The Tarblooders have lost three straight to the Eagles including a 17-14 loss last season.

By BRYANT K. KIZER
High School Beat Reporter

Over 700 teams in Ohio begin their quest for a state title starting this Thursday. Here are the key games for week one.

Thursday’s games:

#12 Strongsville vs. #6 Lake Catholic at Mentor, 7 p.m. – The Strongsville Mustangs had an awful 2011 season going 1-9, however, this is a new year and the Mustangs hope to rebound. They will have a tough time by traveling to Mentor to take on #6 Lake Catholic. For the Cougars under head coach Mike Bell, they three year record is mind boggling. They have a 34-6 record.  Both teams opened the 2011 season at Strongsville, Lake Catholic won 21-15.

Kizer’s pick – Lake Catholic

Shaw at Dover, 7 p.m. – For the last six seasons, the Cardinals head coach had six consecutive winning seasons. The Cardinals open up their 2012 season at Dover. The Tornadoes are a big-time winning program too. In the last for seasons, they are 43-9. However, they only last three rounds in the playoffs. The Cardinals will be in an up-hill climb in Dover.

Kizer’s pick – Dover

Friday’s games:

Call and Post’s Game-of-the-Week - Toledo St. John’s Jesuit at #7 Cleveland Heights, 7 p.m. - When you have a good season, teams will come to you. That is what Toledo St. John’s Jesuit will do. The Titans will try to snap Cleveland Heights ‘nine-game regular season winning streak.  Opening day for the Tigers will be a big crowd.

Kizer’s pick – Cleveland Heights

Shaker Heights at #4 Solon – For the Red Raiders containing speedster Khoury Crenshaw will be one of the chores.  In the past years, the Comets have had good running backs. Solon is 8-0 lifetime vs. Shaker Heights including a 35-0 victory last year.

Kizer’s pick – Solon

Saturday’s games – The High School Charity Classic at Cleveland Browns Stadium

Game one- North Royalton vs. Brecksville-Broadview at 2 p.m. – The Bears and the Bees play their first game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Bears was 5-5 in 2011. The Bees was 6-4.

Kizer’s pick – North Royalton

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney vs. #1 St. Ignatius 7 p.m. – The battle of the State Champions –

St. Ignatius, D-I state champs, vs. Cardinal Mooney, D-III state champs.  The Wildcats (13-2) features senior running back Tim McVey and senior quarterback Mike Lamanna.  The Cardinals (11-3) feature 6-foot-3, 320lb junior offensive lineman Bob Ballone.

Kizer’s pick – St. Ignatius

#5 Glenville vs. #3 St. Edward at Lakewood 7 p.m.  - The Tarblooders opens up with St. Edward at Lakewood.

The Tarblooders have lost three straight to the Eagles including a 17-14 loss last season. If the Tarblooders wants to be the best in D-I, they have to beat the best.

Kizer’s pick – St. Edward