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Sports

Solon Football 2011: Comet Players to Watch This Season

What to watch for this season

Expectations are sky high for the Solon Comets Football team this season.

That's no surprise to Head Coach Jim McQuaide. It's business as usual.

Why are expectations so large for this team? Tradition always helps, yes, but a big reason is talented players and quality coaching.

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In part one of our football preview, we talked to McQuaide about the season expectations. Today, we highlight some of those talented players and coaches and take a look at some the season's biggest games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

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Khoury Crenshaw, Junior Tailback, #21: Crenshaw (5'10", 155 lbs) had a huge track and field season last spring and is ready to bring some speed to the Comet backfield. "Khoury ran for nearly 600 yards as a backup last season," McQuaide said. "He can really complement our passing game this season."

2010 Stat Line: 82 rushes, 543 yards (6.6 yards per rush), 4 TD

Defensive Position: Defensive Back

Patrick Kramer, Senior Quarterback, #8: "People forget that Pat played just as much as Chris Humphrey did last year," McQuaide said. "He's a great athlete and throws the ball very well." Kramer (6'1", 180 lbs) threw for eight touchdowns last year and should improve on that total in 2011.

2010 Stat Line: 51/86, 622 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT

Defensive Position: Defensive Back

DEFENSE

Nate Hoff, Senior Defensive Tackle, #71: The giant Hoff ( 6'1", 295 lbs) is drawing the attention of just about every MAC school and could end up as a Big Ten prospect as well. "He's a four-year starter, which is rare for a lineman," said McQuaide.

2010 Stat Line: 62 Tackles (9 Solo, 32 Assists, 21 Tackles for Loss), 1 Safety

Offensive Position: Offensive Line

Nick Davidson, Senior Linebacker, #23: Davidson was the Defensive MVP of the NOC Valley Division last year and led the team with 150 tackles. Another big year from Davidson will only make the Solon defense better.

2010 Stat Line: 150 Tackles (44 Solo, 82 Assists, 24 Tackles For Loss)

Offensive Position: Running Back

SPECIAL TEAMS

Alex Knight, Senior Kicker/Punter, #29: The NOC's top kicker last season, Knight converted all 52 of his extra point attempts and nailed 11 of 14 field goals. He could well make the difference in games that come down to the wire.

2010 Stat Line: 11/14 Field Goals, 52 Extra Points, 47.1 yards per kickoff, 34.3 yards per punt

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Jim McQuaide, Ninth season (74-20 record)

Offensive Coordinator: Matt Richardson, Fifth season (Running Backs)

Defensive Coordinator: Ed Bubonics, 15th season (Linebackers)

Special Teams Coordinator: Kurt Gielink, 11th season (Defensive Ends)

Offensive Line Coach: Jeff Ames, 11th season

Quarterbacks Coach: Jerry Burris, first season

Receivers Coach: Dan Iwan, 11th season

Defensive Backs Coach: Dave Mortland, 16th season

Interior Defensive Line Coach: Rich Shirilla, 16th season

Kicking Coach: Kyle Wasserman, third season

Freshman Coaches: Travis Fankhauser, 10th season, and Brian Wisniewsky, first season

GAMES TO WATCH

Sept. 9: Home against Akron Buchtel. Last year's state runner-up in Division III, Buchtel brings speed and skill to match Solon's strengths. This could be one of the anywhere in Ohio.

Oct. 6: Home with Mentor. Always a classic matchup, the Comets were able to outscore the high-powered Cardinals in a wild 31-21 contest last year. The game will also be  on FOX Sports Ohio.

Oct. 14: At Twinsburg. These two teams have played 50 times with Solon winning 40 of them. An old-school rivalry will be intense as the Tigers have one of the best defenses in Northeast Ohio.

Oct. 29: Home against Strongsville. A perfect way to close out the regular season. The Comets had to go to overtime to take a 31-28 victory over the Mustangs last year.

NUMBER TO REMEMBER: 18

Solon has won 18 consecutive home games at Stewart Field, one of the top facilities in the area.

Since 2003, the Comets are an impressive 40-3 at home. "Our fans deserve a tremendous amount of credit for making Stewart Field one of the most intimidating stadiums in Northeast Ohio," said McQuaide.

HONORING MANDICH

Solon will honor the with Miami Dolphin helmet decals this season.

Mandich was the team captain for the first unbeaten and untied Comet team in 1965 when he was named All-Ohio. He went on to earn All-American honors at the University of Michigan and won Super Bowl rings with Miami and Pittsburgh.

Mandich battled cancer before passing away earlier this year.

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