Undecided on what game to take in on opening weekend? The good news is, the games are spread out

Undecided on what game to take in on opening weekend? The good news is, the games are spread out over three days and there’s some solid matchups each night. Let’s start with:

1. Mooney vs. Mentor. The defending Division IV state champions play host to last year’s runner-up in Division I Friday night at Stambaugh Stadium. Mentor will have a wide-open, mostly passing offense led by senior quarterback Bart Tanski, who threw for 327 yards and four TDs against Hilliard Davidson in the state title game last December. Mooney will counter with its power running game, featuring Kyle McCarthy, Michael Zordich and Brandon Beachum.

2. East at Canfield. The Panthers make their historic debut tonight against one of the area’s best programs. Last season, Rayen played Canfield tough, losing 23-8. Most of Rayen’s returning players, including quarterback Sal Battles, will suit up for the Panthers. Mike Pavlansky’s Cardinals shared the Metro Athletic Conference championship last season and qualified for the Division II playoffs. They lost Ball State recruit Sean Baker but return quarterback Mark Carrocce and a host of other skill position players.

3. Boardman at Cleveland St. Ignatius. The Spartans expect big things this season, but they’ll be tested right away by the nine-time state champions Saturday night at Byers Field in Parma. St. Ignatius finished 6-4 last season and struggled to get past Boardman 8-6 in the opener. That was one of four losses for the Spartans by a touchdown or less, Coach D.J. Ogilvie has Boardman going in the right direction and a victory Saturday could set the tone for a playoff season.

4. Chaney at Fitch. There’s two new head coaches patrolling the sidelines for the West Side war, but both men know all about this rivalry. John Protopapa takes over the Cowboys for Ron Berdis, but has been a head coach for a number of years. Likewise, Phil Annarella is the new man in charge of the Falcons, but his resume his chock full of successes, the crowning achievement being the 1990 Division I state championship team he guided at Warren Harding. Both teams are coming off sub-.500 seasons, but historically the winner of this game tends to have a banner year.

5. Youngstown Christian at McDonald. The Eagles have put together a nice resume in their short three-year history and new head coach Brian Marrow inherits a squad full of returning skill players — quarterback Randy Triplett, running back Toba Olarewaju and receivers Anthony LaGamba and Ed Gonda all have big play ability. McDonald’s quarterback, Matt Krumpak, also returns, and all he did last year was throw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. If you’re going to this one, you might want to let the neighbors know you won’t be back until late.