New Schedule Means New Challenges for Tigers

It won't take long for the Twinsburg Tigers football team to be tested this season.

Friday night's season opener at Aurora will be a premier matchup among Northeast Ohio teams. And by the time the Tigers close out the regular season at home against Mentor, team will have been put through the fire.

Twinsburg is shooting for a fourth straight playoff appearance. Last year, the Tigers advanced to the regional semifinals before dropping a 35-14 decision to Toledo Whitmer. This year the team joins the rugged Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division, one of the state's top leagues.

Here is a preview of the Tigers' schedule for the 2011 season:

Aug. 26, at Aurora:

The Greenmen won a state title back in 2008 and have one of the best quarterbacks in the area with Blake Calcei, who ran and passed for more than 2,000 yards last year. Aurora is coming off a solid 8-3 season and has an imposing front line with players at 6-5, 305 and 6-6, 285. A big rivalry game for Twinsburg.

Sept. 2, at Nordonia:

The Knights make the move from the NOC Valley to the Suburban League, replacing Barberton. Nordonia has a young team but is known for playing solid fundamental football.

Sept. 9, at Lancaster:

The Golden Gales have a rich football tradition and have advanced to the post-season in six of the past eight seasons. This will be the longest road trip for the Tigers and the third straight road contest to open the season. Lancaster is coming off a 7-3 year, which included a 28-21 setback to St. Ignatius.

Sept. 16, at Stow:

Twinsburg finally opens its home season against a young Stow team that is coming off a 4-6 season. The Bulldogs are solid up front, led by tackle Dan Dunn (6-3, 295).

Sept. 23, Brush (home):

The Arcs have some of the top skill players around and several Division I recruits, including defensive end Pharaoh Brown (6-6, 235) and cornerback Kevin Houchins. Brush is an athletic team and is the pre-season pick to win the NOC Lake Division.

Sept. 30, at Strongsville:

Senior quarterback Austin Pritchard (6-3, 205) will be counted on heavily for the Mustangs this season as Strongsville fields an inexperienced team. Strongsville's strengths on defense are talented linebackers and an athletic secondary.

Oct. 6, Brunswick (home):

Twinsburg is back at home to take on a Brunswick team that went 5-5 last year. The Blue Devils have good team speed but are lacking experience.

Oct. 14, Solon (home):

This game is already circled on the calendar for many Tiger fans. Twinsburg will renew an old rivalry against its crosstown foes and the Comets have dominated the 50-game series. Many feel Solon has the area's top team with such standouts as quarterback Patrick Kramer, tailback Khoury Crenshaw, wideout Tres Barksdale and imposing tackle Nate Hoff (6-1, 285). The Comets have gone 24-2 the last two years and the Tigers would dearly love to score an upset here.

Oct. 21, at Medina:

Twinsburg's trademark defense will be tested by yet another top quarterback in senior Mason Schrock (6-5, 215). The Bees went 9-3 against a strong schedule last year and advanced to the regional semifinals in the playoffs.

Oct. 28, Mentor (home):

The Tigers' reward for nine tough games? A home matchup with Mentor, a team known for lighting up the scoreboard. The Cardinals were one of the few teams to hang in against Solon last year and have another in a long line of talented quarterbacks with Mitch Trubisky (6-3, 195) calling the signals this season. Mentor's defense is experienced and this game could well have huge playoff implications.

Twinsburg Patch will have Twinsburg Tigers football coverage all season long, including game coverage and analysis.