The Crusaders Looking to Avenge Previous Efforts Against St. Edwards
Going into week 9 of the year, Moeller is coming off yet another jaw dropping victory against St. Ignatius. As I have previously written about in my past articles, the Moeller offense has been on quite a stretch. This is mainly due to the plethora of lethal weapons not only in the backfield, but in the slot as well. However, this week has one of the better teams the Crusaders will face off against this year. This is the reigning state champions, St. Edwards. Even with this do not be surprised when the Crusaders will play this matchup just like any of their other games. The Crusaders have already proven to the public that they can handle tough teams and environments, by beating St. X on the road, and Elder in Elder territory at Nippert.
For the past two seasons, the Crusaders have remained winless against two opponents in Ohio, these being Springfield and St. Eds. However, historically the Crusaders have still faired well against the Eagles, by keeping the past two matchups a one possession game. In 2022, Moeller had a heartbreaking loss against the Eagles at home, when runningback Jordan Marshall 24’, had fumbled the ball in the redzone during Moellers only scoring opportunity. In the 2023 season, Moeller had gotten down early when the Eagles had scored 21 unanswered before half. However despite this, Moeller quarterback Matt Ponatowski 26’, had connected with receivers Jovan Love 25’ and Matthew Fogler 25’, for three second half touchdowns. Even with the offense heating up in the second half, for the second straight season, the Crusaders had lost 21-28 making it yet another one possession game.
Heading into this matchup, even though Moeller’s offense has been on a tear as of late, I am expecting this game to be much lower than their 38 points per game average. I think this because the Eagles defense has boded well at this point in the season. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the Crusaders are going to play bad, I just think this is one of, if not the best defensive team they are going to go up against in Ohio. But, be on the lookout for receivers Matthew Fogler 25’, and Jovan Love 25’. Both of them have had very nice varsity campaigns, and have proven to torch this defense. I expect to see Jovan Love 25’, to be in double coverage for at least the first half of this matchup due to his 197 yard game last year against the Eagles. This is one of the facets that makes the Moeller offense so effective, being able to find other stud options when their slot receivers are in double coverage. Additionally, Tyler Joselyn 26’ is coming off back to back weeks of solid play. I expected him to play well in my last matchup article, and he did not disappoint. Obviously, Matt Ponatowski 26’, will be on the lookout, but for the Crusaders offense to gain an advantage this week would be there third down conversions.
Despite the Eagles record so far this season, I have a strong feeling they are going to play up against Moeller. If the Crusaders want to avenge their previous season’s outcomes, lookout for the Crusaders to play by the fundamentals, keeping the penalties to a minimum, and not turning the ball over.