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Cincinnati Round-Up: Week 15

Anderson RB Durell Turner (photo By: Dan Beineke / TriStateFootball.com)

In the OHSAA State Semifinals, three schools, (including division I’s Moeller, division II’s Anderson, and division IV’s Taft) from the Cincinnati tri-state area played for the right to compete for their respective division’s state titles. As the dust settled on the evening, two of the city’s top programs came out on top, while one team came just short.

 

DIVISION I

MOELLER 49, CENTERVILLE 10

It was the Matt Ponatoski show on Friday night, as the star junior quarterback had a record-setting performance including 6 touchdowns in the first half alone, en route to a 49-10 rout of the visiting Centerville Elks. 

Some plays of note include a 99-yard touchdown throw to Jovan Love from Ponatoski. The Crusaders’ quarterback also hit his running back Tyler Joseyln for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Ponatoski also hit Cooper McCutchen for a 60-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring in the game.

Ponatoski’s performance powered the storied program to their first state title game appearance since 2013, which was also the last time the Crusaders hoisted the state’s top-prize. Moeller will face Olentangy Liberty (14-2) in the state’s DI championship game in Canton, OH. It will be Moeller’s 14th all-time state final appearance. 

RECAP: Moeller clubs Centerville, heads to state title game

DIVISION II

ANDERSON 28, BIG WALNUT 24

Anderson’s quest for a perfect season continued when the Raptors picked up their 15th win of the season in a 28-24 thriller over Big Walnut. 

With their perfect record – and season – hanging in the balance, Anderson called the number of their star senior quarterback Justice Burnam once again, and he delivered, with a 1-yard touchdown run to put Anderson up 28-24 with just :38 left on the clock. 

Despite turning it over four times, the historical Anderson defense stepped up once again, holding the Eagles offense to minimal gains both on the ground and through the air. The Raptors turned to their rushing attack offensively to drive down the field and keep the ball away from the Big Walnut offense as much as they could.

PHOTOS: Anderson vs. Big Walnut

When the final whistle blew, it proved to be enough for the Raptors, as they marched onto only their second state final appearance of all time, first since 2008, and undefeated Anderson will look to win only their second state championship in school history. Only fellow undefeated team Avon (15-0) will stand in the way of Anderson’s second state title.

DIVISION IV

INDIAN VALLEY 29, TAFT 20

In the OHSAA Division 4 state semifinals, Taft’s impressive postseason run came to a disappointing end at the hands of Indian Valley in a 29-20 loss. 

After starting the game with a 75-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown by Jahvaion Jamiron and a subsequent 25-yard rushing touchdown by Torbert, Taft looked to be in control.

Indian Valley quickly found their stride in their ground game, however, with Grady Kinsey running for multiple touchdowns. In all, both teams scored 35 points in the first quarter alone. Quickly, both defenses found their footing and it was the Braves defense who shut down the Senators offense from the second quarter on, not allowing Taft to score a single point the rest of the game. 

Despite the loss, it was still a great season for the Senators; the young team exceeded expectations, led by the Torbert brothers, en route to a state semifinals appearance. 

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

 

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