The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Gilmour>>Lancers
Just the facts
Conference: Independent
Coach: Chris Kosiorek, seventh year (3228)
OHSAA: Division IV, Region 13
2020: 3-4
Twitter: @GALancerAD
Home field: Weber Stadium
Outlook
The Lancers are experienced, particularly on the offensive line with four returning starters, as well as on defense. The Kavcic brothers, products of a respected Kirtland youth football pipeline, will take on a lot of responsibility as sophomores, Jake at QB, Andy at RB and both at DB. Gilmour has its largest roster numbers in Kosiorek’s tenure, which is exciting, but it’s not a squad with a great deal of physical size generally. The Lancers will inevitably have a new complexion, after QB Thomas Richardson and RB Santino Harper transferred to Akron SVSM, and a proverbial chip on their shoulder.
Player to watch
RB-LB Mick Hopkins, a 6-foot, 190-pound senior, is a four-year starter who will be a key cog. Kosiorek lauds Hopkins’ physical maturation, adding 25 pounds over time. Hopkins will be asked to be a leader, especially on defense, and a tone-setter for the Lancers as a whole.
Underclassman to watch: Junior WR-DB Tommy McCrone (5-10, 153) is a two-way starter who will be a field stretcher with his speed, as well as on special teams as a kick and punt returner.
Bottom line
IF: … a squad with eight projected twoway starters can flourish and withstand the rigors of a long season; THEN … getting back over .500after going 3-4last year is in the cards.
— Chris Lillstrung
Gilmour’s Mick Hopkins (6) converges on a tackle last season against University.