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Preview: Lakota West vs. Moeller

Before the season started, there was a clamoring to see a rematch of the 2021 Division I regional final between Lakota West and Moeller. After 13 weeks of grueling gauntlets of schedules that needed maximum amounts of intestinal fortitude to get through, both squads have found themselves back in the position to become Region 4 champions once again.

Moeller won last year’s Region 4 championship 21-17 over Lakota West. The contest was about as statistically balanced as you would expect in a four-point margin of victory with so much at stake. The difference came down to a pair of dropped long passes by the Firebirds. Catch those two balls and the outcome would have been a totally different story that we would be writing about today.

To get to this point, unblemished Lakota West has taken its program to new heights with the school’s first undefeated regular season and a record 13 wins. Moeller has survived one of the nations most difficult schedules with just one six-point loss to St. Edward.

There is only one thing left to settle in this much anticipated battle. Can Moeller repeat as regional champs for the first time since 2012-13 or does Lakota West conquer the crown for the very first time? The Friday night throwdown has all the makings of a game for the ages.

#3 LAKOTA WEST FIREBIRDS (13-0) at #1 MOELLER CRUSADERS (12-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 18th, 2022
Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium, Princeton High School
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: This game is loaded with accomplished players at the high school level. It features 13 players that were named 2022 Division I OPSWA First Team All-Southwest District (earlier this week) including Offensive Player of the Year, Jordan Marshall from Moeller and Defensive Player of the Year, Malik Hartford from Lakota West.

Those OPSWA All-Southwest District First Team selections from Lakota West include quarterback Mitch Bolden, receiver Brennan Remy, offensive lineman Tony Curtis, kicker Tyler Bohn, linebacker Jacob Asbeck, defensive backs Hartford, Joshua Fussell and Ben Minich. Moeller first teamers, running back Marshall, receiver Tennel Bryant, defensive lineman Brandon Martin, linebacker Joe Ginnetti and punter Ethan Page.

Firebirds signal-caller Bolden has racked up 3,205 yards of total offense (2,532 pass, 673 rush) and accounted for 37 touchdowns (25 pass, 12 rush). Remy is Bolden’s favorite target with 46 receptions for 665 yards and 10 touchdown catches. He also has 1,066 all-purpose yards, with a punt return and a rushing touchdown. Senior secondary members are big time recruits with Hartford committed to Ohio State, Fussell to Northwestern and Minich to Notre Dame. Bohn has had a terrific year on special teams connecting on 54/57 extra points and 15/16 field goals for 99 kicking points.

Marshall is the centerpiece of the Moeller offense. The junior has run for 1,621 yards, averaged 8.1 yards per carry, caught 17 balls for 308 yards (25.7/rec), found the end zone 29 times (25 rush, four rec) and has 10 games with at least 100 yards rushing. Seniors Martin and Ginnetti lead the Crusaders defense. Martin has been a relentless menace in opposing backfields with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for losses. Ginnetti has a team high 87 total tackles with two sacks and 13.0 tackles for losses.

TEAM TRENDS: The Lakota West defense has given up just 7.4 points per game. The Firebirds have held 12 foes to 14 points or less, including four shutouts in the last 10 weeks with two of those coming in the playoffs. They have given up just 10 opponent offensive scores (six rush, four rec) all season long. That has led to a 28.3-point margin of victory for West.

Moeller’s opponents are a combined 96-48 (.667) on the year. The Crusader have beaten eight teams that have won at least games this season. Six of those victories have been by 15 points or more. Moeller is +15 in turnover ratio.

HEAD COACHES:
Lakota West: Tom Bolden (39-7 at Lakota West, fourth year; 171-28 overall, 16th year)
Moeller: Mark Elder (30-11 at Moeller, third year; 30-11 overall).

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Lakota West (ninth appearance, 11-8) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2006, 2004

Moeller (38 appearance, 57-28 overall) – 2022, 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.

LAKOTA WEST’S KEYS TO VICTORY: After last year’s loss to the Crusaders, the Firebirds know that they can’t take a play or a second off. Focus has to be engaged for an entire 48 minutes. Motivation and desire to avenge last season’s defeat is a huge plus for Lakota West but they can’t let those emotions overwhelm them to the task at hand.

MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Crusaders aren’t going to be in awe of anything they see from the Firebirds defensively. Containing Bolden is a top priority if Moeller allows him to get close to 100 yards on the ground it could lead to a long night. Unsung heroes like freshman quarterback Matt Ponatawski, Brett Kelley and Kyler Paul have stepped up in the playoffs, the Crusaders will welcome more of that from their deep roster.

Prediction: Lakota West 24, Moeller 21

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