The Mentor Cardinals (12-0, OH) will host the McKinley Bulldogs (8-4, Canton, OH) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Mentor vs McKinley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 1
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Game preview: Mentor vs McKinley

As the Ohio high school football season heats up, one matchup stands out on the horizon—McKinley versus Mentor. Both teams have been dominant forces in their respective conferences and are poised for a high-stakes showdown that could shape their playoff hopes.

McKinley (8-4) – A Strong Season with Room for Growth

The McKinley Bulldogs have had an impressive 2024-2025 season, finishing with an overall record of 8-4. Their conference performance stands strong at 5-1, and they’ve been effective on both home and away games, with a 4-2 record in each. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by Jackson Farley and Scotty Fox, has been potent, with Farley contributing 134.2 rushing yards per game, and Fox throwing for 205.9 passing yards per game. In total yards, McKinley averages 398.3 yards per game.

McKinley’s offense has shown some impressive numbers, especially in their third quarters, where they average 11.7 points. However, they’ve struggled to maintain a consistent performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they score an average of just 2.3 points per game. Still, McKinley’s strong defensive unit, with Spencer Barninger leading the charge in tackles and sacks, helps balance out their offensive inconsistency.

Mentor (12-0) – Perfect Record, Dominant Play

On the other side, Mentor has been near flawless this season with a perfect 12-0 record. They’ve dominated their opponents, finishing with a 6-0 mark in conference play and a perfect 7-0 record at home. The Cardinals’ high-powered offense is a key to their success, averaging an astounding 486 points over the season (40.5 per game). They excel in every facet of the game, with 207.9 rushing yards per game and an impressive 207.9 passing yards per game. Mentor’s offense has been explosive in all quarters, with an average of 13.8 points in the first quarter alone and maintaining momentum throughout the game.

Mentor’s defense has been just as formidable, holding opponents to only 161 points across the season. They excel at shutting down opposing offenses, led by their ability to keep consistent pressure on the quarterback and limiting big plays.

Statistical Breakdown

A deeper dive into the numbers shows the stark contrast between these two teams’ overall styles and performances.

• Scoring: McKinley averages 25.3 points per game, while Mentor has a significantly higher scoring output of 40.5 points per game.
• Offensive Yards: McKinley’s offense generates 398.3 yards per game, with a balanced mix of passing (205.9 yards per game) and rushing (190.4 yards per game). Mentor, however, boasts a higher total with 486 yards per game.
• Defense: McKinley allows 207 points throughout the season, while Mentor has been even more effective, allowing just 161 points.

Key Players to Watch

For McKinley, the standout players include Jackson Farley, who leads the team in rushing, and Scotty Fox, who is a dual-threat at quarterback with 205.9 passing yards per game. Justen Hodge, McKinley’s top receiver, is another key player to watch, contributing 79.9 receiving yards per game. On the defensive side, Spencer Barninger has been a key contributor, averaging 8.7 tackles per game and 0.6 sacks.

Mentor’s offense is led by quarterback Scotty Fox, who also excels in both passing and rushing, and is a threat both on the ground and in the air. Their rushing game is bolstered by a balanced offensive line and consistent running backs, while their defense benefits from strong tackle totals and the ability to shut down passing plays.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some similar opponents this season, and their results have been telling. McKinley and Mentor each played against Jackson, but with different outcomes. Mentor won decisively 36-13, while McKinley lost 20-7 in their early matchup, but managed to bounce back with a thrilling 35-32 victory over Jackson later in the season.

The Matchup Ahead

With Mentor having a perfect record and McKinley bringing their experience and grit, this game is shaping up to be an epic clash. Mentor’s high-octane offense against McKinley’s more methodical approach will make for an intriguing battle. Additionally, McKinley’s defensive strength will be put to the test by Mentor’s offensive firepower.

Both teams have shown resilience and have plenty to prove. McKinley will need to tighten up their fourth-quarter play and capitalize on their rushing game, while Mentor will look to maintain their momentum and execute their balanced offensive strategy.

As the playoff race heats up, all eyes will be on this high-profile matchup. Whether McKinley can upset the undefeated Mentor squad or if Mentor will continue their dominant run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this game will be one to watch in Ohio high school football.