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Preview: Mason vs. Moeller

Moeller LB Joe Ginnetti (photo by James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)

Things are heating up in the Division I, Region 4 playoffs. The Division I, Region 4 semifinal between Mason and Moeller pits two physical teams against each other in what is sure to be a grinding game. Both squads come into their matchup feeling confident in their abilities after two strong rounds of playoff football. The Comets look to pull an upset and move on to an improbable regional final berth. The Crusaders are looking to move one step closer to a return trip to state where this time they hope to finish things with a championship. There is a lot to play for as two well-coached and hungry teams look to stick around this postseason for a little while longer. Mason versus Moeller is sure to be a brute affair with everything left out on the field.

#5 Mason Comets (10-2) vs #1 Moeller Crusaders (11-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 11th
Barnitz Stadium, Middletown HS
Follow on Twitter: @TSFootball 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mason quarterback Larson Brown stepped up when needed to last week against Springboro.  The senior was 20-35 for 244 yards and three touchdowns as the Comets reliable running game was somewhat shutdown. Larson went over 1,000 passing for the season with his efforts last week and will look to be a factor this week as well. Mason tailback Nick Sailers rushed ten times for 60 yards last week and has had several big games rushing on the season. The shifty back is capable of running wild at any given time. Caden Davis and Jake Bates (69 tackles each) have been tremendous for a hard-nosed Mason defense made for playoff football.

Jordan Marshall seems to get better as the season goes on for the Crusaders. The junior running back rushed for 263 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s win and seems to be the jolt that could take Moeller all the way. Marshall has the potential to break one at any given time making him a serious threat for the Mason defense. Quarterback Luke Dunn has had an impressive season as he seems in complete control of the offense and can make the big pass when necessary. Tennel Bryant continues to be a major deep threat at wide receiver for the top seeded Crusaders. Joe Ginnetti (81 tackles) leads a Moeller defense that has made it tough on opposing offenses all season.

TEAM TRENDS: On the season Mason has been a ball control type of team. They have rushed 428 times on the season good for the top mark in the Greater Miami Conference. The Comets have 23 touchdowns on the ground as opposed to nine in the passing game. Controlling the clock and possessions have been a staple for the Comets all season long but they have showed that they can score fast when needed to, last week’s performance being a prime example. The Comets average 239 total yards per game and a shade under 21 points. Defensively, Mason only give up 11.3 points to their opponents on average.

Moeller is one of the most balanced teams in the area. The Crusaders have rushed for 2,333 yards and passed for 2,113 yards so far this season. They have proven to be able to hit their opponents by both ground and air depending on how they are being defended. Moeller puts up 370 yards per game and averages 32.5 points per outing. The Moeller defense hasn’t given up over 17 points in their last eight contests and hold opposing teams to an average of 14.6 point per game overall. Teams have been able to move the ball against their defense but get turned away from putting points on the board.

HEAD COACHES:
Mason: Mason: Brian Castner (84-54 at Mason, 13th year; 84-54 overall)

Moeller: Moeller: Mark Elder (25-11 at Moeller, third year; 25-11 overall)

Pregame Interview: Mark Elder, Moeller

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Mason (13 appearances, 6-13) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1997, 1996

Moeller (37 appearances, 56-28 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.

MASON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Control the clock. Mason has played their tempo in mostly every game this year and have been successful with that approach. Running the football with success and keeping possession from their opponents has put them in position to move on. If the Comets keep the Crusader offense off the field and tackle in space, they can pull the upset and advance to the regional final.

MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Take shots down the field. By now everyone’s game plan will be to stop the running game of Jordan Marshall and Alec Weeder. Testing the Mason secondary over the top in play action may be a way to loosen the box and create a “pick your poison” type of ball game.  If Moeller has some success in the passing game to pair with their potent rushing attack, they will be well on their way to another regional final appearance.

Prediction: Moeller 27, Mason 12

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