Archbishop Moeller Marches Toward State Championship After Dominating Centerville
Archbishop Moeller is on the brink of capturing an OHSAA Division I State Title following their emphatic 49-10 victory over Centerville in the regional final. The Crusaders delivered a commanding performance, led by Mr. Ohio finalist Matt Ponatoski, who showcased his talent with six touchdowns—all scored in the first half.
From the opening whistle, Moeller established their dominance. The offense moved with precision and power, while the defense stifled Centerville’s attempts to gain momentum. By halftime, Moeller had built an insurmountable lead, leaving no doubt about their control of the game.
Centerville, entering the matchup with an impressive 11-4 record, struggled to counter Moeller’s relentless pace and physicality. The Elks’ defense was overwhelmed by Ponatoski’s versatility, as he found the end zone repeatedly, exploiting gaps in their coverage and demonstrating why he is considered one of Ohio’s premier talents.
This victory continues Moeller’s remarkable season, where they’ve dominated high-profile opponents like St. Edward and St. Xavier. With a 13-1 record, the Crusaders now set their sights on Olentangy Liberty, their final hurdle in the quest for a state championship. Liberty, coming off a 21-7 win over St. Edward, will pose a formidable challenge, but Moeller’s recent form suggests they are up to the task.