Week Two Top Five Northeast Ohio Football Teams

Photo by Kory Callihan

Week 1 is in the books and there are some new faces in the NEOSI top five. The playoffs are a ways away, but the teams in our top five are well on their way to the ultimate goal, a trip to Canton. So, without further ado let’s get into it. Here is the Week 2 NEOSI Top Five Teams.

1. St. Edwards Eagles (1-0, Last Week: 23-20 vs Toledo Central Catholic, Previous Rank: 1)

It should come as no surprise that the Eagles hold down the number one spot in our poll. Despite so many new faces, they were able to take down a tough Toledo Central Catholic squad in Week 1. Wyatt Gedeon, Coastal Carolina commit, was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line finishing with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Quarterback Casey Bullock accounted for all three Eagles touchdowns with two passing and one rushing. Up next for St. Edwards is a showdown with Pittsburgh Central Catholic at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Friday night.

2. Archbishop Hoban Knights (1-0, Last Week: 44-20 vs Football North, Previous Rank: 2)

The big question heading into the season was whether Jayvian Crable or Jacqai Long would be the starter under center. That quickly became a side story as running back Lamar Sperling, Buffalo commit, exploded for 393 yards and four touchdowns against Football North (CN). The tough schedule continues this week as the Knights host out of state power Cathedral Prep (PA).

3. Chardon Hilltoppers (1-0, Last Week: 14-7 vs Olmsted Falls, Previous Rank: 4)

The 29-game win streak is intact after Chardon squeaked by Olmsted Falls Friday night. Junior Andrew Bruce had an explosive game rushing for 158 yards and both Hilltopper touchdowns on only six carries. The defense was able to force three fumbles in the game and will be key going forward. The quest for a third consecutive championship continues Saturday when they square off with Camden (NJ) at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

4. Mentor Cardinals (1-0, Last Week: 34-21 vs Canton McKinley, Previous Rank: NR)

Mentor cracks the NEOSI Top 5 after handling Canton McKinley 34-21. Sophomore Scotty Fox threw for three touchdowns and Mitchell Waite ran for two, including an 80-yard dash. After a disappointing 2021 season, the way the Cardinals handled the Bulldogs is a good sign of things to come. Up next is the toughest game on the schedule this season, St. Ignatius. The Cardinals and Wildcats will square off at FirstEnergy Stadium Friday night.

5. Avon Eagles (1-0, Last Week: Forfeit, Previous Rank: 3)

The Eagles took a trip to Orlando to face Stratford, but the game was called due to lightning. Nobody likes a forfeit, but Avon comes into Week 2 at 1-0. They kick off their home campaign Friday night with a showdown against Medina, who beat Warren Harding 33-10. Look for a big game from Jakorion Coffey, who ran for 1,478 yards and 24 touchdowns last season

 

Just Missed

 

St. Ignatius Wildcats (0-0)

The Wildcats were set to open the season with a tough game against Springfield, but Mother Nature had other ideas. St. Ignatius and Mentor will face off Friday night at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

 

Avon Lake Shoremen (1-0, Last Week: 38-0 @ Strongsville)

The Shoremen are knocking on the door of the NEOSI Top Five. Avon Lake took a trip to Strongsville and shutout the Mustangs 38-0 behind four rushing touchdowns. Avery Viancourt made his opening case for another All-Ohio honor with a scoop and score. This Friday night the Shoremen host the Bees of Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

 

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