Preview: Moeller vs. Springfield
- Updated: November 23, 2022
Photo by Sandy Mahoney (Twitter: @InMotionBySandy)
They are back at it for a second straight season. Springfield edged out Moeller by one point on a late fourth quarter touchdown in the state semifinals last fall in Piqua. The Crusaders look to avenge that defeat and make it to the state title tilt for the first time since 2013.
The Wildcats have unfinished business as they would like to bring home the school’s first state crown after falling short to St. Edward, in the state championship, a contest that was winnable, a year ago.
Expect another closely contested affair. One that could come down to execution on special teams as the clock dwindles down at Alexander Stadium. It is a situation that both teams would like to avoid but it almost seems inevitable with two teams that are so evenly matched. Friday night’s battle could be one for the ages.
SPRINGFIELD WILDCATS (12-1) vs. MOELLER CRUSADERS (13-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 25th, 2022
Alexander Stadium, Piqua High School
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: This game is loaded with accomplished players at the high school level. It features 10 players that were named 2022 Division I OPSWA First Team All-Southwest District including Offensive Player of the Year, Jordan Marshall from Moeller.
Springfield first teamers, quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer, Anthony Brown, defensive lineman Robert Owens Jr., linebacker Jaivian Norman and defensive back Aaron Scott.
Senior Schondelmyer, a transfer from Arcanum has thrown 4,120 yards and 43 touchdowns. Classmate Brown, a University of Kentucky commit, has 70 receptions 1,439 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daylen Bradley has a team high 84 receptions for 1,230 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Shawn Thigpen, a Bowling Green recruit, adds to the explosive receiving corps with 96 receptions for more than 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career.
Jaivian Norman, a four-year starter, is the heart-and-soul of the Wildcats defense. The Eastern Michigan commit has 120 total tackles, two sacks, 19.0 tackles for losses and an interception. Owens Jr., a transfer from Chaminade Julienne, leads Springfield with seven sacks and has 17.0 tackles for losses. Aaron Scott, one of the nation’s top secondary players in the Class of 2024 has a team high four interceptions including two pick-sixes.
Moeller first teamers, running back Marshall, receiver Tennel Bryant, defensive lineman Brandon Martin, linebacker Joe Ginnetti and punter Ethan Page.
Junior Marshall is the centerpiece of the Moeller offense, The Crusaders are going to need all his help with freshman Matt Ponotaski under center. Marshall has run for 1,786 yards, averaged 8.2 yards per carry, caught 18 balls for 350 yards (26.9/rec), found the end zone 31 times (27 rush, four rec) and has 11 games with at least 100 yards rushing. Senior Alec Weeder is coming off a career best 112 yards on the ground against Lakota West. Bryant, who tabs himself as the fastest receiver in Ohio has a must see matchup versus Scott.
Senior Martin has been spectacular for the Moeller defense with 16.0 sacks and 23.0 tackles for losses. Classmates, Ginnetti has a team high 92 total tackles with two sacks and 14.0 tackles for losses. Conlan Daniel has five interceptions and Matthew Seliga has four picks for the Crusaders secondary
TEAM TRENDS: The teams that Moeller has faced are a combined 113-50 (.693 winning %). The Crusaders have five wins over teams that have won 10 or more games, nine victories over squads that have at least nine victories and have handed Massillon Washington and Lakota West their only losses of the season. Moeller’s lone defeat was to St. Edward (13-1), 6-0. St. Edward’s only loss is to Massillon Washington.
Springfield has won three of its four playoff games by 28 points and the other one by 21 points. They have only given up 28 points in their four postseason victories. The only team to hold Springfield to less than 35 points over the last 10 weeks is Fairmont (twice, to 21 points).
PREGAME INTERVIEW: Moe Douglass, Springfield
HEAD COACHES:
Springfield: Maurice Douglass (72-33 at Springfield, ninth year; 173-87 overall, 22nd year)
Moeller: Mark Elder (31-11 at Moeller, third year; 31-11 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Springfield (eighth appearance, 17-7) – 2022 (Regional Champion), 2021 (State Runner-Up), 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019 (Regional Champion), 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009
Moeller (38th appearance, 58-28 overall) – 2022 (Regional Champion), 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.
SPRINGFIELD’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Wildcats have built leads of 14 to 21 points in all four of their playoff games, do that again and force a freshman quarterback to make plays for Moeller and things will be sitting in their favor down the stretch. To get there Springfield needs to take advantage of its ridiculous talent, depth and speed at receiver, especially since they haven’t had a running back top the 100-yard mark since Week 8 of the regular season. The wideouts and slot guys have essentially been the running game for the Wildcats throughout the playoffs.
MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: If the Crusaders run the ball outside of the tackles and avoid third down and long situations like they did versus Lakota West it is going to make for a long night for Springfield. Where Moeller has shot themselves in the foot in the playoffs and made life more difficult is with yellow flags. The Crusaders have averaged 12 penalties for 115 yards the last two weeks. They need to cut the errors way down. The Wildcats are too good and will make them pay for mistakes like that, on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Moeller 31, Springfield 30
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