Preview: #5 Moeller at #4 St. Xavier
- Updated: October 31, 2023
The Blitz 5 Game of the Week pits a familiar matchup as #5 Moeller travels to #4 St. Xavier for a second round battle. RDI Stadium will be the scene for an intense GCL South rivalry game made even greater by what’s at stake. Moeller looks to beat the Bombers for the second time this season and continue their quest for another state title game appearance. St. Xavier aims to get back to glory after falling short the last couple of seasons. Friday night is sure to be a vintage battle.
#5 Moeller Crusaders at #4 St. Xavier Bombers
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
RDI Stadium
Follow on X @tsfootball
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Moeller has been led by the impressive play of running back Jordan Marshall. A household name, the Michigan commit has had another outstanding season.The senior has rushed 176 times for 1,202 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named GCL-S player of the year for the second consecutive season and is a threat to score at any given second. The Crusaders also boast the league leader in passing with sophomore Matt Ponatoski. Ponatoski completes 60 percent of his passes and has 2,233 yards and 20 TDs. Defensively Kyler Paul (75 tkls, 2.5 sacks) and Jewett Hayes (43 tkls, 3 sacks) have paced the defense.
St. Xavier has relied heavily on the legs of rushing tandem Daniel Vollmer and Jacob Britt. Vollmer is third in the league with 743 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. When he enters the game at quarterback he’s looking to hit holes with speed and aggression. Britt, a big time runner in his own right finished fourth in the conference in rushing with 730 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense Jakobe Clapper leads the league in tackles with 82 while adding 2.5 sacks and Gordy Sulfsted leads the conference with 3.5 sacks.
TEAM TRENDS: Moeller has won the last three matchups against the Bombers (including playoffs) dating back to 2021. Moeller averages 397 yards per game to go with a league leading 33.9 PPG. Defensively they allow 20 PPG and are susceptible to have the ball moved on them.
St. Xavier were last crowned champions in 2020 and look to get back to the big show after some early exits the last few seasons. The Bombers have been stingy on defense as they only give up 15 PPG. They’ve only given up 12 PPG during their current four game win streak. Offensively, they lead the league in rushing.
HEAD COACHES:
Moeller: Bert Bathiany (7-4 at Moeller, first year; 17-7 overall)
St. Xavier: Steve Specht (176-73 at St. Xavier, 19 years; 176-73 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Moeller (38 appearances, 58-29 overall) – 2022 (Regional Champion), 2021 (Regional Champion), 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 (29 appearances, 55-25 overall) – 2022, 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’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Moeller should give running back Jordan Marshall a steady dose of carries to open things up. Going to play action later could lead to some big plays and a win.
ST. XAVIER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Stop the run! The Bombers should do everything possible to slow down Marshall. If he has a big game, they could be in trouble. If he is limited, they will be in a good position to win.
Prediction: Moeller 24, St. Xavier 20
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