CINCINNATI, Ohio – Princeton ended more than three decades of frustration against Moeller in impressive fashion Thursday night, knocking off the Crusaders, 31-24, in a marquee season opener at Paycor Stadium.
The victory gave the Vikings the King of the Block trophy for the first time since 1991 and snapped a 19-game losing streak against Moeller.
After the teams traded touchdowns in the opening quarter, Princeton took a 10-7 lead into halftime on a 29-yard field goal by Maurice Holloway. Moeller responded in the third quarter when Greylo Coach scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, putting the Crusaders back in front, 14-10.
PHOTOS: Moeller at Princeton
Then the Vikings took control.
Princeton scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, beginning with a four-yard Jordan Hall run. Hall struck again from nine yards out before Derrick Jeffries returned an interception 11 yards for a touchdown to give the Vikings a commanding 31-14 advantage.
Blitz 5: Princeton takes the block back over
The Vikings turn in a monster fourth quarter & top Moeller 31-24 as Jordan Hall goes crazy (176 Tot YDS & 3 TD) pic.twitter.com/YEiQiGASUl
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) August 21, 2026
Moeller made a late push behind a 16-yard touchdown pass from Nick Monserez to Phil Bailey and a 45-yard Jack Mallabar field goal, but Princeton held on for the historic victory.
The Crusaders actually outgained Princeton 308-297 and finished with 18 first downs to the Vikings’ 13. Princeton rushed for 131 yards and threw for 166, while its defense forced two Moeller turnovers.
Princeton quarterback Monsanna Torbert, a Michigan commit, helped guide the Vikings to the season-opening victory after transferring from Taft, where he earned all-state honors at quarterback last season.
Princeton (1-0) travels to Middletown next Friday, while Moeller (0-1) will look to bounce back against Groveport Madison at Mount St. Joseph University.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Moeller: 7-0-7-10-24
Princeton: 7-3-0-21-31
SCORING PLAYS
M: Greylo Coach 7 run (Jack Mallabar kick)
P: Jordan Hall 88 pass from Monsanna Torbert (Maurice Holloway kick)
P: Holloway 29 FG
M: Coach 1 run (Mallabar kick)
P: Hall 4 run (Holloway kick)
P: Hall 9 run (Holloway kick)
P: Derrick Jeffries 11 interception return (Holloway kick)
M: Phil Bailey 16 pass from Nick Monserez (Mallabar kick)
M: Mallabar 45 FG
RECORDS: Moeller (0-1); Princeton (1-0)
UP NEXT: Moeller hosts Groveport Madison (0-0); Princeton at Middletown (0-0)
Get the complete scores from all of this week’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.
*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on X.
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