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Preview: Moeller vs. Elder

Elder LB Ben Volkerding (photo courtesy of ScoutngOhio.com)

Week seven brings us yet another Greater Catholic League showdown when Moeller collides with Elder at Nippert Stadium on the campus of The University of Cincinnati. With a win, the Crusaders would clinch the league title outright for the first time since the 2018 campaign and continue their undefeated season. A victory by Elder would put them in the driver’s seat to a GCL crown and open eyes on their potential heading into the postseason. The Panthers haven’t one an outright title since 2008. Friday night’s showdown has the makings for one of the best games in the 2022 season thus far.

#2 MOELLER CRUSADERS (6-0, 2-0 GCL-S) vs #4 ELDER PANTHERS (5-1, 1-0 GCL-S)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., September 30th
Nippert Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Moeller boasts one of the state’s best players in running back Jordan Marshall. The junior has rushed for 779 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season to lead the conference and also has hauled in 11 receptions for 214 yards and four scores. He has eclipsed 125 yards in each game besides last week’s trampling of La Salle. Luke Dunn has a conference leading 1218 passing yards with 14 touchdowns. Tennel Bryant (437 yards, 5 TD), Ryan Mechley (306 yards, 3 TD), and Marshall (214 yards, 4 TD) are his favorite targets and are all top five in the league in receiving yards. Joe Ginetti leads Moeller with 42 tackles and Brandon Martin has four sacks for the defense.
Elder quarterback Ben Schoster ranks third in the league in passing (852 yards, 6 TD) and fourth in rushing (302 yards, 7 TD) making him a severe dual threat option in the backfield. The senior play caller exploded for over 150 yards passing and over 100 yards rushing in last week’s victory. His partner in the backfield, Luke Flowers has rushed 73 times for 419 yards and seven touchdowns making them a big-time duo in the run game. Justin Re leads the team in receptions (25) and receiving yards (310). The Panthers look to Ben Voelkerding on a stout defense as the senior leads the league in tackles (52) and sacks (5.5)
TEAM TRENDS: The Crusaders score 37.7 points per game, outscoring their opponents by nearly 20 points per outing. Moeller has played a bend don’t break style of football on the defensive side of the football. The Crusaders have given up a conference high 324 yards per game but only allow 18.3 points per game good for second in the league.
Elder is perhaps the area’s most balanced team as they pose a great threat in both rushing and in the passing attack with the weapons to back it up. Defensively the Panthers boast a solid unit that has 35 tackles for loss including 17 sacks on the season. They have given up only 88 total points. That’s 14.7 points a night and good for first in the league.
HEAD COACHES:
Moeller: Mark Elder (20-10 at Moeller, third year; 20-10 overall)
Elder: Doug Ramsey (205-95 at Elder, 25th season; 205-95 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Moeller (37 appearances, 54-28 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.
Elder (23 appearances, 41-21 overall) – 2021, 2020, 2019 (State Runner-up), 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2009 (Regional Champion), 2008 (State Runner-up), 2007, 2004, 2003 (State Champion), 2002 (State Champion), 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996 (Regional Champion), 1995, 1991, 1989, 1988
MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Contain the quarterback. Elder has been most productive when Schoster has run the ball well and made plays in the pocket to get the ball downfield. If the Crusaders can slow down the head of the snake, they should be in position to win the league.
ELDER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: No big plays. Moeller can score in spurts and can jump out on opponents to big wins. Big plays in the run game and over the top lead to their momentum. Elder should play this game as a tough and physical grinder. If this happens, they should be in great position for a victory.
Prediction: Elder 27, Moeller 21

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