SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Moeller football coach Todd Naumann said the Crusaders have a lot to learn after a 28-0 loss to Indianapolis Cathedral Saturday night at Ballaban Field.
“I told the guys that I was proud of them,” said Naumann, who made his Moeller head coaching debut Saturday. “Too many mistakes, but they fought hard. A lot to learn – will know more after I watch the film.”
Moeller (0-1) committed eight turnovers in the game and missed opportunities to capitalize on Cathedral’s four turnovers.
“We have to take care of the football,” Naumann said. “There will be better days ahead.”
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Cathedral (2-0) led 7-0 at halftime after a 35-yard touchdown reception by Camden Jordan early in the second quarter. Jordan also caught two touchdown passes in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-0.
A 20-yard interception return in the fourth helped to give Cathedral a 28-0 advantage.
Moeller had just 78 yards total (26 passing, 52 rushing).
Defensively, senior defensive back Michael Leonard had a 62-yard interception and a fumble recovery in the first quarter. After his interception return to the Cathedral 27, the Crusaders fumbled four plays later.
Junior TJ Rotello and senior linebacker Joe Toepfer also had interceptions for Moeller. Toepfer had a game-high eight tackles.
Moeller was 1 of 9 on third down. The Crusaders threw three interceptions.
Moeller had won 12 consecutive season openers entering Saturday night. The Crusaders had scored in 119 consecutive games entering Saturday night.
Saturday was the first meeting between Moeller and Cathedral since Aug. 28, 2015.
Saturday’s game was part of the Cincy-Indy Football Challenge hosted by St. Xavier this weekend. The Bombers defeated Brownsburg (Ind.) 38-17 Friday night.
Moeller plays at Louisville Trinity (2-0) Sept. 6.
