The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Euclid>>Panthers
Just the facts
Conference: GCC
OHSAA: Division I, Region 1
Coach: Rick Lytle, 1st season
2020: 5-3
Twitter: @EUCFOOTBALL
Home field: Euclid Community Stadium
Outlook
Euclid comes into the season with a new look. First-year coach Rick Lytle has only three players who have seen time on the varsity level. The biggest questions for the Panthers will be up front on both sides of the ball. They have new offensive and defensive lines with no varsity experience. Both groups have shown promise during camp and at scrimmages. Junior quarterback Deonte’ Rucker has looked good, and will rely on Claishon Ivory at receiver for leadership. A rigorous schedule will test the young Panthers.
Player to watch
Claishon Ivory is the lone returning starter on offense. The receiver will be relied on heavily during the early portions of the schedule while his teammates adjust to the varsity level. He holds an offer from Kentucky, and will be the safety valve for Rucker.
Underclassman to watch:
Ryan Merrill will be the voice of the defense. He comes off of a season in which he recorded nearly
100 tackles and was named a News-Herald secondteam all-star on defense.
As the lone returner on defense, the junior will be relied on to guide the defense.
Bottom Line
IF: The young Panthers mature quickly, THEN: they can finish in the top half of the GCC.
— Benjamin Hercik
Schedule
Aug. 20: Euclid at Aurora, 7
Aug. 27: Hudson at Euclid, 7
Sept. 3: Cleveland Heights at Euclid, 7 Sept. 10: St. Ignatius at Euclid, 7
Sept. 17: Brunswick at Euclid, 7
Sept. 24: Euclid at Medina, 7
Oct. 1: Euclid at Massillon Washington, 7:30 Oct. 8: Euclid at Strongsville, 7
Oct. 15: Solon at Euclid, 7 (HC)
Oct. 22: Euclid at Mentor, 7