Solon faces must win this Friday against Strongsville

The Comets have played a very rugged schedule this season, and they face one of their toughest tests yet this Friday night.

Strongsville comes in with just one loss. Unfortunately, they stand between Solon and the playoffs. Oh, and so does St. Eds.

Yes, it is true, a win this Friday night does not guarantee a playoff berth for the Comets. St. Eds is currently ahead of the Comets in Region 1 at No. 8, while Solon is No. 9. St. Eds will be playing St. Ignatius in the Holy War this Friday night.

St. Ignatius has an identical record to Strongsville. Meaning that both teams are worth the same amount of playoff points. The good news for Solon is this: St. Edwards is the underdog against a very talented St. Ignatius team.

The bad news is that Solon is an underdog against a very good Strongsville team. If there is a silver lining for Solon it’s this: Strongsville has already clinched a playoff spot, and Strongsville is guaranteed at least a share of the Northeast Ohio Conference league crown. They don’t need this game the way Solon does.

It’s always possible that the coaches and players till take things a little bit lighter. But I doubt that Strongsville would want to enter the playoffs on a down note.

There are two link opponents I want to highlight:

• Solon lost to Brunswick, 20-17. It was a very winnable game for the Comets, but they could not seal the deal. Strongsville on the other hand beat Brunswick 25-20 — Brunswick’s only loss of the season.
• Solon lost to Mentor 26-24. Again, a game in which the Comets had opportunities to win. Strongsville was again able to seal the deal in a close game over Mentor, 30-27.

The Comets have struggled this season in close games against top opponents, especially late in games. Solon will have to be able to play four quarters of quality football this Friday night to win.

The Comets are good enough, but can they put together their best game of the season?