The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Harvey>>Red Raiders
Just the facts
Conference: CVC Valley
Coach: Mick Mohner, second year (4-6) OHSAA: Division III, Region 9
2020: 4-6 (1-5)
Twitter: @GoooooooRaiders
Home field: Jack Britt Memorial Stadium
Outlook
The optimism is palpable in Painesville, as the Red Raiders seek to advance a reclamation project and build off a three-game winning streak to close 2020. The offense, with Coleman Jr. at the helm, experience and good size on the line and some playmaking diversity, could impress. After yielding at least 35points six times last fall, the defense can undoubtedly improve. But Harvey is massive along the defensive front, and Early could intrigue at LB with his size and athleticism. The Red Raiders have had four .500-plus seasons since 1995and have not reached seven wins since 1994. Both seem doable here, which would do wonders for the program.
Player to watch
Like his father before him,
QB-CB Rick Coleman Jr., a
6-foot, 165-pound senior, is a Harvey signal-caller and leader. The third-team All-Ohioan was a jack-ofall-trades last fall, with 985 total yards and 12 TDs. “He’s our guy,” Coach Mick Mohner said effusively of his two-way standout, who’s getting Ivy League looks. Underclassman to watch: Tyree Alston, a 5-11, 250-pound junior, could develop into one of the area’s better defensive linemen and at times can be “unblockable” in Mohner’s view.
Bottom line
IF: … a young defense jells and improves; THEN … a run at 7-3, which would be the Red Raiders’ best season since 1994, doesn’t seem unreasonable.
— Chris Lillstrung
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 20: Harvey at Kirtland, 7
Aug. 27: Jefferson at Harvey, 7
Sept. 3: Wickliffe at Harvey, 7
Sept. 10: Crestwood at Harvey, 7
Sept. 17: Harvey at Cardinal, 7
Sept. 24: Grand Valley at Harvey, 7 (HC) Oct. 1: Youngstown Chaney at Harvey, 7 Oct. 8: Harvey at Berkshire, 7
Oct. 15: Harvey at Hawken, 7
Oct. 22: Harvey at Lutheran West, 7