SHARONVILLE, Ohio — The Moeller High School football will play next week for a state championship for the first time since 2013.
The Crusaders defeated Centerville 49-10 Friday night in a Division I state semifinal at Princeton High School’s Pat Mancuso Field at Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium.
Moeller junior quarterback Matt Ponatoski was 13 of 17 passing for 431 yards and six touchdowns. That included a 99-yard touchdown pass connection to senior wide receiver Jovan Love in the second quarter.
That was the longest pass play in program history, according to Moeller assistant athletic director George Smith. The previous longest pass play was 90 yards in 1989 and 2011. It was also school's longest scoring play from scrimmage, according to Smith.
Ponatoski tied his own school single-game record with six passing touchdowns. Ponatoski had six passing TDs in a 45-37 win at St. Xavier Sept. 20 this season.
The game started off very well for the Crusaders. After Centerville punted on its first possession, Ponatoski found junior tight end Cooper McCutchan for a 66-yard touchdown pass connection to help give Moeller an early 7-0 lead. Later, Ponatoski found senior WR Matthew Fogler for a 79-yard touchdown pass connection.
"I was just making easy throws to our guys and letting our guys work," Ponatoski said. "We have the best receivers in the country."
Moeller (14-1) made its fourth consecutive state semifinal appearance. The Crusaders are making a state final appearance for the first time since 2013 when it won the ninth state championship in program history. The Crusaders are appearing in their 40th postseason as a program.
“We made it to this game four years in a row and can’t get over the hump," said Moeller junior quarterback Matt Ponatoski. "It feels great to get over the hump. And the way we did it. I think we got almost everybody in the game – freshmen through senior that traveled so it was just awesome. A great experience for everybody on a cold night. A snow game. But, the weather held up. It was great weather. So excited for next week.”
Moeller coach Bert Bathiany was all smiles after the game.
“I’m speechless right now,” Bathiany said. “I’m a little numb honestly because I love this team. I love these seniors. It’s a little bit bittersweet for me because I get one more week with them.”
Bathiany said he’s happy especially for the senior class after the way the state semifinal round concluded the past three seasons.
“Three years in a row of disappointment,” Bathiany said. “Last year was absolutely gut-wrenching just the way everything ended. And for them to be able to go to Canton their senior year is really something special.”
Moeller plays Olentangy Liberty (13-2) in the Division I state final at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Moeller was one of eight Greater Cincinnati high school football teams set to compete in state semifinals on Friday night.
The Crusaders entered Friday night as the No. 1-ranked team in the MaxPreps Ohio high school football rankings (regardless of division).
