Boys soccer district capsule

Division I Favorite: Mayfield X-factors: University, Lake Catholic, Mentor

Don’t forget about: South What to look for: The amount of X-factors is indicative of how wide-open this district could be . ... Which version of Mayfield (11-3-2) shows up: The one that battled back to tie Chagrin Falls and beat West Geauga, or the one that was listless in a 5-1 setback against Solon? The Wildcats can possess well with Jake Weissman (nine goals, 12 assists) and Anthony DiTomas (6-5) in the middle of the park, and Charlie Schneier (13-1) has been a revelation as a pacey option up top. At its best, it’s a well-rounded side that can operate with a few looks tactically . ... University (7-6-2) might have the best player in this district, and the area, in senior midfielder Griffin Meyer (8-7). But beyond Meyer and striker Enea Cominelli (7-7), this has been a tough side to figure out. Defensive-third play was alarming at times and needs to peak in the postseason . ... Mentor (59-2) is deceptive with its record, but is starting to play with more intent in the attack and is looking more comfortable in its shape under Coach Mike Sesar. A demanding schedule may pay its most benefits now, and the Cardinals could be a sleeper in this bracket. ... Lake Catholic (6-6-4) showed positive signs in the last couple weeks. With Mateo Medancic at the controls, the Cougars can be a load in the attack. A potential Lake-Mentor sectional final could be fascinating. ... Kenston (7-6-3) could intrigue out in the Solon District, with a winnable match against Nordonia and having played top-seeded Brecksville-Broadview Heights tough in a 2-0 loss Sept. 1.

Division II

Favorites: West Geauga, Chagrin Falls X-factor: Geneva

Don’t forget about: Gilmour

What to look for: West Geauga (9-6-1) isn’t exactly riding a wave of momentum into the postseason, having lost three straight. But the Wolverines have the versatile Dave Beattie (9-15), who might be this area’s best holding midfielder, and Mo Aidja (11-12) with great workrate and pace up top. It’s going to require a tight defensive-third performance to hold down West G . ... Geneva (11-4-1) has authored one of the feel-good stories of the year locally, getting to double-digit wins two years removed from a one-win campaign. Dawson Schafer (25-5) is electric at striker, and Alex Lechintan (4-3) and Grant Mihalick (8-4) are steady, veteran influences in midfield. The Eagles have a real shot here if the defensive-third play is steady and regular-season form carries over . ... With the versatile Vinny Catanese (4-2) back in the fold after injury and Max Mendels (36), don’t count out Gilmour (7-7-2) as a side that could be some trouble . ... Out at the Kent District, this has all the makings of a special postseason for Chagrin Falls (13-2-1). The Tigers boast this area’s best central midfielder in Aaron Passalacqua (9-17), the commanding Zach Hoover (11-2) at center back and the tricky and clinical Jack Amendola (20-4) at striker. A deep run feels doable with the caliber of this side.

Division III

Favorite: Kirtland X-factor: Newbury Don’t forget about: Beachwood, Wickliffe

What to look for: Kirtland (12-1-3) is a balanced side with plenty of capability, including Jeremy Lunka (187), and the defensive-third play has been outstanding for much of the fall. The Hornets will be hungry to get another shot at Independence at the regional level. But without the field general of years past in the middle of the park, someone has to take the bull by the horns there . ... Newbury (13-2-1) will go as far as standout senior attackers Mario Puletti (18-21) and Julian Surckla (38-11) and defender Tino Johnson (6-4) takes them. With just 13 players, workrate and conditioning will never be more important. That said, a 1-1 tie with Kirtland shows big-match performances are in the Black Knights’ wheelhouse.