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Preview: #4 Princeton vs. #1 Moeller

Princeton LB PJ Nelson (photo by Mike Noyes / TriStateFootball.com)

It’s a rematch of the 2024 opener as Princeton looks to avenge a loss to Moeller in the Blitz 5 Game of the Week. Moeller has aspirations of capturing its fourth straight regional title. Odds seem to be against Princeton, as  the Crusaders have posted an 11-0 playoff mark and against Great Miami Conference over the past four seasons.

#4 PRINCETON VIKINGS (10-2) at #1 MOELLER CRUSADERS (11-1)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., November 15th, 2024
Where: TriHealth/Beacon Stadium, Mason H.S.
Follow on X: @TSFootball

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Teryntino Brown-Freeman has given the Princeton rushing attack a major boost over the last month. He has run for career highs three times in the last four games including 203 yards in last week’s win over Hamilton. The senior is averaging 122.6 yards with eight of his 10 touchdowns rushing over the last five contests. Junior D’Lo Birch has thrown for 1,568 yards and 18 touchdowns. His top target is classmate Landen Miree who has 48 receptions for 629 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Princeton defense is led by P.J. Nelson who is committed to Indiana. The senior has been a beast with137 tackles (85 solo), 24.0 tackles for losses, four sacks, one interception and two scoop-and-scores. Classmate Shelvon Hibbet has had a breakout campaign with 75 tackles, a robust 14.0 sacks, 16.0 tackles for losses, three fumble recoveries and a scoop-and-score. Defensive back Andrew Wells leads the team with five takeaways (four INTs, one FR).

Matt Ponatoski has lit up the sky all season long for Moeller. The junior has thrown for 3,091 yards with 44 touchdown tosses and only two interceptions. He is the only player to have two 3,000 yard passing seasons in Moeller history. Receiver Matthew Fogler has found the end zone 13 times on his 32 receptions for 734 yards (22.8 yards/rec). Jovan Lova has 11 touchdowns on 40 catches for 644 yards.

GCL South Defensive Lineman of the Year, Christian Harris has highs of 12.0 tackles for losses and six-and-a-half sacks. Chris Bradley, Roman Mason and Lincoln Murphy all have a team best three interceptions.

TEAM TRENDS: Princeton has won six games in a row since being blanked, 34-0 by Hamilton. The Vikings returned the favor last week knocking the Big Blue out of the playoffs with a 30-point victory. In their last three victories, Princeton has had at least 11 penalties and 110 penalty yards. They are averaging 10.2 yellow flags and 94.6 penalty yards per game.

The Vikings defense has six players with at least 12.5 tackles for losses. They have forced 25 turnovers (15 INTs, 10) and scored touchdowns on five of them (three FRs, two INTs). Eight players have at least two takeaways.

Moeller has won 12 playoff games in a row versus GMC schools (11 since 2021). The Crusaders last postseason loss to a GMC school was back in 2017 (to Colerain in the first round, 45-0). Since 2001 Princeton has played in 16 playoff games, going 9-7. This will be just the fourth contest against a GCL South team in that span. The Vikings are 0-3 in those tilts. They are 6-3 against rival GMC schools in that same time frame.

The high octane Moeller offense has scored 35-plus points 11 times in 12 tilts. The Crusaders have had their best three weeks on the scoreboard over the last three games with 53, 63, 55 point outbursts (56.7 points/game).

HEAD COACHES:
Princeton: Andre Parker (42-8 at Princeton, fourth year; 129-43 overall, 15th year)

Moeller; Bert Bathiany (21-6 at Moeller, third year; 31-9 overall, fourth year)
 

PLAYOFF HISTORY:

Princeton (20 appearances, 27-16) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2007, 2001, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990 (State runner-up), 1988 (State Runner-up), 1987 (State Champion), 1985, 1983 (State Champion), 1982, 1980, 1978 (State Champion), 1972 (State runner-up)

Moeller (40 appearances, 64-30 overall) – 2024, 2023 (Regional Champion), 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

PRINCETON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Be aggressive from start to finish on both sides of the ball. The Vikings are at their best when they are on the attack. That is only effective against a team like Moeller, if the Vikings can avoid penalties, which has been easier said than done this season.

MOELLER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: This is no time to rest on past laurels. In the first matchup the Crusaders put the pedal to the metal and never let up. They will need that same mind-set this go round. Princeton is peaking, they are a far different animal than they were in Week 1. Taking their play up another level is a must for Big Moe.

Prediction: Moeller 31, Princeton 21

 

 

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