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Moeller snaps streak advancing over Hamilton

HAMILTON, Ohio – The Moeller Crusaders were riding a five-game losing streak going into the first round of the playoffs. The #11 seed snapped that streak winning its first playoff game since 2014 with a 43-27 win on the road against the #6 seed Hamilton Big Blue.

Hamilton was hosting a playoff game for the first time in school history but that was the only first that happened on Friday at Virgil Schwarm Stadium. The Big Blue are now 0-6 all-time in the post season after failing to earn its first playoff win.

Moeller set the tone early by scoring first using a fast tempo that had Hamilton on its heels. Running back T.J. Rotello, who started the season at quarterback, punched it into the end zone from one-yard out for the game’s first score. 

On the conversation Moeller using the swinging gate play, catching Hamilton off guard as Jared Merk completed a pass to Tony Mock giving the Crusaders an early 8-0 lead.

Hamilton’s offense was not phased as Malik Verdon, who played last season for the Crusaders, started at quarterback and lead the Big Blue down the field. He capped of the drive with a 2-yard run cutting the deficit to 8-7.

Moeller answered quickly as Alec Weeder returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards down to the three-yard line. Rotello, scored the second of his three touchdown scores making it 15-7.

Verdon showed that he could also use his arm throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to running back Keyshawn Stephens early in the second quarter. Hamilton again only trailed by one point 15-14.

It appeared the Hamilton defense created a break to help the offense take the lead. Breon Ishmail stripped the ball from Moeller running back Daniel Dunlop and Kaden Bennett recovered it in Moeller territory.

Hamilton squandered the opportunity by fumbling back to Moeller on the very next play.

Moeller took advantage with a little bit of lady luck helping them out. Noah Geselbracht’s pass was tipped and it went into the hands of tight end Josh Kattus who was running in stride resulting in an 11-yard touchdown reception.

Moeller followed this with a 60-yard touchdown bomb from Gesselbracht to Tennel Bryant extending the advantage to 29-14 and the Crusaders never looked back.

Geselbracht, threw for his first career 300-yard game, going an impressive 21-for-24 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant was his favorite target on the night with a career high 13 receptions and 197 yards.

In a losing effort Verdon had a monster game for Hamilton and left it all out on the field in his final high school game. The Miami University commit threw for 112 yards, on 11-for-19 passing, and ran for 123 yards scoring a total of four touchdowns. On defense Verdon was all over the field as well recording eight tackles and breaking up two passes.

Moeller has a chance to avenge a Week 5 loss as they will matchup next week with #3 seed St Xavier who whooped #14 seed Walnut Hills 49-13.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Moeller  15-14-7-7 – 43
Hamilton   7-7-7-6 – 27

SCORING PLAYS
M: T.J. Rotello 1-yard run (Mock reception)
H: Malik Verdon 2-yard run (Rios kick)
M: T.J. Rotello 1-yard run (Hughes kick)
H: Malik Verdon 19-yard pass to Keyshawn Stephens (Rios kick)
M: Noah Geselbracht 11-yard pass to Josh Kattus (Hughes kick)
M: Noah Geselbracht 60-yard pass to Tennel Bryant (Hughes kick)
H: Malik Verdon 21-yard pass to Kenny Ware (Rios kick)
M – Jordan Marshall 2-yard run (Mock reception)
M – T.J. Rotello 14-yard run (Mock reception)
H – Malik Verdon 10-yard run (pass failed)

RECORDS: #6 Hamilton (3-4, 3-3); #11 Moeller (2-5, 0-3)
UP NEXT: #11 Moeller at #3 St. Xavier – OHSAA DI, Region IV Quarterfinals

Check out complete scores on The Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard.

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