Scouting Mendota at St. Edward
Class 4A
No. 16 Mendota Trojans (6-4) at No. 9 St. Edward Green Wave (8-2)
When: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Greg True Field
Last week: In first round action, Mendota def. Rockford Christian, 39-15; St. Edward def. Chicago Uplift, 44-8.
Playoff history: This is the fourth playoff appearance for St. Edward, which won the first playoff game in school history last week. This week, the Green Wave host a playoff game for the first time. Mendota is making its fifth straight postseason appearance and sixth in seven years.
Head coaches: Mike Rolando, St. Edward; John McKenzie, Mendota.
Just the facts: The Green Wave will be back in black, donning all-black uniforms and helmets for the second time this season. “The last time we wore that uniform we played some pretty inspired football,” Rolando said of a 42-0 victory over Immaculate Conception in Week 3. “We told them if they wanted those uniforms back, they can only have them back if we played a home playoff game.”
Mendota leaders: Rushing: fullback Adam Sondgeroth last week rushed 20 times for 178 yards. Against Rockford Christian, sophomore Adam Carroll carried 22 times for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns and returned a punt for another score.
St. Edward leaders: Rushing: Maurece Jackson (95 carries, 694 yards, 9 TD), Jon Keokanlaya (69 carries, 524 yards, 6 TD); Luke Duffy (64 carries, 429 yards, 7 TD) Passing: Ben Lehman (95 of 192, 1,528 yards,13 TD, 7 Int.); Receiving: Sam Pozezinski (24 rec., 529 yards, 7 TD), Mark Olenek (29 rec., 439 yards, 3 TD); Tackles: Duffy (90), Keokanlaya (73), Mark Sink (79), Zack McQueen (62).
Line on Mendota: The Trojans graduated 17 starter from the team that beat St. Edward in the opening round of the 4A playoffs last season, 27-13. Yet, they found a way to win the NCIC title in the league's final season. Mendota's offensive philosophy hasn't changed. The Trojans pound the ball on run after run and rarely put the ball in the air.
Line on St. Edward: St. Edward needs its defense to repel the running attack of the Trojans. The Green Wave defense limits opponents to an average of 10.1 points per game and has shut out three opponents. “Our defense is a little more disciplined this year and sticks to their assignments and flies to the ball a little bit better,” Green Wave coach Mike Rolando said. “I don't think Mendota is quite as multidimensional as they were last year, but (Carroll) is a great running back. We have to get to him as quickly as possible and recognize how they're getting the ball to him.”
Advancement: The winner advances to a Class 4A quarterfinal against the winner of today's 7 p.m. game: No. 5 Geneseo (9-1) at No. 4 Sandwich (9-1)