Sep 25, 2009
Week 5 football preview

From www.SportsInk.com

The final night of "non-league" play in the Northeast Ohio Conference features a pair of inter-divisional battles that deserve top billing.
Undefeated Brunswick (4-0) hosts talented Twinsburg (3-1) in a contest between potential Division I playoff opponents, while Hudson (4-0) welcomes fellow unbeaten Solon (4-0) in a showdown with huge computer points on the line.
The aforementioned games -- determined by the luck of the offseason scheduling draw -- pit top teams from different NOC divisions against one another. It's a fringe benefit of having an 18-team super conference, but also lends itself to some unexpectedly irrelevant contests.
Nordonia hosts Valley Forge in a matchup of 1-3 squads that looked like a dandy one month ago, but isn't anymore. Perennial playoff contender Strongsville, meanwhile, travels to Lakewood in search of its first victory of the year.
But back to the two big games of Week 5.
First, Brunswick vs. Twinsburg at Judy Kirsch Field ... Coach Mark Solis' Tigers are averaging 35.5 points per game, which ranks second in the NOC to Lyndhurst Brush's 36.3. The Blue Devils are tied for fourth at 33.3, but share top honors in the upper Valley Division.
Twinsburg is led by rising star quarterback Andrew Collier (37-of-59, 582 yards, 7 TD), running back Dion Johnson (283 yards, 4 TD), slot back Joe Hiller (398 all-purpose yards, 6 TD) and wide receiver Nick Nero (10 receptions, 19.2 average).
Brunswick counters with bruising running back Lorenzo Pace (504 yards from scrimmage, 6 TD), flanker Jared Kaderbek (13 receptions, 13.6 average) and exceptional kicker Jeff Kravetz (19 points, 13-of-14 extra points).
Rich Nowak -- the winningest coach in Medina County history -- also has a new wrinkle to throw at the Tigers. Starting quarterback Jess Smatana (18-of-31, 279 yards) sat out last week with a variety of injuries, giving Pat Felton the chance to shine (14-of-20, 254 yards). The former is more of a runner, the latter a pocket passer, and both are rumored to be seeing action tonight.
Next, Hudson vs. Solon at Dante Lavelli Field ... The Explorers are coming off a heartstopping 35-34 overtime win at Strongsville that saw senior quarterback Richie Piekarski throw for 150 yards and run for 114 with three scores.
Gabe Adams (19 receptions, 18.5 average, 4 TD) also topped the 100-yard mark against the Mustangs and has blossomed into an elite wide receiver, while running backs Zach Barley and Joey Studer are averaging 6.5 yards a touch. Coach Tom Narducci's club would break into the Associated Press state poll with a victory, but this is its toughest test of the year by far.
The Comets have outscored their four foes by a 113-30 margin -- and appear to be the class of the entire NOC. Quarterback Jake Voigt (51-of-82, 831 yards, 6 TD) is playing outstanding football, while running back Kyle Hammonds (309 yards, 8 TD) and wide receiver Tres Barksdale (16 receptions, 18.5 average, 2 TD) round out the Comets' "Triplets."
Additionally, Solon coach Jim McQuaide has a 54-18 record at the school and has not lost to Hudson since 2004. Comets quarterback coach Thom McDaniels also owns two state championships from his illustrious run at Canton McKinley, but is best known now for being the father of Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels.


NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE / WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

FRIDAY
Twinsburg (3-1) at Brunswick (4-0)
Solon (4-0) at Hudson (4-0)
Medina (2-2) at Parma Normandy (2-2)
Parma Heights Valley Forge (1-3) at Nordonia (1-3)
North Royalton (4-0) at Cuyahoga Falls (1-3)
Garfield Heights (3-1) at Stow (0-4)
Lyndhurst Brush (3-1) at Mayfield (4-0)
Strongsville (0-4) at Lakewood (1-3)

THURSDAY
Parma 29, Elyria 14 ... Redmen (3-2), Pioneers (2-3)