Springfield tops Moeller again in thriller
- Updated: November 24, 2023
Moeller and Springfield hooked up in the state semifinals for the third consecutive season and did battle in a throwback physical affair on Friday night.
PIQUA, Ohio – The Moeller Crusaders and Springfield Wildcats got together for another state semifinal clash. The two teams met at this stage a season ago with Springfield coming out victorious. The Crusaders were back again looking to take the next step in their quest to avenge last season’s loss. Springfield wanted to move on to the title game to get their own revenge. Both squads brought a physical mindset into the game with each defense slowing down the opposing offense. After it was all said and down, ABC came away with a gritty win.
Springfield came out of the gates like a team looking for revenge. Their offense took the field and drove right down the field on the Moeller defense. Looking to send an early statement, the Wildcats managed to move the ball all the way to the 1-yd line. It was there that the Moeller defense clamped down and turned the Wildcats away on fourth down for the game’s first big stop.
The Moeller offense was doing its part early. They were able to move into Springfield territory often but had to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. Moeller kicker Devin Orr knocked in first half field goals of 44 and 42 yards respectively to give the Crusaders a 6-0 advantage. Their defense continued to hang tough and later in the half, the Moeller offense was finally able to get to pay dirt. Running back Jordan Marshall plunged in for two yards out and Moeller led 12-0 after a failed 2 PT conversion.
Springfield was out of rhythm but was able to gain some crucial momentum going into the half. Quarterback Brent Upshaw found Bay Bay Norman for a 32-yd touchdown pass. The drive was aided by a Moeller penalty and Moeller’s lead was 12-7 at the break. In the third, the Wildcats were able to gain the lead as Upshaw found Dave Williams for a 22-yard touchdown pass. The PAT failed but the Wildcats would have a 13-12 lead.
Both defenses would do their thing the rest of the way. Neither offense could really get anything going. Moeller got into striking distance, but Orr missed a long field goal. Springfield never really threatened to score. Late in the fourth, the Crusaders would have a chance to steal a victory, but quarterback Matt Ponatoski fumbled, and the Wildcats recovered. Bay Bay Norman would score from six yards out on the next play and once again their 2 PT conversion failed. Moeller got the ball back again down 19-12 with 2:15 to play.
Moeller put together their best drive of the game when they needed it most. Ponatoski found Roman Mason for a big 36-yd gain to jumpstart the drive. Another 15-yard pass and the Crusaders were in business. Isaac Shade took two positive runs and Moeller was suddenly at the Springfield 3-yd line with 35 seconds left. Kyler Paul took the next handoff in for a score from three yards out. Orr made the extra point and somehow the game was going into OT.
The Wildcats got first possession and did not squander it. They got a big score from Norman taking a pass from Upshaw. Moeller got as close as the 1-yd line but were unable to convert for a tying score. Springfield moves on to their third straight state title game appearance.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Springfield 0-7-6-6-7-26 Moeller 3-9-0-7-0-19
SCORING PLAYS
M: Devin Orr 44-yd field goal
M: Devin Orr 42-yd field goal
M: Jordan Marshall 2-yd rush (2PT no good)
S: Bay Bay Norman 32-yd rec from Brent Upshaw (Braydon Herron kick)
S: Dave Williams 22-yd rec from Upshaw (PAT failed)
S: Bay Bay Norman 6-yd rush (2PT no good)
M: Kyler Paul 2-yd rush (Orr kick)
S: Bay Bay Norman rec from Upshaw (Herron kick)
RECORDS: Springfield (10-5); Moeller (10-5)
UP NEXT: Springfield vs. St. Edward (14-1); OHSAA Division I State Championship
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