5 Questions with Don

This is an exciting time of year to be in our business. Three Lorain County High School Football teams have made it to the postseason. The Indians won the Central Division and advanced to Game 7 of the ALCS (ugh!). The Buckeyes are number one in the nation for now and the Browns are generating excitement not seen in this area since the late 80's. So it's fun to be us!

And on the eve of Midview vs. Avon Lake and Elyria Catholic's trip to Eastwood, I thought it would be interesting to pick the brain of WDLW Play by Play Announcer Don Vincent for some insights. The man we lovingly refer to as "Grandpa" also has been my partner for the Oberlin College games on WOBL since 2002. So I asked questions and he gave some interesting answers......

1. You've mentioned on the Showcase that you think this Avon Lake team is as good as (and perhaps better than) the State Championship level teams of 2003-04. What does this team possess that makes them so strong?

Coming into this season there were a couple of concerns about this team: The defense was a little suspect and there were no legitimate stars – good players with solid numbers last year, but no one you could point at a say, “He’s the guy.” Other than that great O line, experienced QB, solid running back core, good D line. So what’s different?

The defense has been pretty darn good. In week one I talked to Dave Dlugosz about his pass defense and questioning its ability to contain other teams. It took about a week for Dave to get it where it needed to be. Giving up a big play once is not the end of the world, how many teams can do that repeatedly? The Shoremen gave up 126 points this year, not quite two TD’s a game (including extra points). That will win you a ton of games.

As for the lack of stars, that is actually where I’ll hang my hat on my earlier statement. This team is so deep, it’s ridiculous. Look at it this way: You start the game with Mike Haddad and Jeff Tell in the offensive backfield. Both legitimate All-Conference and All-County Selections, perhaps other awards on the way for both of them. If for some reason they are unavailable (injury, illness, need a break) you replace them with Kevin Mansnerus and Scott Shaffer, both of whom would likely start on almost any other team. When your 2’s are legitimate 1’s, you’re pretty darned good. And don’t forget, they practice against each other.

And then there’s Dave Dlugosz…

2. I give you a vote for county Coach of the Year. Who does it go to?

Tough call this year. So many candidates. Frank Horvath leads the Sailors to a 6-4 season after several disappointing years, including a huge win over eventual playoff team Midview. Bill Albright led the Middies into the playoffs and an 8-2 record and did so with a number of injuries to key players. Ben Malbasa comes into a program and immediately takes them to the playoffs, in impressive fashion having to rebound from a couple of tough losses. Rob Clarico at Keystone bumps it up a few notches and leads his ‘Cats to 8-2.

But I guess my vote goes to McFarland at Oberlin. The history was against him, the numbers sucked, the attitude was lacking and no one believed there was hope for this program, except Dave. Takes a team that doesn’t know how to win and wills them to victories. What a great job!

3. What was the most memorable game you called this year?

Middie fans won’t like this, but Vermilion’s win over Midview was huge. It was a great back and forth battle, both teams displaying prowess offensively and defensively. It even ended on a big play. Sign me up for next year!

4. What teams surprised you/disappointed you this fall?

I don’t suppose the Tribe is a topic for conversation.

Surprised by Keystone and Columbia. Thought they would do well, but not that well. Avon and Midview brought a passing attack to Lorain County – I like the balanced offensive approach to things because it will lead to more post season success.

Disappointed – Wanted the Saints to get a win (they’ll get there) and I still don’t understand Brookside. All the success they’ve had over the last couple years on both the gridiron and on the power lifting platforms, I expected a more cohesive unit.

5. Gonna put you on the spot: How far do the Shoremen go in this postseason?

Gee, no pressure here with a Lorain County matchup in round one, huh?!?

Not to suggest that any team that they will play can’t beat them, but I think the path to the Semifinals presents limited obstacles for the Shoremen. There are a couple potential matchups at the semi’s and finals that I wouldn’t mind seeing. Columbus De Sales and Cincinnati Turpin both intrigue me. Both are perennially tough teams. Another, although I don’t think we’ll see it, is a game with Warren Howland – North East Ohio v. North East Ohio.

I’ve already Mapquested Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Bonus Question: Can the Yeomen win out and finish 5-5?

I’d love to answer that question, but I can’t. The problem is that I would have to predict how the Yeomen will play and they’ve been a bit too inconsistent. Ask me if they can – easy answer. Sure. Here’s what needs to happen. Greg Mangan will have to play loose and easy. Have fun utilizing all that talent in the receiver corps. R V Carroll and his O-line will need to have great games (140+ yards per). Someone on defense will have to commit to putting QB’s on their butts and the DB’s will have to remember to stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Do those things and you can put two more tallies in the win column.

Double Super Secret Bonus Question: Will there actually be anyone left watching our TV/Radio simulcast on SportsTime Ohio when they see what you, Jason, and I look like?

Would you?