Game preview: Solon looking to start off strong against Canton McKinley

Head Coach Jim McQuaide makes no bones about it.

“This is the toughest schedule we have ever played,” he said.

That schedule kicks off against one of the most storied programs in Ohio, Canton McKinley. Solon will be traveling to Fawcett Stadium this Saturday for the showdown. McQuaide said everyone will have to step up to beat the Bulldogs.

“If you mention the history of Ohio high school football, Canton McKinley would come up pretty fast,” McQuaide said. “For us to do well, the entire team will have to do well.”

Don’t let last year’s schedules fool you either. If you did, you might think the 9-3 Comets would easy beat the 3-7 Bulldogs. Canton McKinley plays one of the toughest schedules around, and the Bulldogs will be looking to erase last season’s embarrassment from their minds.

“I don’t think it matters what your record was the season before,” McQuaide said. “They’ll be ready to play for sure.”

The first game of the season is all about execution. Both teams will be breaking in new players, and scrimmages aren’t the same as real games. For Solon, that means running and hitting.

McQuaide said his team is in great shape and can run with anyone. Solon, like most teams starting the season, will be most concerned with making sure everyone gets lined up properly and in position to make plays.

“We’re just worried about ourselves,” he said. “It’s our first game, and usually first games guys are not sure of things. I think you have to worry more about yourself. Usually when you don’t do well, it’s because of things you have given the opponent and mistakes you have made.”

Solon’s biggest concern will be its new starting backfield. Junior quarterback Jake Voigt looked good last season filling in, but now he is expected to lead this team. Can he?

Juan Lemus is the main running back this season for the Comets. The junior was the second leading rusher for Solon last season, but will be expected to replace the production of all-league Jim Geitz. Geitz averaged more than 100 yards a game on the ground last season and was a touchdown machine with 17 TDs. Can Lemus step up and provide the solid rushing attack that goes so well with the Comets’ stingy defense?

Eric Smoloff replaces talented fullback Rick Tonelli. The 5′8, 190-lb. senior was the fourth leading rusher for the Comets last season with 63 yards rushing on 9 carries. Tonelli provided a nice change of pace to the speedy Geitz. Can Smoloff provide the power this year for the Comets’ rushing attack?

Solon’s defense and strong special teams should keep them in this game and any game this season. What will determine the outcome of the game is how well Solon’s offense can produce.

McQuaide said his defense is already looking good, but he believes the Comets need to work on running the ball better. Look for the Comets fast and talented defense to give the Bulldogs trouble all night and for the Comets to put together enough offense to win the game.

McQuaide said winning the first game is extremely important because it sets the tone for the season. Look for the Comets to be prepared for the Bulldogs this Saturday.

“Being ready to play is running and hitting,” McQuaide said. “And that’s what we’re all about.”