Mentor Cardinals Outlast St.Edward Eagles 29-28 in Wild 2019 HS Football Opener in Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OHIO – If Thursday Night’s marquee matchup was any indication of what to expect in Northeast Ohio this season, fans are going to be in for one wild ride.

The Mentor Cardinals battled their way to a 29-28 upset of the defending Division I State Champion St. Edward Eagles Thursday night.

The Cardinals spoiled St. Edward’s first home game since their title victory. Over 6,000 fans packed First Federal Lakewood Stadium to witness what some may call an “instant classic”.

This game did not start promising for the guys in white and red, as they were forced into a three-and-out punt on their opening drive.

St. Edward then landed the first blow with a 34-yard touchdown pass, giving the Eagles momentum and an early lead.

Despite the early letdown, 23-year veteran Steve Trivisonno rounded up his troops and lit a fire under his team that would last for the duration of the game.

Mentor would then tie the game up late in the 1st quarter after an impressive touchdown drive, led by standout QB Ian Kipp.

After the Mentor defense forced a punt, the offense would come out to take a 14-7 lead on a 10-yard connection from Kipp to Boston College commit Luke Floriea.

However, just as quickly as Mentor took the lead, St. Edward would piece together a touchdown drive of their own to end the first half, followed by another touchdown drive to start the second half.

The following Mentor drive would result in a punt, and at that moment, it looked as if the defending champions were poised to pull away. But unfortunately for St. Edward, Mentor was not going to roll over on this stage.

The Cardinals would go on to intercept a pass and drive the other way for another huge touchdown. The score was now knotted up, 21-21, with a touch over four minutes to play in the 3rd quarter.

The pendulum-like pattern to this game would continue, as St. Edward would break off a long touchdown run to regain the lead heading into the final quarter.

Just like clockwork, it was Mentor’s time to strike a big play of their own. A huge catch and run would put them inside the opposing 5-yard line, but a miscue would result in a devastating goal line interception early in the 4th.

Once again, St. Edward had taken all of the momentum. Once again, St. Edward has a chance to slam the door shut. And once again, they failed to do so.

A routine 3-and-out in the following possession turned in to disaster when the ball was snapped over the head of the St. Edward punter and out of the end zone for a safety.

At this point, Mentor would regain possession, trailing 23-28 with 8:45 to play in regulation.

After trading possession multiple times, Mentor would find the fate of this game in their hands late in the 4th quarter.

Kipp was cool under pressure, orchestrating an impressive 70-yard drive in just two minutes. Kipp would then punch a quarterback keeper into the end zone, putting Mentor on top 29-28 with 2:23 to play after a failed two point conversion.

The standing room only crowd on the home side of First Federal Lakewood Stadium would try to get behind their team, but an interception would seal their fate.

Mentor was able to overcome a few costly errors to prevail over the defending state champions, 29-28.

Could this be the beginning of a fairytale ending to Coach Trivisonno’s historic career?

Only time will tell. However, one thing is undoubtedly true after tonight’s incredible ballgame; Mentor is ready to go to war with any opponent that comes their way this season.

Game of the Night 🚨

Mentor picks up the first and that’s going to be the ballgame! 29-28 Cardinals, Ed’s out of timeouts in the final minute. pic.twitter.com/LsDeIVR6Iu

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 30, 2019

Game of the Night 🚨
*Score Alert*

Ian Kipp carries one in from a few yards out to give Mentor the lead back!

2 point conversion no good, making it 29-28 Cardinals with 2:23 to play in the game. #MentorEds @FOX8FNTD @MattLoede @MentorAthletics pic.twitter.com/Xq5ylYmhOZ

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 30, 2019

Game of the Night 🚨
*Score Alert*

Mentor strikes on a 15 yard TD pass, putting them ahead of St. Edward 14-7. 9:32 to play in the 2nd. #MentorEds @MattLoede @MentorAthletics pic.twitter.com/eM6pO7b3oO

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 30, 2019

Game of the Night 🚨

Mentor responds! They lead an impressive drive to tie the game up at 7-7. 3:58 to go in the 1st. #MentorEds @MattLoede @MentorAthletics pic.twitter.com/JlnK7NMLqi

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 29, 2019

The season has officially begun! #MentorEds @MentorAthletics @sehsathletics pic.twitter.com/HyyuIduTY8

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 29, 2019

Here come the Eagles! The defending D-I champions are ready to defend their turf. #MentorEds @sehsathletics @SEHS_Spirit pic.twitter.com/sCKYUmoENU

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) August 29, 2019