Wildcats Storylines heading into Mentor Matchup
“NO-NAME” DEFENSIVE LINE: Entering the 2017 season, many called the Saint Ignatius defensive line “inexperienced” and a significant point of weakness after graduation. Week One proved otherwise, as the Wildcats’ defensive line played a big role in the Football Cats only allowing 3 points to Archbishop Hoban. The Knights managed just 137 on 46 plays – 33 yards on the ground and 104 through the air. Aidan Gill, Zach McMahan, Brad Andrich, and Aidan Wells combined for 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss in their first starts on the varsity level. The trio, plus rotating linemen Brad Andrich, Jack Jamieson, and Darian Kinnard, could form an underrated group this season.
NOT A BAD DEBUT: Junior Tommy Eichenberg was as advertised in his first varsity contest. The outside linebacker racked up 7.5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in the opening contest. Eichenberg showed off crisp tackling form, wrapping up defenders and stopping Hoban ball carriers in their tracks. Eichenberg seems to combine well with middle backer Andrew Keirn and Logan Joyce in Chuck Kyle’s 3-3-5 scheme.
FINDING SNYDER: Senior quarterback Kyle Hall played well in his first start at QB, in part because of sure-handed Sammy Snyder. The senior wideout hauled in six of Hall’s 15 completions in Week One, recording 112 receiving yards, including a 57-yard catch and run. Maxwell Pike also caught a perfect 34 yard touchdown catch for the first touchdown of the season. Senior Michael Drobnick also caught 3 passes for 40 yards, showing off his skills as a physical pass catcher who plays well in space.
CAN YOU TOP HIM?: Cameron Toppin began his senior season with a great game for the Saint Ignatius secondary. The team’s top corner intercepted Hoban’s freshman signal caller twice, stopping the Knights’ offensive momentum in the opener. One of the interceptions came on a critical pass to the end zone, thwarting a potential touchdown. Toppin came up in the clutch again later on, catching a Knight from behind to prevent a potential lengthy touchdown.
KICK IT, TRICKETT!: Senior Matthew Trickett started off the season well, connecting on a 48-yard field goal, two extra points, and three touchbacks. In his spare time this year, Trickett, along with his fellow special teamers, will be raising money for cancer research through Kick-It for Cancer.
STUD SOPHOMORE: Sophomore Connor Cmiel enjoyed quite the game in the JV Cats’ 34-15 win over Hoban on Saturday. Cmiel turned a pick into six, with a 61-yard interception return. Cmiel then returned a kickoff 87 yards for a score before hauling in a touchdown pass to seal the win.
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