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Preview: St. Xavier at Moeller

Moeller WR Tennel Bryant

The Greater Catholic League South rivalry between Moeller and St. Xavier is one of the most heated and competitive rivalries in the entire state of Ohio. There have been countless battles between the two programs, often with a conference title on the line. The stakes are a bit higher in this latest edition as the Crusaders host the Bombers in one of this week’s Division I regional quarterfinal matchups. St. Xavier looks to avenge a three-point loss in the regular season and continue their late season momentum. Moeller is primed to remain dominant in their quest for a state title. Yes, the stakes are high and the ticket is hot as an estimated 5,000 fans are expected to attend as tickets sold out in less than ten minutes after going on sale Monday. It is yet another installment of great football coming to you on Friday night.

#9 ST. XAVIER BOMBERS (5-6) at #1 MOELLER CRUSADERS (10-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 4th
Shea Stadium, Norwood, Ohio
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Junior tailback Gage Patrick rushed 29 times for 110 yards and three touchdowns filling in for the injured Steven Napier a week ago. Patrick was a headache for the Fairfield defense during the upset. Making things even brighter for the Bombers was the fact that Napier did see some action albeit a small portion. Sophomore quarterback Chase Herbstreit had the best game of his short career going 12-24 for 233 yards and a touchdown in the victory. His primary targets of wideout Jamaal Sharp, Joey Wassler, and Jack McClatchey give the Bombers a trio of threats in the passing game. Alex Devine (86 tkl) will be called upon to have a big night defensively.
Moeller has been led all season by junior running back Jordan Marshall who has run for 1,260 yards and 20 touchdowns to lead a potent Crusader rushing attack. Marshall, a favorite for Mr. Football, has been a star all season in leading his team to a conference title and number one seed. Alec Weeder (91 car, 447 yards, 4 TD) has been a solid running mate in the backfield and has the ability to erupt for big games himself. Quarterback Luke Dunn has been a steady presence under center throwing for 1,640 yards and 17 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Tennel Bryant (49 rec, 588 yds, 5 TD) has been his go to target on the outside. Joe Ginetti leads a stingy defense in tackles with 76.
TEAM TRENDS: The Bomber offense has seemingly gotten on track in the last two weeks as they followed a 30-point effort in a week ten win with a 42-point outburst last week in the first round. Last week’s point total was only the second time the St. Xavier offense has crossed the 40 point threshold all season. The first time was way back in week three. The defense gives up a slightly concerning 122 yards per game on the ground and were gashed for a season-high 314 rushing yards last week against Fairfield.
Moeller has averaged a tick under 35 points per game over their last two outings and have continued to be explosive in the run game. The Crusaders are churning out 193 yards per game on the ground, taking the physicality to each of their opponents. Defensively Moeller is giving up just over 15 points a night and have lowered that to 9.5 points per game over their last four outings.
HEAD COACHES:
St. Xavier: Steve Specht (169-67 at St. Xavier, 19th year; 169-67 overall)
Moeller: Mark Elder (24-11 at Moeller, third year; 24-11 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
St. Xavier (28 appearances, 55-24 overall) – 2021, 2020 (State Champion), 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 (Regional Champions), 2010, 2009, 2007 (State Champion), 2006, 2005 (State Champion), 2004, 2002, 2001 (State Runner-up), 2000, 1999, 1998 (State Runner-up), 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992 (State Runner-up), 1987, 1981.
Moeller (37 appearances, 55-28 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.
ST. XAVIER KEYS TO VICTORY: Dominate the air attack. St. Xavier passed for 230 yards against the Crusaders in their regular season meeting. Sharp and Wassler caught a combined 15 balls and made big plays down the field. Herbstreit will need to have another big night as the Moeller run defense has been solid all year and X running back Steven Napier will likely still be limited in his action. If St. Xavier can succesfully bomb away in the passing game, they can pull the upset and advance.
MOELLER KEYS TO VICTORY: Limit the run game. St. Xavier has had its most success when they have been able to dominate on the ground. Although QB Chase Herbstreit stepped up to the plate with timely throws last week, the Crusaders should force him to bring a similar effort to this week’s game. If Moeller forces the Bombers to rely on a pass heavy attack, they should continue their march toward a state final four berth.
Prediction: Moeller 28, St. Xavier 13

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