Ohio Football
Friday, November 6, 2009
Preview: Middletown at Moeller
By Dan Clasgens | Managing Editor
 |
 |
The calendar has turned to November and in the Greater Cincinnati area that means now is the best time for high school football. Saturday features several key Division I playoff match-ups in Ohio, including a meeting between the Moeller Crusaders and the Middletown Middies.
The two teams have combined to go 18-2 this season, with each of their losses coming by a field goal to solid teams. Moeller lost 13-10 to top-ranked St. Xavier in the regular-season finale Saturday night at Nippert Stadium. A week earlier it was Middletown coming up a field goal short as they traveled to Colerain for a GMC showdown.
The Crusaders earned the number two seed while the Middies come in as the seventh-seeded team. Despite the same overall record, Moeller finished five spots higher in the final Harbin Rankings mostly based off a tougher schedule.
Both programs offer great tradition, but neither has brought home the hardware in some time. For Middletown, it marks the first playoff appearance since 1990. Moeller has had no problems playing post-season football. However, hanging around has been a different story.
MOELLER CRUSADERS
Division I, Region 4
HEAD COACH: John Rodenberg
2009 RECORD: 9-1
MIDDLETOWN MIDDIES
Division I, Region 4
HEAD COACH: Jason Krause
2009 RECORD: 9-1
Moeller’s Key to Victory: It was turnovers that doomed the Crusaders in Saturday’s loss to St. Xavier. Middletown’s defense won’t be as stingy, but it possesses some playmakers. If Moeller fails to take care of the football, Middletown will make them pay. Establishing the running game will help open up the passing game. After having their tempo disturbed a week ago, look for Moeller to mix it up a bit in hopes of opening up the passing game and controlling the time of possession.
Middletown’s Key to Victory: The Middies possess the firepower to put points on the board, even against Moeller’s defense which is loaded with talent. For Middletown to come out on top in this contest the defense and special teams will need to be the difference. There’s no questioning the Middies’ big-play ability, but they will need to win this game over 48 minutes and to do so they will need to play more physical than they typically are asked to. Field position is going to be critical if the unit is going to hold down a Moeller team that averages nearly 38 points per game.
Players to Watch: The match-up features several Division I prospects. Quarterback play can make the difference. Notre Dame commit, Moeller quarterback Andrew Hendrix, has stolen the headlines, but there are many in the area that insist that the Middies’ Ohio-bound Caleb Watkins is a better player. The debate will finally be able to settled on the field.
A key match-up in the game will be Middletown running back Antonio Banks, who gave a verbal commitment to Indiana this summer, going up against Moeller’s very talented corps of linebackers – Marcus Rush (Michigan State), Nick Galvin and Jesse Hayes.
The Crusaders ‘backfield has been the team’s unsung heroes to this point of the season. Jeff Aubin, Tucker Skove, and Richie Dyer have combined for 29 touchdowns and 1,931 yards (6.6 yards per carry).
The Middies most prolific playmaker is senior Jerry Gates. He can take it to the house anytime he gets his hands on the ball. A big effort by him could give Middletown the boost they need to pull off the upset.
Team Trends: Moeller is happy Colerain didn’t make the playoff as the Cardinals have eliminated them in four of the past five seasons…The Crusaders scored five or more touchdowns in eight of their 10 games…For the second straight year Moeller’s Nick Galvin and Marcus Rush lead the GCL in sacks. The duo has gotten to opposing quarterbacks 35.5 times over the past two seasons…Middletown has pitched four shutouts this season and held opponents to a touchdown or less seven times…The Middies scored 69 points more this season than they did a year ago, averaging over 40 points per game…Seniors Caleb Watkins (78) and Antonio Banks (33) have combined for 111 total touchdowns in their distinguished Middletown careers.
Prediction: Moeller 27, Middletown 21
Dan Clasgens is the founder of TriStateFootball.com and serves as the President/Director of Media & Content for GetSports Enterprises. He has been a featured sports analyst on local radio and television for the past five years. He serves as the Managing Editor for TriStateFootball.com and our sister website, QueenCityHigh.com. If you are interested in covering your team, please CONTACT US.
