Last year, Jackson Farley’s time in Mentor’s backfield was limited. With senior running backs Marty Johnson and Gino Kozunowski ahead of him, the then-sophomore found other ways to impact the game from the backfield or as a receiver. In his junior year, however, Farley took the rock and didn’t look back. He tops the coverage area in rushing yards with 1,610, and he’s scored 25 touchdowns. He has added another layer to the Cardinals’ offense. 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(Tim Phillis – For The News-Herald) Farley has compiled his strong numbers while only eclipsing 20 more carries twice this season. Coach Matt Gray said having a fresh running back who can carry the load with the regional semifinals on deck is crucial. Mentor is preparing for its Division I regional semifinal with Canton McKinley on Nov. 15. “He’s taken that big-time leap that you see between sophomore and junior year,” Gray said. “He was thrown into duty some last year. He wasn’t physically ready but was a dynamic returner for us and got better as the year went. He split time with Gino and Marty, he’s taken the ownership this season and into the offseason. He put on 15-20 pounds of muscle, he’s become a dynamic blocker as well, he doesn’t go down on the first hit, he has great vision and an all-around great young man.” Farley has added the explosion out of the backfield needed to go with a strong senior-laden skill group around him. It’s given quarterback Scottie Fox extra time in the pocket on play-action plays. It’s also allowed receivers including Austin Van Huss, Justin Hodge and Marcus Sierputowski extra time to get open. Farley wanted to help the offense a strong, cohesive unit and has been excited to help with the growth of that side of the ball. “We try to build the connection with both the offensive line and Scotty,” Farley said. “We go to the field and practice some routes out of the backfield. Initially I thought there would be some split reps but plans changed a bit. I do split with Dom Burns, a really fast player as well. After the Ignatius game, that’s when I felt my confidence boosted. We have receivers out there that get the job done, they’re all really good, it brings some weight off of my shoulders.” His unselfishness has been on display all season. Gray highlighted an example that came on a play in Week 9 against Strongsville. Jackson Farley makes a cut up field against St. Ignatius. (Tim Phillis) It was a receiver play, in which Fox connected with Van Huss on a 45-yard score. The play started with a play fake to Farley with a guard and tackle pull, which pulled the defense with it. But rather than just carry out the fake, he went downfield 25 yards to throw a block that led to the score. “It’s kind of a culmination of our entire offense,” Gray said. “You can’t focus on just one aspect of it. High-level running backs can also both pass and run block. You take that and the unselfishness, it makes him a fantastic running back. He’ll do anything and everything to help us win.” With his breakout season, both Farley and Gray have high expectations for his senior year, as well. Both know that more weight will be on his shoulders. The Cardinals will have a new quarterback and three of their four receivers to replace for the 2025 season. But an experienced running back will help lessen the load on them early. With the strong base from this year and his dedication to working even after the final whistle, Farley knows that is a challenge he can handle. “Hopefully I can get stronger with our conditioning class,” Farley said. “I want to gain around 20 pounds and some height. But hopefully, I can get a little stronger, too.” Gray added: “He’s going to have to put together another good offseason. That’s why he’s been successful is the work he put in during the offseason from last year. The commitment, showing up in the weight room every day, getting faster, putting in time with the running backs coach and the line. Seeing where holes will be and where to put blocks. He’s going to be a huge part for the rest of this year and next year as well.”