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Preview: #4 Princeton vs. #1 Moeller

Moeller RB Jordan Marshall photo by James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)

A flame is rekindled as the Blitz 5 Game of the Week goes old school with Princeton facing Moeller in a Division I, Region 4 semifinal playoff battle. It has been a while since these two programs played against each other in a contest this meaningful. From the looks of it, this may just be the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. The future is very bright for this tandem.

In a 15-year period from 1975 to 1989 Moeller and Princeton dominated the big school football scene in Ohio. The two schools combined for 10 state titles (Moeller-seven; three Princeton) and four state runner-up finishes (two each), in that span. One program or the other played in the finals every year except 1986. That ’86 season saw Fairfield (13-1) coached by Ben Hubbard beat Lakewood St. Edward (11-3), 21-20 for the Division I state championship.

#4 PRINCETON VIKINGS (11-1) at #1 MOELLER CRUSADERS (9-3)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 12th
Atrium Stadium, Dwire Field
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Princeton offense has explosive talent. Senior quarterback Mekhi Lynn missed the first eight games with an injury to his throwing hand. The Buffalo commit has thrown for 733 yards, ran for 230 yards and accounted for 13 touchdowns (nine pass, four rush) in the four tilts since his return. Sophomore TJ Engleman filled the role under center while Lyn was out. His versatility will see him line up at receiver, in the slot, at running back and quarterback. Egleman has thrown for: 1,192 PaYds, amassed 1,217 all-purpose yards (955 rush), snare 10 receptions, throw for 16 touchdowns, run for 12 scores with three receiving touchdowns. Division I recruit Rodney Harris averages 21.6 yards per reception on 37 catches with 12 touchdowns. Jaleel Engleman compliments him at receiver with 44 receptions for 613 yards and eight scores.

On defense, Anas Luqman (10.0), Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (7.5) and Ty Carter (7.0) have combined for 24.5 of the Vikings 32.0 sacks. Junior defensive back Caleb Clark-Glover has five (three FRs, two INTs) of the teams 18 takeaways.

Moeller quarterback Noah Geselbracht has upped his game to the next level in 2021. The senior has thrown for 2,541 yards with 27 touchdown tosses and a pair of scores on the ground. Sophomore Jordan Marshall is a rising star and a dual threat out of the backfield. He has amassed 1,244 yards from scrimmage (834 rush, 410 rec), averaged 6.9 yards/carry, 20.5 yards/catch on 20 receptions, with 17 touchdowns (11 rush, six rec). The Crusaders have five players with at least 400 yards receiving – Tennell Bryant (763), Josh Kattus (553), Jared Merk (461), Kurt Thompson (417) and Marshall (410). Bryant has team highs of 61 receptions and 14 touchdown catches. 

TEAM TRENDS: Starting field position has not been a problem for Princeton. The Vikings average 116.0 yards per game on punt returns and kickoff returns (23.2/KR, 17.2 /PR). Jaleel Engleman has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and Riley Woods has taken two punts back to the house. On the flip side of that Princeton is averaging 10.9 penalties and 113.6 penalty yards per game. The Vikings have turned the ball over 10 times and have a minus -4 turnover ratio in the last four games. They committed just five turnovers with a +5 turnover ratio the first eight weeks of the season.

Moeller is looking for its fourth win versus a team that has won at least 10 games this season. All of those victories have come in the last nine weeks. The Crusaders have amassed more than 500 yards of total offense this season, both losses (Elder & Martin Luther King, Jr. (MI).

HEAD COACHES:
Princeton: Andre Parker (11-1 at Princeton, first year, 88-36 overall, 12th year) 

Moeller: Mark Elder (12-9 at Moeller, second year; 12-9 overall) 

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Princeton (17 appearance, 22-13) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2007, 2001, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990 (State runner-up), 1988 (State Runner-up), 1987 (State Champion), 1985, 1983 (State Champion), 1982, 1980, 1978 (State Champion), 1972 (State runner-up)

Moeller (37 appearance, 52-27 overall) – 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013 (State Champion), 2012 (State Champion), 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997 (State Runner-up), 1996, 1993 (State Runner-up), 1990, 1989 (State Runner-up), 1988, 1985 (State Champion), 1984, 1983, 1982 (State Champion), 1981 (State Runner-up), 1980 (State Champion), 1979 (State Champion), 1977 (State Champion), 1976 (State Champion), 1975 (State Champion), 1974, 1973

PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Vikings can’t take a play off, mentally. Princeton must be laser-focused for 48 minutes. Don’t make the game any harder than it is already going to be with costly penalties and turnovers. 

MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Get off the field on defense. Limit the number of plays and that gives the Princeton playmakers fewer opportunities to make something happen. Three-and-outs need to be a top priority. The Crusaders coverage units on special teams will have to have their best and most disciplined game of the year.

Prediction: Moeller 31, Princeton 27 

 

 

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