated one its most talented senior classes in program history, which included an outstanding offensive line and a Matt Wilhelm Award finalist running back in Trey Psota. Quarterback Connor Shell is transitioning to running back this season, and there is reason to believe that the Rockets will be a more balanced offense than in years past. As for Keystone, the Wildcats are in a sense the opposite of the Rockets. Keystone’s offense is fairly set with returning players in running back Dylan Naylor, wide receivers Karson Cendrosky and Cory Hartle, and tight end Dalton Weber. The biggest question on offense for the Wildcats is junior quarterback Jacob Shackelford. However, Shackelford spent some time filling it at QB last year, so even he is like a returning player. Defense is where the difference may come for this game. Bay, as with the offense, lost some key cogs. However, defense has been the bread and butter of Rocket teams since Ron Rutt took over, and there’s no reason to believe that should change.
ROCKY RIVER AT FAIRVIEW
What: Nonconference game
When: 7p.m., Aug. 24 Where: James B. Daley Stadium, 4507W. 213th St., Fairview Park 2017records: Rocky River 7-3, Fairview 3-7 Last meeting: 2017— 35-6, Rocky River
For the record: The downthe-street rivalry between Rocky River and Fairview takes an interesting twist this season as it is the last time it is one that is simply for bragging rights. Next year, Fairview will join the Great Lakes Conference and from then forward, the game will count. This year, though, expect a fun matchup between a team looking to take the next step in Rocky River and a team that is searching for its identity in Fairview. Rocky River should be a balanced attack after being primarily run-first in past years. Fairview returns a pair of outstanding running backs and an up-and-coming quarterback. So, expect some offensive fireworks in this one. The defensive edge in this one goes to Rocky River, but don’t discount the Fairview linebacking corps, which could prove to be one of the tops in the Patriot Athletic Conference at season’s end.
VALLEY FORGE AT NORTH OLMSTED
What: Nonconference game When: 7p.m., Aug. 24
Where: North Olmsted Stadium, 27301Butternut Ridge Road
2017records: Valley Forge 3-7, North Olmsted 4-6
Last meeting: 2017— 40-13,
North Olmsted
For the record: For the first time in two seasons, the Eagles will play a home game within the city limits of North Olmsted, and the team could not be happier. That means bad things for Valley Forge. The Eagles are dangerous at all times. An emotionally charged North Olmsted team is downright scary. Expect the Eagles to come out strong and never let up on the gas pedal in what should be a fun opening night for North Olmsted Stadium.