A Season of Dominance
The Mentor High School football team has had a dominating season, going 10-0 with definitive victories against all of their opponents, the smallest victory being by 7 points, and their largest by 49. The past two seasons have resulted in an undefeated regular-season record, and the 24-25 season ended with a devastating defeat to St. Edwards, located in Lakewood, Ohio in the Regional Final.
Meet the Core of the Cardinals
This year, the team is full of dedicated, hard-working players who have shown their grit and determination throughout the season. Players such as Justen Hodge (WR), Dominic Burns (RB), Jackson Farley (RB), Jojo LoDuca (OL), Landry Brede (OL), Colin Prichard (T), and Brogan Jones (QB) are key on both sides of the ball and have led this team to an undefeated regular season. Jackson Farley, the Senior and Kent State commit, averages 177.7 Y/G with a total of 1599 yards this season. When asked about this season and how the team will approach the playoffs, this is what Farley had to say.
Cardinal Nation: As you head into the playoffs, what are your main goals or areas of focus?
Farley: We try to preach and communicate that we just need to stack good days on good days and stay healthy. We focus on our energy and our effort, those are the two things we can control.
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Another key player on the offense for Mentor is Giuseppe “Jojo” LoDuca. The Senior has committed to play for Navy and is a key support system for Mentor’s offense. LoDuca was able to provide insight into the team’s work ethic and true dedication to a successful playoff run, as well as how the community’s support affects the team.
Cardinal Nation: How has the support from students and the community impacted your/the team’s performance?
LoDuca: The support from the community and students means the world to us. Having them come out and support us on Friday nights, no matter where we are, is always a good feeling. We know that we are not just playing for ourselves but the community and past teams as well.
Cardinal Nation: What is the biggest adversity the team has faced this season, and how did you guys overcome this?
LoDuca: I would say the team has faced adversity this season with playing all our games to our standard every single game and every single snap. We overcame this by realizing that to reach our goals that we have we need to give 100% effort every day, no matter if it is a game, practice, or weightlifting.
Community at the Heart of the Team
Community support means a lot to the team, and this is felt at every game, home or away. Students, parents, and staff show up to every game, with our away game student section being larger than most schools’ home student sections, showing the large support that the Mentor community has for the team.
While the program has never won a State Championship, it seems possible that the team can go all the way. Come out on Friday, November 7, to show your support for the team wearing camouflage while the Mentor Cardinals take on the Massillon Jackson Polar Bears!
