Lorain Football Reflects on Growth After Challenging GCC Season

The Lorain Titans concluded their inaugural season in the Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) with a narrow 33-30 defeat against Medina on October 24, 2023. Despite finishing with a record of 2-8, the team gained valuable insights into the competitive landscape of high school football in the GCC, which features several playoff-bound teams.

Coach James Boyeas emphasized the importance of the experience, stating that the season helped the team understand what it takes to succeed in a challenging league. “Everybody wanted to talk about the GCC and how good the conference is and what we got ourselves into,” he noted. The Titans ended the season with a 1-6 record in conference play, but the focus has shifted towards growth and improvement.

Communication emerged as a key factor in Lorain’s development throughout the season. Boyeas remarked on the enhanced dialogue between staff and players, recognizing that better communication led to improved practices and attention to detail. With five GCC teams—Mentor, Strongsville, Cleveland Heights, Brunswick, and Medina—qualifying for the playoffs, Lorain’s coaching staff has identified critical areas for development.

“You can’t make some small mistakes and get away with it,” Boyeas stated, highlighting the need for the team to capitalize on their opponents’ errors. This was evident during the game against Medina, where Lorain failed to take advantage of a missed field goal attempt. An offsides penalty allowed Medina a second chance, which they successfully converted, giving them an early lead.

Despite the losses, Boyeas noted that his players embraced the challenge of competing in the GCC. He pointed out the impressive talent in the league, referencing the “best athlete in Ohio” playing for Euclid and Strongsville’s formidable defensive line, which includes three Division I commits. “Our kids embraced that challenge, like the offensive line at Mentor with their skill guys,” he said.

Injuries and the reliance on two-way players posed additional challenges for the Titans. Reflecting on the season, Boyeas stated, “We have to get bigger, stronger, faster, and we have to do everything in our power to increase participation numbers.” He expressed optimism that as current players recruit their friends to join the team, the program’s strength will grow. “There is strength in numbers,” he added.

The loss to Medina also had implications for the OHSAA playoffs, as Medina qualified as the 12th seed in Division I Region 1. Following the opt-out of No. 11 John Marshall, Medina was advanced to the 11th seed, where they will face Strongsville on October 31, 2023.

As the Titans look ahead, the lessons learned during this challenging season will serve as a foundation for future success. The commitment to improvement and the embrace of competition within the GCC could pave the way for a more successful campaign in the upcoming years.