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Hoban expects physical challenge
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Poland Vs. Canfield
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By Joe Scalzo
The Poland High football team started the playoffs with a win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.
It gets Akron Hoban tonight and, with a win, would most likely face Cardinal Mooney next week.
The Bulldogs already have standout skill players such as Luke Wollet, Darius Patton and Colin Reardon, but maybe Martin Luther could get a few carries.
“It’s like the Protestant Reformation here,” said Poland coach Mark Brungard, chuckling.
After a lackluster effort in a loss to Canfield two weeks ago, Brungard opened the playbook last week, recovering three kicks (two of them intentional onside kicks and the other a pooch) while giving Hoban coach Ralph Orsini a few extra things to prepare for.
“They’re a really good football team that can throw you a lot of curves,” said Orsini, who played at Youngstown State from 1974-78. “They have typical Mahoning Valley kids. They play tough, physical football and come after you on every play.”
Wollet, a two-way starter at RB and DB, has been Poland’s best player, rushing for 850 yards and 15 TDs during the regular season with four interceptions on defense.
Reardon, a sophomore in his first year as a starter, threw for more than 1,300 yards during the regular season with his main target, Patton, catching 41 passes for 725 yards and three TDs.
Hoban (8-3), which lost to SVSM 14-10 in Week 4, is led by a tremendous defense that has held the last 10 teams to 14 points or fewer.
Sophomore defensive ends Greg McMullen (6-5, 260, six sacks) and LaTroy Lewis (6-4, 225, 11 sacks) are strong and athletic and linebackers Steve Veillette (81 tackles, three forced fumbles) and Guiseppe Frisone (68) run to the ball.
Oh, and Orisini calls the secondary possibly the best he’s had in his 16 years. Considering the Knights lost in the Division II state semifinals last year, that’s high praise.
“They really bring the pressure with their defensive ends and their linebacker blitzes,” said Brungard. “They present quite a challenge to our offense.”
Hoban’s offense isn’t quite as good, but QB Dan Hinton can throw (693 yards, 5 TDs) and run (481 yards, 5 TDs) and scatback Lawrence Wynn (1,380 yards, 6 TDs) can hurt you.
“This is a game that could go either way,” said Brungard. “When they’re good, it’s like, ‘Wow!’”
With a win, Poland (9-2) could face an even more wow-worthy team.
“We’ll take that if it comes,” Brungard said. “We’d love the opportunity.”
scalzo@vindy.com