Moeller High School 1993-94 Football Articles by Archbishop Moeller High School

Faust speaks wit:h fondness of the team that started it all By Joe Minster Press Contributor

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He was busy welcoming recruits at Akron University, but Gerry Faust's thoughts last Saturday definitely were directed to Massillon, where Moeller's Crusaders were playing Cleveland St. Ignatius for the Ohio Division I prep football title. "I couldn't be there, but I'm looking for a good game," said Faust, the man who masterminded Moeller to 1 72 victories, two ties and just 17 losses in 18 years from 1963 to 1980. "Yes, I know St. lgnati us is considered the No. 1 team in the nation and will be favored, but I also know the type of football that's played in southwest Ohio, so you can't count Moeller out," added Faust, current Akron football coach. Faust coached no fewer than seven undefeated and untied Crusader clubs, in 1965 (10-0), 1969 (10-0), 1975 (12-0), 1976 (12-0), 1977 (12-0), 1979 (12-0) and 1980 (13-0). And six more of his teams lost just once, in 1963, the first year for football at Moeller, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1978. Like St. Ignatius, which has won five of the last six years

Gerry Faust

(1988, 1989, 1991, l992 and 1993), Moeller captured five out of six Ohio championships from 1975 through 1980, missing the playoffs only in 1978. "All of our Ohio titles have special memories for me," Faust said, "but perhaps the most memorable was the first one in 1975, when we beat Lakewood St. Edwards, 14-12, in the finals." Âˇ "We were the underdogs is almost every game in l975 and we came from behind to win seven different times in posting a

12-0 record. "Then, in 1976, our kids expected to win and they always seemed to find a way to win because we went 12-0 for the second straight year." In that unforgettable five year stretch from 1975 through part of 1981, Moeller won an incredible 72 out of 73 games, a string interrupted by a 1978 loss to Princeton. Gifted athletes and excellent coaches have combined to make Moeller the power it was under Gerry Faust and continues to be under Steve Klonne, the present Âˇ Crusader coach. "They've established a winning tradition at Moeller, where their young men are willing to pay the price in the form of hard work to win football games," Faust pointed out. How much longer does he intend to be on the coaching lines? "As long as they'll have me,." Faust said without the slightest hesitation. "I enjoy being around young people and hope to be coaching for many more years. "But as long as I'm in or around the game, I'll never forget my many years at Moeller High."

Moellif defense faces big-play test Stopping Hilliard QB key for Crusaders BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

In the- 21-year history of the state high school football playoffs, no Columbus-area team has won the big school championship. Hilliard, a Columbus-suburb school, will be out to end that streak in the state semifinals today at 1 p.m. The Wildcats (11-1) take on seven-time Division I state champion Moeller (13-0) at Dayton's Welcome Stadium. A team with a high-powered offense and an outstanding quarterback, Hilliard may fmd the going tough against a Crusader defense that has been nearly flawless this season. "Moeller's defense looks awful strong against the run," Hilliard coach John Sines said. "Their speed ''filso impresses me, and on film, it looks like they have 11

good athletes on the field." Sines is also concerned with his own defense, a unit that has allowed 168 points this season. "There's no doubt in my mind that our defense must play at a much higher level if we hope to stay with Moeller," he said. "Their offense isn't fancy. They're basically a running team with big, powerful kids on the offensive line. It won't be an easy task for our kids." The Crusaders' major assignment will be stopping Hilliard quarterback Steve Baird, a 6-3, 190pound senior who does it all for the Wildcats. This season he has thrown for 1300 yards and rushed for 1400. "I'm not stupid enough to think that we can only run against Moeller," Sines said. "Teams that live and die by the run or pass don't win the big games. A team must be

balanced offensively.'' Moeller coach Steve Klonne, who attended Hilliard's game against Mount Vernon on Saturday on a muddy field in Dublin, came away impressed with the Wildcats. "Offensively, Hilliard is a bigplay team," Klonne said. "They have good skills at the wide receivers. But the quarterback is the threat that scares me." Klonne also noted that Hilliard has a big defensive line with aggressive linebackers. "They like to blitz a lot," Klonne said. "Their secondary covers the receivers real well." Controlling the ball will be Moeller's main objective. "The key for us is to keep their big-play offense off the field," Klonne said. "We're looking to improve on the control. Offensively we haven't played well the past two games." Quarte,J;pack Mike Green, intercepted o~y two times during the

regular season, was picked off five times in the playoffs. "We'll have to hurt Hilliard through the air so they don't load the line to stop the run," Klonne said. "We also have to mix it up and Mike knows what has to be done." Some good news for Moeller on this front: Brian Balsly, the Crusaders' leading rusher with 806 yards, returns to the lineup for the first time in three weeks. Adding to Hilliard's woes is the artificial turf, a surface the Wildcats haven't played on in years. "Getting the proper shoes may be a problem," Sines noted. Moeller's last two games were on the artificial turf at UC's Nippert Stadium. The Crusaders also practiced at Nippert twice this week in preparation for the game. ...,. Stuebenville Catholic, Wauseon win titles, 04

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Moeller defense leads way Crusaders stop Vikings for city title, 20-7 BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

None of Princeton's coaches, including Pat Mancuso, could remember the Vikings offense ever being held to just 22 yards rushing in a game. But it happened Friday night at Viking Stadium where the Moeller defense led the Crusaders past the Vikings, 20-7, before a crowd of 6,500.

The victory gives the undefeated Crusaders the city championship and their first undefeated season since 1984. "Any time we have to throw the ball 24 times, we lose," Mancuso said. "And, you can't turn the ball over like we did against a good team and expect to win. We talked about this all week to the kids." Two interceptions and a fumble recovery were monumental in the outcome as the Crusaders capitalizing for scores. "The defense absolutely kept us

HIGHLIGHTS Moeller ................................ 20 Princeton ............................. 7

Ross .................................... 29 Goshen ................................. 7 St. Xavier ............................. 31 Anderson ............................... 7 CAPE ................................... 30 Deer Park ............................ 7 ~ Details, 06

in the game and gave us good field position all night," Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. "The field position was the telling tale." The Crusaders took advantage of a Viking fumble that was recovered by Brian Fitzpatrick on the Vikings' 20 in the first quarter. On the ensuing play, Moeller quarterback Mike Green threw a (Please see MOELLER, Page D6)

Seven area teams zero in on playoff spots Seven area teams, Moeller, Princeton, St. Xavier, Ross, Goshen, CAPE and Lockland, appeared to have qualified Friday night for the Ohio High School state football playoffs. One other team, Hamilton Badin, kept its hopes alive with a victory. A look:

Division I Facing a must-win situation, St. Xavier pounded previously undefeated Anderson, 31-7, for a Division I playoff berth. Moeller and Princeton had nailed down playoff berths prior to their meeting Friday night. Centerville downed Beavercreek for the other Division I spot.

Division II Moeller defensive back Ron Adkins [22) picks off a Jeremy Teall pass in the second quarter of Friday night's game at Princeton. Priinceton's Arvie Jenkins (6) and Moeller's Chris Brisben (15) are others in the play. Moeller won. 20-7, to capture the city championship.

Ross defeated Goshen, 29-7, for its first playoff berth. But Roger Bacon needed a victory over Northwest and losses by Ross and Miami Trace. Bacon won

but so did Ross.

Division III Despite its loss to Ross, Goshen is in the playoffs. Hamilton Badin, with a 7-6 victory over Harrison, also stays alive. Kings had a chance, but the Knights needed Greenfield McClain, Mount Gillead and London all to Jose. McClain's victory over Cincinnati Country Day snuffed out any hopes for Kings.

Division IV, V Defending Division IV state champion CAPE will defend its title. The Crusaders defeated Deer Park, 30-7, in the school's last-ever regular-season game. Lockland blanked Mariemont, 27-0, to make it in Division V, but CCD's hopes were dashed by its loss to Greenfield McClain. Playoff pairings .will be announced Sunday. -

Dave Schutte

National Sports News Service "Honoring the top high school teams, coaches and players in the U.S.A since 1927.1" 10 YFARS AGO (1983): 1EAM: Berwick, Pa. (13-0) PLAYER: Ryan Knight, Riverside Rubiooux (RB) COACH Fred Tesone, Cherry Creek, Colo. 20 YFARS AGO (1973): 1EAM: Tyler John Tyler, Tx. (15-0) PLAYER: Earl Campbell, Tyler John Tyler (RB) COACH: John Deti, Laramie, Wy. 30 YFARSAGO (1963): 1EAM: Chicago St. Rita (9-0) PLAYER: Warren M::Vea, San Antonio Brackenridge (HB) COACH: Al Woolard, Lawrence, Ks. 40 YFARSAGO (1953): 1EAM: :Massillon washington, Ohio (10-0) PLAYER: Kenneth Hall, Sugar land, Tx. (HB) COACH: Robert Bums, Sioux Falls washington, S.D. 50 YFARS AGO (1943): 1EAM: Miami Senior, Fl. (9-0, 30-0) PLAYER: Bobby Lane, Dallas Highland Park ( QB) COACH: Malcom Laney, Binningham Woodlawn, Ala. PAST (MYiliiCAL) NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: 1992 ... Valoosta, Ga (15-0) 1991 ... Indianapolis Ben Davis (14-0) 1990 ... Ruston, La (14-0) 1989 ... Odessa Permian, Tx (16-0) 1988 ... Pensacola Pine Forest, Fl (14-0) 1987 ... Plano, Tx. (16-0) 1986 ... Valoosta, Ga (15-0) 1985 ... Fast St. Louis, n 04-o, 40-o) 1984 ... Valoosta, Ga (15-0) 1983 ... Berwick, Pa (13-0) 1982 ... Cincinnati J.lvbeller (13-0) 1981 ... Warner-Robins, Ga (15-0) 1980 ... Cincinnati J.lvbeller (13-0) 1979 ... Cincinnati J.lvbeller (12-0) 1978 ... Houston Stratford, Tx (15-0) 1977 ... Cincinnati M:>eller (12-0) 1976 ... (TIE) Wcimer-Robins, Ga (13-0) ... Cincinnati Moeller (12-0) 1975 ... Los Angeles Loyola (13-0) 1973 ... Tyler John Tyler, Tx 05-0) 1972 ... Odessa Permian, Tx (14-0) 1971 ... Valoosta, Ga (13-0)

1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Massillon washington, Oh (10-0) Pasadena Blair. Ca 03-0) Austin Reagan, Tx (15-0) Coral Gables, Fl (13-0) Pico Rivera El Rancho, Ca (13-0) l\.1iami Senior, Fl (12-0) Coral Gables, Fl (12-0) Chicago St. Rita (9-0) Valoosta, Ga (12-0) :Massillon washington, Oh (11-0) lawrence, Ks (9-0, 30-0) :Massillon washington, Oh (10-0) Portland Jefferson, Q- (12-0) Little Rock Central (12-0) Abilene, Tx (14-0) San Diego, Ca (12-0) Vallejo, Ca (9-0) :Massillon washington, Oh (10-0) :Massillon washington, Oh (10-0)

National Sports News Service ''Honoring the top high school teams, coaches and players in the U.S.A. since 1927.1" P.O. Box 27564

Tempe, Arimna 85285 (602) 967-7256

1993 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL

January 15, 1994 1 ... Cleveland St. Ignatius, Ohio (14-0, 34-0) 2 ... Miami Southridge, Fl (15-0) 3 ... Rialto Eisenhower, Ca (14-0) 4 ... Concord De La Salle, Ca (13-0) 5 ... Pittsburgh North Hills, Pa (15-0) 6 ... Dunwoody, Ga (15-0) 7 ÂˇÂˇ' Bradenton Southeast, Fl (15-0) 8 ... Northern Durham, N.C. (15-0) 9 ... Pille Bluff, Ark (14-0) 10 ... Jefferson City, M:> (13-0) 11 ... Bloomington South, In (14-0) 12 ... River Ridge John Curtis, La (14-0) 13 ... Batesville South Panola, :Ms (15-0) 14 ... Chicago Heights Marian Catholic (14-0) 15 ... Fresno davis West, Ca (14-0) 16 ... Fayetteville Lincoln County, Tn (14-0) 17 ... Converse Judson, Tx (13-0-2) 18 ... lawrence, Ks (12-0) 19 ... Portsmouth Norcom, Va (14-0) 20 ... Cincinnati M>eller, Oh (13-1) NATIONAL AWARDS: COACH: John :McKissick, Summerville, S.C. (406-85-13 record, nine state titles, 23league crowns, 20 seasons with 10 or more victories, 41-garne win streak, one losing season, national record for wins). PLAYER: QB Peyton Manning, New Orleans Newman (168/264 for 2,706 yards and 39 touchdowns). GAME: develand St. Ignatius 35, lakewood St. Edwar<E 34 (30T). UPSET: DeSoto 52, Dallas Carter 27 (Texas SA playoff game before 32,000 fans in Irving). NOTES: National champions have won five Ohio state crowns in six years; beat five-time national champ Cincinnati M>eller 38-20 ... Florida SA fmals saw 19 title game recor<E set during Southridge's 69-39 win over Bradenton Manatee ... De la Salle scored 651 points and has won North Coast Section title nine times in 12 years ... Fresno Clovis West scored 647 points ...Pine Bluff has won 14 state titles since 1925 Zebra squad beat Dayton (Ohio) Stivers 61-0 in national championship game ... Jefferson City head coach Pete Adkins has won 392 games and 11 state crowns since 1959 ... lawrence recorded national record 31st unbeaten season; 26th Kansas state crown since 1945 ... Chicago's once-famed Prep Bowl drew 1,244 fans for M:>unt Carmel- Bogan clash at Soldier Field, approximately 118,000 less fans than historic 1937 contest drew ... Barry Sollenberger in Phoenix (602) 967-7256 Ron Fletcher in las Vegas (702) 894-5064

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a Score hurts worst

Talk about courage and you have to be talking about a couple of Moeller football standouts who didn't figure to be playing in Saturday's state championship game in Massillon Paul Brown Stadium. Talk about courage and you'd be focusing on two 18-year-old seniors, linebacker Troy Tuck and defensive end Wolfgang Scholz, who refused to allow serious injuries keep them on the sidelines against Cleveland St. Ignatius. Purple hearts is what these two gritty gridders deserved for ~putting on uniforms No. 41 (Tuck) and No. 44 (Scholz) and putting a broken arm and shoulder separation behind them. It was hard to believe after Tuck left the 27-7 state semifinal' victory over Hilliard at Dayton Welcome Stadium a week earlier with a cast on· his broken left arm and Scholz was carried to an ambulance on a stretcher with that painful right should~r separation. Hard to believe, yes, but there they were ,in frigid, snowy weather ready to face St. Ignatius in a battle of two unbeaten powerhouses that eventually was wo_.r1.... ~b.y the Wil.d<:;at_s_ Jmm. Cleveland, 38-20. - · ''I had to change my cast three times during the game,"-said Tuck, leading regular-reason This play typifies Moeller's struggles Saturday. Quarterback Mike Green is stopped inches short of the St. Ignatius goalline in the first quarter tackler for the Crusaders. "The fiberglas was too hard, so they used softer padding before I got in the game. "My arm was a little sore afterwards because it took three 'Wildcats took charge with 24 left arm and defensive· end By Joe Minster or four hard hits, particularly Press Contributor straight points to all but wrap up Wolfgang Scholz went all the from defensive end Mike Buzin Moeller's wounded ·warriors the decision with a 31-6 lead. way after suffering a shoulder (who is headed for Penn State)." found no solace at being ·second But the determined Crusaders, separation a week earlier in the St. Ignatius was by far the best in the state of Ohio and per- playing with three of their main- semifinal win over Hilliard. best team Moeller has faced, in haps even second best in the stays hampered by injuries, For the winning Wildcats, Tuck's opinion. "They simply Haddad picked nation. , refused to quit, ' wore us down because they're so up 141 yards in· But that's what the Crusader scoring two of big, and it was such a physical 23 .carries and football team had to settle for on the last three game," he explained. a frigid, snowy Saturday at touchdowns on _M u t r y n , Tuck, who packs 205 pounds Massillon Paul Brown Stadium great efforts by nephew of foron his solid 5-11 frame, felt that following a 38-20 lpss to a huge q u a.r t e r b a c k mer Xavier had the Crusaders scored on two Cleveland St. Ignatius team in the Mike University grid Green, drives to the Wildcat five, things Division I championship game. star Chet running back might have been different. "We've had a great season," Matt Keller and Mu'tryn, comInstead, Moeller settled for fiel.d pronounced Moeller coach Steve tight end Dave pleted 11-of-20 goals by Brian Huston to pull Klonne after his club finished Lapham. passes for 222 within a point at 7-6 befOJ;e St. yards and three with a 13-1 record that included Green, who Ignatius reeled off 24 straight its eighth Greater Catholc League completed 15-ofTDs, while havpoints. ing three intertitle in the past 12 years. 29 passes for "It's a tough way to go out, cepted. "We tried a few new things 229 yards, threw but we lost to a fihe club," noted against them, but they deserved 21 yards to Tuck, who is considering colleto win this game. because they Lapham for a Significant to giate offers from Ohio note are the didn't make a lot of mistakes and third-period tally University, Akron and Eastern facts that St. got outstanding games from their and Keller, who Kentucky. running back,_ Eric Haddad, and carried· 12 ti n1es John Swartzei/Press Contributor Ignatius gained Scholz, a six-footer who scales quarterback, Scott Mutryn. for 77 yards, ran Andy Shafer and Ron Adkins con- 414 yards , to 210, agreed with Tuck that "They scored that early touch- 20 yards· for the sole each other after the loss to St. 320 for Moeller, Moeller's inability to turn early had 18 first down (with just 2 minutes, 5 sec- TD that closed Ignatius. was a big factor drives into downs to 14 for onds goiie in the opening quar- out the scoring. · , in the defeat. . ter) and we had ·our chances, but Lapham, incidentally, caught five the Crusaders andhad just a "We had our chances," he · we simply never could catch up," passes for 104 yards and Keller three- minute po'ssession time 'said, "but we didn't take advanadvantage, 25:33 to 22:27. Klonne added. caught six for $2 yards. tage of them. I'd say St. Ignatius "St. Ignatius simply has no After a pair of field goals by Lapham ph1yed with a bruised and Centerville (beaten by the Brian Huston that closed the gap shoulder, while linebacker Troy weaknesses, and we knew that Crusaders, 31-14, in the regional to 7-6 in the second petiod, the . Tuck wore a cast on his broken going in," Klonne noted. "We semifinals) are the best teams definite] y came in as the underwe've met." dog and we played as good a Scholz, who didn't practice all team as we've met in a couple of week, lifted weights and finally . years. got the doctor's permission to "Mutryn is a fine qu~rterback suit up in the state finals. "I took and Haddad runs hard and a couple of hits .on the shoulder 'caught some big passes against in the game and it was a little us,. too." sore, that's all," he acknowlThe Wildcats, rated No. 1 , . . John SwartzeljPress Contributor ,. edged. . . nationally by USA Today, regis- . Ron Adkins puts a big hit to S~. Ignatius running back ~ric Haddad. "Sure it was a disappointment tered their 35th straight victory not beating them, but we had a over the past three campaigns, drive. Our secondary played really a mythical honor, it's great · fine season and we ga~e them a when they've won three straight . extremely well and Haddad and to be ranked as the best in the ,· good battle," Scholz reasoned. · Buckeye Division I crowns. Mutryn both did fine jobs on U.S. . , Scholz, who is deciding , "It may have been one of the whether to attend the University They've also been state champs offense. ."We knew turnovers would be first times two teams in the top of Cincinnati or Bowling Green, for five of the last six years, with Chuck Kyle serving as their head a big factor in that kind of cold, 10 met in the state champi- noted that the footing was good snowy weather, and our kids onship, since Moeller was sixth despite intermittant snow that coach. "Our defense did an outstand- kept their poise at all times in the latest ratings." blanketed the artificial turf field. "My shoulder's OK," he said, ing job," Kyle pointed out. "We against a fine Moeller team. Our ' St .. Ignatius finished with an· held Moeller to field goals on players responded all year to the unblemished 14-0 record before a "but losing in the finals is what John Swartz_ei/Press Cof\tributor two deep penetrations and kept pressure of being rated No~ 1_ in crowd of 15,400 that braved the hurts." -Moeller cheerleaders brave the wintery elei1Jlents in Massman. them from scoring on another the nation and even though it's inclement weather C()l!_di,!i<:m~.

Moeller·fails to ca_pitalize on early chances

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SPORTS

December 15, 1993

Loveland Herald Press A13

ry se son memorable ·f r By Joe Minster

Press Contributor

Steve Klonne, the man who has guided the fortunes .of Moeller's outstanding varsity football teams for the past 12 years, has added another chapter to his list of accomplishments as the Crusaders' head coach. Although the most recent chapter didn't wind up the way Klonne had hoped - with a state Division I championship -the 47-year-old coach had no complaints about the performance of his team. "It was a special group of seniors," Klonne pointed out following a 38-2Q loss to Cleveland St. Ignatius in the state finals at snowy Massillon Paul Brown Stadium Saturday. "This sq'uad had great chemistry and really played well tor:~ther all year," he added. "It seemed like a new hero stepped up for us in every game."

Klonne had big shoes to fill when he took over as head coach in 1982. Gerry Faust, head coach at Akron University, had led Moeller to five Buckeye titles in six years and 175 victories and only 17 defeats in 18 seasons as the No. 1 man~ Klonne, who actually replaced Ted Bacigalupo, has proven worthy to the task with a fine record Steve Klonne of 115-24 for the past . 12 years, including state crowns in 1982 and 1985 and runner-up honors in 1989 and 1993. "I have great memories from all of my seasons here at Moeller," Klonne stated. "Each team has been different, but it's been fun coaching a:ll of them." A 1964 graduate of St. Xavier High

School and 1969 graduate of Xavier University, where he was a business major and member of the Dean's List three years, Klonne decided early that he'd like to go into coaching. "Owen Hauck (now at Boone County High School) needed· coaches at Mt. Healthy High, when I joined him as defensive and offensive line coach· in 1969," Klonne said. After four years :at Mt. Healthy, Klcmne took over as 'assistant coach at Elder in 1973, where he served three years before becoming defensive and offensive line coach at Turpin High School for two years .· He joined Faust at Moeller in 1978 as offensive line coach, taking over the defensiveline in 1979 and linebackers in 1980 before becoming head coach in 1982, which turned out to be a memorable first campaign for Klonne. It was: in 1982-that the Crusaders,

r Crusa'

Ill

ller's Klon who have won the Greater Catholic League title eight times in the past 12 seasons, rolled through 13 games to the Ohio championship and were crowned national champions by USA Today while Klonne was honored as national high school Coach of the Year. Klonne, who teaches computer keyboarding and accounting at Moeller, has been assisted by Pat Orloff and Jim Higgins on the offensive line, with Higgins taking time off to join Faust at' Notre Dame before returning to the Crusaders. Also assisting him at Moeller have been Bob Crable, Tim Schira, Bob Tull and Tim Waechter. Steve and his wife, Mary Ann, reside in Pleasant Ridge with their daughter, Patricia, 8, and son, David Michael, 5.

The

Klonn~

Years

Season

Record Playoff result .·

1982 1983 1984 :1..985 1986 1987 1988 :1..989

:1..3-:1.. 10-1 10-1 :1..3-:1.. 7-3 7-3 9-2 1:1..-3

1990 1991 1992 :1..993

9-2 6-4 7-3 :1..3-:1..

Overall

:1..:1..5-25'

State Champs Lost 1st round Lost 1st round State Champs Did not qualify Did not qualify Lost 1st round Lost in state finals Lost 1st round Did not qualify Did not qualify Lost in state finals

an1n IIIII

Koegel remembers 1st champions as team of 'phenomenal leadership' By Mark Schmetzer

Koegel can't reach back through the almost two decades that have passed and come back with any Ask Tim Koegel what stands out among his personal individual highlights of that season. He memories of the 1975 Moeller football season recalls that going undefeated wasn't exactly a the one that ended with the Crusaders' first-ever breeze, and he mentions that Middletown game as state championship - and h~ starts rattling off the Exhibit A. names of the seniors on that squad. "That was the first year we played them, and we Guys like fullback Mike Burns, wide receiverJim didn't know what to expect," he recalled. Pierce, linebacker John Crone, defensive back John "Something got screwed up in the film exchange,· Williams, defensive tackle Jim Gross, and line- and we only ended up with one film .on them. I . backer and co-captain John Bauer- he of the 97- don't even remember if it was of a game or a scrimyard return for a touchdown that broke up a close mage. I think it was against St. Xavier. semifinal game against Findlay. "Anyway, one of their guys intercepts a pass and But, most of all, Koegel remembers senior offen- starts running the other way. We all started laughsive linemen such as Bob Cavellier, Gary Cooper, ing, because we thought it had shifted into fastRob Wirthlin and Matt Wachle. motion. It looked like one of those old-time movies "They probably weren't the most talented, but where everything's speeded up. Actually, it was_ they would do anything to keep people off your Todd Bell (who went on to play for the National back," Koegel recalls. "They were close-knit, too. Football League Chicago Bears), and he was run~ They did everything together. ning at regular speed. ' · · "In terms of guys going to Division I schools, "They had guys like Bell and Butch Carter. They that probably wasn't the !TIOSt successful group of had some reaLgood athletes. That was a hard~hit-. . seuioflL~ }vroelkr.:s. exl',L:,had,,P[ltthe:c h_gt·P~,pnme~-- ting-game• ·~- 'C'" --- -~----· ••· · ·~ . . .,.~~-~v-·',~!t naf leadership. Seriior le'adership · · . .· From the very beginning, m~ge.rha-~ team click. "We didn't have Moeller received the opening kick"We d1dn't have any real superoff,· which was short enough to be any real stars, but whenever we needed it, gathered in by one of the "wedge" somebody would step up and blockers, Mike Holtman. · make a big play. We found Ways SUperstarS, bUt "They hit him so hard, to win." · they turned his helmet sideways," The Crusaders, under head W erleVer We Koegel remembered, laughing. coach Gerry "Fuzzy" Faust and 't "He had to look out the earhole. assistants such as quarterback nee e I , He staggered to the sidelines, and . coach Phil_ Gigliotti, found enough SOmebody WOUld (head) coach (Gerry) Faust had to ways to click through a 10-0 regugrab it by the facemask and twist step up and lar season and earn a spot in the it back around. He got crunched. class AAA playoffs. ·· It was one of those hits where we Only one team from each of make a big play. all went 'Ooooooooh. "' . four regions qualified at the time, As a senior, Koegel led· . and Moeller earned the Region IV We found ways Moeller to the second· of its three consecutive st;:~te championships, win " spot for the third consecutive season. After beating Findlay, 28-16, 0 • the first Ohio team to puttogether in the semis -,--Moeller's first-ever such a streak on any level. He playoff win - the Crusaders went Tim Koegel, on Moeller's went on to play at Notre Dame · on to squeeze past Lakewood St. and then to the United States Edward, 14-12, and claim Greater first state champion team Football League .Chicago Blitz, in 1975 where he played under rhe late, Cincinnati's first-ever big-school ·title. legendary George. Allen and, after Much of the credit has to go to Koegel, the 6- Allen left, Marv Levy. foot, 4-inch, 185-pound junior quarterback. The "That was a great thrill," he said of pl"l-ying for · son of Paul and. Betty Koegel, Victor Drive, Blue Allen. "He treated you like a professional. He Ash, Koegel accounted for Moeller's first three wasn't concerned with what you did off the field, touchdowns ofthe season with passes to Pierce in a he expected you to be focused and prepared to do · 42-0 romp over Clayton Northmont. your job. In the third game of the season against "He and coach Faust were· different.·. George Middletown, he tossed two fourth-quarter touch- didn't say much. Coach Faust was a more-vocal down passes to classmate Bobby Massong to help type. After he got done talking, you had motivation · Moeller turn a 14-7 deficit into a 29-14 win. coming out of your ears. Allen m~tivated different. In Game No. 4, the Greater Cincinnati League ly. You wouldn't be ready to knock walls down, opener against La Salle, he and Massong teamed up but you would be prepared, mentally and physicalon a 59-yard pass that produced Moeller's touch, ly. You knew what you had to do." down in a 10-7 win. After leaving football, Koegel spent a few years Koegel went on to complete 84-of-151 passes for in Southern California in the securities business, what then was a school-record 1,148 yards and 12 but toward the end of the 1980s, he found that he touchdowns during the regular season. He also missed the change of seasons in the Midwest. So he threw just two interceptions. Those were on top of returned to Ohio. His experienc~ lining up speakers ·his numbers from a year earlier- 51-for-94, 916 for the Notre Dame Club of Southern Califor:nia ·yards, 12 touchdowns, four interceptions - which Koegel left him with, at the time, Moeller's records for Continued on A9 career touchdowns and yardage. Press Contributor

d d

·Generally regarded as the best quarterback in Moeller history, Tim Koeg!'ll stays in '\the through a weekly radio show on WSAI radio, \

Faust speaks ith fondness of the team that started. it all By Joe Minster Press Contributor

He was busy welcoming recruits at Akron University, but Gerry Faust's thoughts last Saturday definitely were directed to Massillon, where Moeller's Crusaders were playing Cleveland St. Ignatius for the Ohio Division I prep football title. "I couldn't be there, but I'm looking for a good game," said Faust, the man who masterminded Moeller to 172 victories, two ties and just 17 losses in 18 years from 1963 to 1980. , "Yes, I know St. Ignatius is considered the No. 1 team in· the nation and will be favored, but I also know the type of football that's played in southwest Ohio, so you can\ count Moeller out," added Faust, current Akron football coach. Faust coached no fewer than seven undefeated and untied Crusader clubs, in 1965 (10-0), 1969 (10-0), 1975 (12-0), 1976 (12-0), 1977 (12-0), 1979 (12-0) and 1980 (13-0). And six more of his teams lost just once, in 1963, the first year for football at Moeller, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1978. Like St. Ignatius, which has won five of the last six years

12-0 record. · "Then, in 1976, 'our kids expected to win and they always seemed to find a way to win because we went 12-0 for the second straight year." In that unforgettable five year stretch from 1975 through part of 1981, Moeller won an incredible 72 out of 73 games, a string interrupted by a 1978· loss to Princeton. Gifted athletes and excellent coaches have combined to make Moeller the power it was under Gerry Faust and continues to be under Steve ·Klonne, the present Crusader cciach. · "They've established a winning tradition at Moeller, where ·their young men are willing to (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992 and pay the price in the form of hard 1993), Moeller captured five out work t_o win football gaines," of six Ohio championships from Faust pointed out; How much longer does he 1975 through 1980, missing the intend to be on the coaching playoffs only in 1978. lines? "All of our Ohio titles have "As long as they'll have me,." special memories for me," Faust said, "but perhaps the most Faust said without the slightest memorable was the first one in hesitation. "I enjoy being around 1975, when we beat Lakewood young people and hope to be St. Edwards, 14-12, in the coaching for many more years. "But as long as I-'m in or finals." · around the game, I'll never forget "We were the underdogs is my many years at Moeller almost every game in 1975 and we came from behind to win High." seven different times in posting a

Lapham,· Adkins earn top awards at annual· banquet By Joe Minster Press Contributor

Dave Lapham was Moeller's Most Valuable Player•.

Members of Moeller's state runner-up football team were honored at the annual banquet at the Kings Island Inn attended by an enthusiastic crowd of about 250. Most valuable player from the team tl1at wo~ 13 in a row before losing to Cleveland St. Ignatius, 38-20, in last Saturday's Division I state finals. was tight end Dave Lapham. . · Lapham, 6cfoot, 5-inch, 205-pound son of former Bengal offensive lineman Daye Lapham, caught five passes for 104 yards against St. Ignatius, scoring a tou'chdown on a 21-yard pass from Mike Green in the third period.

"Man of Moeller" at the banquet was defensi"le b~ck Ron Adkins, who intercepted two passes, against St. Ignatius to give him nine interceptions for the season. Sharing plaudits as best defensive linemen were Brian Fitzpatrick, Tony Keller and Andy Bailey. . Best linebacker was TnJy Tuck, who led the Crusaders in tackles this season and played in Saturday's finals with a cast on his broken left arm. Best defensive backs were Chris Brisben and Ron Adkins, while Brad Scheffer earned recognition as best offensive line.. man. Best offensive backs were. Brian Balsly · and Matt K~ller, with Keller. scoring 114

points on 19 touchdowns while gaining 921 yards fat a 5.5-yard average and Balsly tallying 72 points on 11 TDs and gaining 861 yards for a 6.1-yard average. Rounding out the senior honorees was placekicker-punter Brian Huston, who captured the Zafers Award for kicking and also was selected "Mr. Clutch" on the team after scoring 98 kick points. "It was an outstanding banquet," said Klonne, who officiated at the ceremonies along with athletic director Barry Borman. ·

Year in review Moeller 44 Moeller . 44 Moeller 24 Moeller 27 Moeller 27 Moeller 35 Moeller . 34 · Moeller 38 Moeller 49 Moeller 20 Moeller 31 Moeller 18 · Moeller 27' · St. Ignatius 38

Highlands Cleve. East Cov. Cath. Carroll St. Xavier Whitmer La Salle Purcell Elder Princeton Centerville Princeton Hilliard Moeller

22 8 7 12 17 7 13 7 13 7 14 15 7 20

A14

SPORTS

Northeast Suburban Life Press

December 15, 1993

Gymnasts vault into action Wrestling teams grappling Another ·returnee is· sophomore Sarah Edwards, while junior Robin Vilter,. who missed · last year after ankle surgery, also is back. Among the promising newcomers to the squad is Rhia Davis, a freshman who has been competing· for Hyde Park Gymnastics, along with Miriam Cicsar, ·a foreign exchange student from Spain who is getting her first experience of gymnastics. Other freshmen are Catherine Harrison, Kate Olson, Meg Robinson and Megan Bitsoff.

By Joe Minster Press Contributor

Despite the loss of several standout members of his gymnasCOUNTRY DAY tics team, Sycamore coach Ed· Schwegler has reason for optiStrong senior l_eadership mism this season. · should carry his Cincinnati Junior Elizabeth McElwee and Country Day gymnastics team to sophomore Carli Smith came a good season. through with fine performances That's how Steve Connor, in in last Friday's Miami his fourth year as head coach of Imvita:tional that could spell· the squad, sees it. another good year for Tri-captains of CCD are Schwegler's squad. seniors Julie Tumolo and Kia Despite the graduation of Williams, along with sophomore Stephanie Blasberg, Jamie Kelsch, Jessica Leung, who was most Courtenay James, Megan Keller valuable freshman last year in and Heather Braid, the Lad{ all-around competition. Aves are off to a good start in finishing second to Centerville by seven-tenths of a point, 121.45to-120 . 75, in the role of defending champions at the Miami Reg. Invitational. · _ •. · . · $299.95 I "I'm really pleased W:Ith our 1· showing," Schwegler said after Presidential aant 8rYIC8 I ~cElwee won _the parallel ba!s Provides excellant surface preparation and a refinish I with 8.0 and fimshed second m mafterlal that extends the life of that high quality look. I all-ar~un? wit_h 32.3. . . . I NotvalldwltllanyotherdlscauntOFFEREXPIRESl2.a1•93 Smith s thtrd-place fmtsh m

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with .inexperienced mat men By Joe Minster Press Contributor

V' COUNTRY

DAY

Three returning senior lettermen will bolster Cincinnati Country Day's wrestling team. Will Bramlage, a district qualifier in 1992, will compete at -152 pounds, Brad Nixon at 145 and Dave Winkler at 119 for coach John Evans, in his seventh season as head coach of the Indians. Three juniors who have been playing football and haven't wrestled in two years, Marty Cheng, Rodney Cheng and Adam Roberts, along with · Sid :Rathol, who has been running cross country and participating in cre>v, will give Evans' squad · added depth. Marty Cheng will be a heavyweight, Rodney Cheng a 171-pounder, Roberts a 189-pounder and Rathol a 140-pounder. Rounding Evans' 10-man squad will be sophomores Ryan Weinberg at 135 pounds and John Olson at 152, alvng with freshman Adam Snead at 112. "We urge any interested students to try out for the team," said Evans, who is looking for grapplers at 103, 125, 130 and 160 pounds. "We wrestle largely a tournament schedule," said Evans, who teaches at St. Joseph's Grade School in northern Kentucky and makes his_. home in Milford. First match of the season was the Lockland Invitation Friday and Saturday, with another highlight of the schedule being the Country Day Invitatoional Jan. 28-29. "We'll also compete .in the King of the Hill matches Feb. 5 with Indian Hill, Madeira and Mariemont," Evans said. _Madeira has won this title the past two years.

juniors Jason Zielinski, Gabe Tincher, Randy Adkins, Jim Sprinkle, Mike Schenck and Steve Schreiber. Scholz, who suffered a shoulder separation in the state semifinals, will be out indefinitely. "When we get our full quota, we should be tough," Gaier said. Besides Scholz, Lyons, Hartman and Bob Feldman, who are captains of the mat squad, other seniors are Naish, Gruber, Pat Jackson, John McPhillips, Nate Stroup, Jim Hauser, Phil Tackett, Kevin Sprague and Bill Kramer.· Junior lettermen are Pat Feldman, Jason Zielinski, Jeff Bianchini, Tincher, Adkins, Sprinkle, Schenk and Schreiber, while sophomores are Mark Williams, Justin Brashear, Nick Hartman and Tim Arthur. Freshman matmen are Andy Hueber and Mark Zielinski. Top records last season were Lyons' 22-15, Bob Feldman's '21-11, Scholz's 20-6, Pat Feldman's 19-13, McPhillips' 16-12, D.J. Hartman's 15-12 and Mark Williams' 10-2.

Although he lost five athletes to graduation, veteran Sycamore wrestling coach Gary Listermann has seven lettermen, five of them seniors, returning this season. "This will be a rebuilding team year for us," said Listermann, embarking on his 24th season as Aviator mat coach. Gone are Adam Cohen, to Arizona University; Randy Rust, to Ohio U.; Chad Taylor, to University of Cincinnati; Woody Kirkwood, to Ohio State, and Nate Shapiro. Returning seniors are Brandon Collier at 135 pounds, heavyweight Brook Miller, Jimmy Weeks at 152 (sidelined with .a broken leg); David Ebbesmeyer at 160, and Mason Livington, who will wrestle at 171 or 18 9. Collier had a .19-10 record last year, while Miller was 23-9, Weeks 17-11 and Ebbesmeyer Two-time state champion Tom Zinkan is 14-13. gone, but Moeller's senior-dominated wrestling Junior returnees are Greg Gies at 145 pounds team could he headed for another fine season. and Scott Levinson at 112. Bidding for spots are "We lost. some fine, wrestlers to graduation, Anthony Williams at 103 and Jeremy Ostrow at including Zinkan, Guy Olinger, Brian Reichert, 130. Ralph Tincher and Matt Herring," pointed out "We're looking for wrestlers in the lower Jeff Gaier, in his ninth year as Crusader mat weight classes," said Listermann, whose team coach. was ninth in the city with a 7-4 dual meet record Zinkan, who won the state title twice and was last season and won both the Sycamore runner-up once, is attending Cuyahoga Junior Invitational and Roger Bacon team event while ·Coliege, near Cleveland, while Olinger has finishing seventh in the St. Xavier Invitational received a football scholarship to West Virginia and lOth in the Coaches Classic. Tech, Reichert is enrolled at Wittenberg, Tincher The Aviators face a tough schedule that .at Hanover and Herring at the University of includes St. Xavier, Oak Hills, Moeller; · Cincinnati. Princeton, Glen Este and La Salle. _· . · . Seniors Wolfgang ssholz, Billy.LyOJ_1S, P~J:.. ,· ,,.~'~e~Ye~gqt.e.r!o4tSJa!:;4i..I1gJ;.~~l!_Illan,g~:o~l!.P,~'c · 'Rartman, Bill Naish and Rob Gniber all" are · Listermimn said, "and three of four, of them · members of the Moeller football ~earn, as are could end up as varsity starters."

VINYL REPLACEMENT

WINDOWS

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F0 R H 0 LI D A Y

Cincinn_ at_i Bell ~ Telephone® Z I P C 0 D E S.

ANDY MOEHRING McNicholas Sr., Wide receiver Caught 32 passes ·for 429 yards and a 13.9-yard average despite breaking , two fingers early in the · year. Was an . , all-Southwest district pick.

PIATT

RICK:

ANDY

•,

BIEME~SCI-IE

Fairfield Sr., Lineman A three-year starter, he moves his 6-3, 265-pound ,frame very well along the :line. Also used as a tight iend. Was all-Ohio ·first-team selection.

·Moeller SCHEIDERI:~ Sr., Lineman . Princet"n ·1 One of the best pass Sr., Lineman · , . blockers in the city, he His tremendous work . earned a spot on the ethic inspired the, other Viking players. A,two-year all-Ohio team. Has good starter, he earned all-Ohio size at 6-3 and 250 while status. Has excellent run being quick on his feet · and moving his man out and pass blocking on the run. techniques.

Anderson Sr., Lineman A two-year starter, he earned all-Queen City Conference honors on . both sides of the ball. At 6-5 and 258, he is a good blocker with deceptive speed and agility.

Oak Hills · Sr., Lineman A combination of power and speed landed this 6-5 265-pound giant on the all-Ohio second team. Colleges liked his natural hip snap and striking ability. He has committed to Ball State. '

JOE SCHMiifT

QB: RB: RB: WR: WR: WR:

Chas Hall Jake Andreadis Matt Keller Reggie Mills Princeton Fred Montgomery Mt. Healthy Harrison John Cloe

OL: OL: OL: OL: OL: K:

BRIAN HUSTON Moeller Sr., Kicker· Booted 17 field goals and 50 extra points to finish for 101 total. Has a deep range and powerful leg: · Tied a school record with 49-yard field, and had 71 consecutive extra points in his career.

Paul Nichols Dan Williams Steve Adams Brad Johnson Chris Turner Dan Fricke

Lakota St. Xavier Anderson Fairfield Fairfield St. Xavier

· Honorable mention offense Qua~~ack: Justin Johnson, Talawanda; Mike

Gr~~n:-Moeller: Mike Hensley, Northwest Brian

Cannon, Mt. Healthy; Craig Rieck, Glen Este; Jeremy Teall, Princeton; Mark Stewart, Oak Hills; Marty Pfiester, LaSalle. Running backs: Tim Rayborn, Milford; Brian Samuels, Lakota; Kevin Ritter, St. Xavier; Lamont Smith, Lakota: Montrez Ingram, Western Hllls1 Mike · SCott•. Middletown; Brian Balsly, Moeller; Clifford Mathews, Princeton; Ronnie Alexander, Colerain; Jeff Bechtol, Elder. Recelv~.~David ~ol'1es, Alkeni:_~I.J. H?l~~rt.

Harrison: Barron Pringle, Middletown; Steve Pruitt, Oak Hills; Brad Jones, Talawanda; Chad Sandusky, Taylor. Nick Reilly, St. Xavier; Matt Bechtol, Amelia; Scott Paulinelli, LaSalle.

Talawanda Sr., Lineman · A three-year starter, this. big 6-5 285-pound.senior used his size and speed to move out blockers. His team averaged 375 yards per game this season. . Can pass block with the best of them. ·· ··

TIM ,.,. .... ,...u..,

TONY GEORGE

SUMPTER/. Colerain Winton Woods · Western Hills Sr., Punter Sr., Defensive back . Sr., Defensive back Punted just 20 times all A three-year star:ter, he has had 17 interceptions Recorded 8 interceptions. ,season, but still had a Had 16 in his career, one 40.2-yard average. Was in two years and also shy of the school (E!Cord. aii-MCC in soccer and . knecked down nine A three-year starter, he football while booting passes. A Parade was an all-Ohio second seven field goals and 37 magazine all-American nomination, he was the . team selection. Has great extra points for 58 points. city low·h~rdle champion. quickness and leaping abilities. ·

DL DL: DL: DL: LB: LB:

Tony Keller Chris Heywood Doug Heimkreiter Todd Bonds Dan Hounchell Chad Abel

Anderson Harrison Western Hills Moeller Anderson

Adam DiPuccio Gary Crowley Lemar Marshall Fred Rogers Mario Strayhorn Tate Bailey

La Sa!! a Princeton St. Xavier Hamilton Princeton Oak Hills

Honorable mention defense

· · Defensive backs: Hasheem Rasheed, Linebackers: Antwan Moore, Woodward; Todd Woodward; Charles Jackson, Woodward; lan Richter, Glen Este: Mike Brotherton, Harrison: Mike Willman, Harrison: Jamar Riley, Winton Woods: Mike Napier, Winton Woods; Jarvis Johnson, Western' Hills; Theron Washington, Withrow; Gary Croley, Gusich, St. Xavier;. Brandon Lemmons, Colerain; Patrick Leslie, Withrow; Jamie Harrison, Middletown; Princeton; Daryl Mullins, Hamilton; Jrm Weeks, Offensive linemen: Kevin Hospelhorn, Amelia; Ron Adkins, Moeller; Zak Kempel, Elder. Mike Waller, Winton Woods; Kevin Hansell, Harrison: Sycamore. Punters/Kickers: Chay Comfort, Princeton; Andy Steve Putt, Winton Woods; Greg Utile, Colerain; Paul Detensl'(e linemen: Nate Sndw, Woodward; Stamp, Lakota; Jason Money, Fairfield; Luke Collins, Mt. Healthy: Bill Lapthom, Colerain: Kurry Jason Dunn, Winton Woods• LouisiArnold II, Withrow: Hamilton, Western Hills: Cory Kaeser, Harrison; Brent Commins, Mt.,Healthy; Aaron Simms, Oak Hills; David Debron Bonds, Withrow; Ron Griswold. Princeton: Ti Rosser, Anderson; Bob Schlachter, Eldei'; Sean Kremer, Colerain; Chris Turner, Fairfield; Craig Reed, Juan Lumpkin, Fairfield; Rob Morgan, Elder; Josh Evans, Winton Woods; Charlie Gourley, Western Hills. jljlc•::::m:::.ilto:::.n::.:lM::::a:.:tt:.:B::::au::e:.;.r·::::EI:::de:::r·~-'-'-''~-"""---~P-eyt_o_n_,S_t_X_av.ler..~---- ··--~--- _ - - ·

PHI~Lj;'Ni~

JOHN LAFFERTY Franklin Sr., Lineman · He moves 250 bales of . hay before some games to get the blood pumping. Dedicated in the weight room, he broke a leg last se.a"son and plays with a 10-inch rod in it for support. ·

,, ~t 6-5 and 252 pounds, he ; IS a great downfield· ' blocker. Plays basketball • and has very good speed . and quickness. Picked to · the all-Ohio team.

---"---"----

Kings Sr., Kicker Booted four field goals and connected on 23 point-after attempts.this season. Averaged 35.1 yards a punt for Kings and was all-Ohio honorable mention.

c_ _ _,_,_ _ - - ' - - - · - - · - - · -

National Sports News Service Honoring the top high school teams, coaches and players in the U.S.A. since 1927.1 11

P.O. Box 27564

Tempe. Arimna

1993

85285 (602) 967-7256

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL

NATIONAL AWARDS: COACH: John ll.1cKissick, Summerville, S.C. (406-85-13 record, nine state titles, 23league crowns, 20 seasons with 10 or more victories, 41-game win streak, one losing season, national record for wins). PLAYER: QB Peyton Manning, New Orleans Newman (168/264 for 2,706 yards and 39 touchdowns). GAME: develand St. Ignatius 35, Lakewood St. Edwards 34 (301). · UPSET: DeSoto 52, Dallas Carter 27 (Texas SA playoff game before 32,000 fans in Irving). NOTES: National champions have won five Ohio state crotvns in six years; beat five-time national champ Cincinnati Ivfoeller 38-20 ... Florida SA ftnals saw 19 title ga'me !'eGPnE set during Southridge's 69-39 win over Bradenton Manatee ... De La Salle scored 651 points and has w:on North Coast Section title nine times in 12 years ... Fresno dovis West scored 647 points .. .Pine Bluff has won 14 state titles since 1925 Zebra squad beat Dayton (Ohio) Stivers 61-0 in national championship game ... Jefferson City head coach Pete Adkins has won 392 games and 11 state crowns since 1959 ... Lawrence recorded national reeord 31st unbeaten season; 26th Kansas state crown since 1945 ... Chicago's once-famed Prep Bowl drew 1,244 fans for rvbunt Carmel- Bogan clash at Soldier Field, approximately 118,000 less fans than historic 1937 contest drew ...

Bany Sollenberger in Phoenix (602) 967-7256 Ron Fletcher in Las Vegas (702) 894-5064

-more-

Division I All-Ohio high school football team COLUMBUS - The 1993 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio high school football ~ ~ .!- · recommendi1tions of a state panel of sports writers and broadcasters:

E E E E L L L L L L QB RB RB RB RB K I< ~

; .

Dee Miller Brock Kreitzburg D'Metrius Wilson Fred Saylor Tom Erb MARK PIATT Eric Gohlstin Orlando Pace RICK SCHEIDERER ANDY BIEMESHE Chris Wallace Peee Pearson Eric Haddad Matt Buirley Charles Woodsori Chris Ferencik BRIAN HUSTON

·''. .

Seringfield South Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit Huber Hts. Wayne Massillon Per!:Y Hilliard FAIRFIELD Cleve. St. Ignatius Sandusky PRINCETON MOELLER seringfield South Euclid Cleve. St. Ignatius Mt. Vernon Fremont Ross Stron9sville MOELLER

HGT. PLAYER SCHOOL 6-4 Mike Buzin Cle. St. 19natius RYAN MURPHY La SALLE 6-4 Marvin Majors Elyria 6-3 Calvin Brown E. Cleve. Shaw 6-4 6-0 B.J. Payne Massillon Wash. 6-3 Chad Brightman Centerville ' 5-10 Ahmad Ash Warren Hardin9 6-0 Doug West Lima Senior 6-1 Tol. St. Francis Kent Raley 6-2 Wally Hurdley Youn9. Austintown Finch 6-2 Canton McKinley Che B!:Yant JOHN BAKER .. PRINCETON 5-10 Sean Madison. Columbus West 5-8 Tcdd Goebbel 6-3 Delaware Hayes Dwa;tne Harris Columbus South 5-10 Mansfield Sr. Chioke Bradie~ 6-0 Justin Henderson Lima Senior. 6-3 Offensive players of the ye~~r. Chris Wallace, Dee Miller, Springfield South. Defensive player of the yes.~ ~-~ike Buzin, Cleve. St. Ignatius. Coach of the year: John Sines. Hilliard.

~----

WGT. 205 175 178 245 275 265 315 320 301 245 195 175 207 200 185 170 165

CLASS Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. SR. Sr. Sr. SR. SR. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. SR.

WGT. 243 215 282 280 245 200 170 235 210 220 190 165 165 200 182 190 190

CLASS Sr. SR. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. SR. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

POS DL DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB DB DB

HGT. 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-8 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-9 6-2

_ _ ·-..::SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

-····-~---

POS E E E L L L L L QB QB QB QB RB RB RB RB K K

....,.

PLAYER Jason Hugh~~ Shannon BroNn Travis Taley_ Brad Gunlock Brian Laux Trevor Pais~ Brooks Burris John Hubbard Steve Baird Scott M ut!:Yn Bobby Adams Todd Riddle KEVIN KIDD PAT PENNINGTON Jeremy Adkins Da!:YI Ro:ta' DAN FRICKE Brian Houston

SCHOOL U~eer Arlington Chillicothe Lancaster Centerville Lakewood St. Edward Massillon Wash. Logan Mt. Vernon Hilliard Cle. St. Ignatius Lakewood St. Edwards Cyhga Fils Wish Jsuit COLERAIN FAIRFIELD Centerville Grove~ort-Madison

ST. XAVIER Moeller

___ _ HGT. 6-6 5-9 5-9 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-8 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-4

WGT. 250 155 155 200 246 275 275 244 190 200 185 195 207 205 215 200 160 165

CLASS Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. SR. SR. Sr. Sr. SR. Sr.

Moellerwa But '93 lacks big names BY CAREY HOFFMAN Enquirer Contributor

/tl)/'!.J

im Koegel. Bob Crable. Tony Hunter. Mark Brooks. Doug Williams. Mike Larkin. Steve Niehaus. Hiawatha Francisco. The Golden Era of Moeller football- 1973 through the early 1980s - was punctuated by Gerry Faust coaching big-time players who produced big-time success. For opponents, there was a 'Moeller mystique'. This year, the success has returned, minus the 0 superstar presence. That's made 1993 all the more ¥ sweet for Moeller coachSteve Klonne. Despite a l senior class that features only one Jt major-college prospectplacekicker Brian Huston- and despite coming off consecutive 6-4 and

'' N

matter what ha:pmens the rest of the Way .t 's de'initely been one of the niCeSt yearS I1've had z·n Coaching. " .~~::::~~~·forged -

Steve Klomie, who has a new brand of been coaching success this year. Moeller since 1982 "Coaching this team has been a real pleasure. No matter what happens the rest of the way it's definitely been one of the nicest years IMC!8II1er I've had in coaching," said Klonne, who has players who has stepped up this year for the 10-0 Crusaders. coached Moeller since 1982. "It's something I ' l l m . . . . always remember." }• Moeller is 10-0, the city champion, and a top . contender for the state championship heading into . • Saturday's 1 p.m. playoff game with Centerville at ' The Ciocinnati Enquirer UC's Nippert Stadium. But does it resemble the Moeller's Crusaders, one of two undefeated Cincinnati old Moeller? area teams, were the unanimous choice as The EnquirIn some ways it does. er's 1993 city football champions. "One thing that makes it a little different is thatThe city· championship is Moeller's fourth during the they have no superstar on either side of the ball, last 10 years and 16th in the 31-year history of the Ptts but their chemistry this year is very program. ' 1. Moeller (15) .... 150 well-balanced," said Princeton coach Pat Mancuso, 2. Princeton: ....... 135 Coach Steve Klonne's Crusaders, ranked No. 2 in the whose team lost to Moeller 20-7last week in a 3. St. Xavier ....... 116 preseason poll, took over the top spot from Princeton battle for the city title. "But they're also more 4. Elder ................ 87 after the second week and clinched the city title with a business-Iik~; it seems. They are very methodical, 5. Fairfield ............ 69 victory over" tne ViKings last Friday. just likE1 the old teams. They go about doing well 6. Colerain ............. 67 Princeton, No. 1 in preseason, slipped to No. 2 . .what they have to do well." 7. Anderson .......... 60 St. Xavier, the defending city champion, finished with . 8. CAPE ................ 45 Moeller has succeeded behind a 45-man senior four consec11tive victories over tough opponents to take 9. Goshen .............. 19 class, the largest in the school's history. Every over third while Elder finished fourth, closely followed by 10. Lockland ............. 13 week, Klonne says, someone different has stepped Others: Western Hilfs 12, Ross 15, Fairfield. forward and made the necessary plays, and no one Wyoming 10, Roger Bacon, lima 5, Lakot~~o PureeD Marian 4, l.a SaDe J, Lockland, Cincinnati's other undefeated squad and a has worried about who has gotten the credit. Norwood, Harrison, Badin 2, l.tmon Division V school, finished lOth, while CAPE (Division Monroe 1. That approach has made an impression upon IV) and' Goshen (Division Ill) also earned spots, finishing (Please see MOELLER, Page D4) eight aad ninth.

g M oe.

FINAL POLL.

N0 . I

Injuries cloud Moeller optimism By Terry Jenkins Post contributor

/ L

All-state kicker Brian Huston also had a good day, connec~ing on field goals of 19 and 36 yards, giving him a school-record 15 field goals for the season. Moeller and St. Ignatius have combined for 11 big-school cha~pionships in the previous 21 years of the tournament.

I/ '{_3

Moeller coach Steve Klonne lias mixed emotions about his team's climb to the Division I state championship game againstthe nation's No. 1-ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius. · On one hand, Klonne is obviously happy to have his team back in the state championship game for the first time in four years .. The 1 p.m. kickoff SatSteve urday at MassilKionne 1o n' s P au l Brown Stadium will open a rematch of the 1989 titl~ game, when the Crusaders lost to· St. Ignatius, 34-28, at Ohio State University. · But major injuries to linebacker Troy Tuck and defensive end Wolfgang Scholz in Saturday's 27-7 semifinal victory over Hilliard create severe concerns for Klonne's hopes against a powerful St. Ignatius offensive team. "It was a great win for our kids, but at a big price," Klonne said. "Troy and Wolfgang will definitely not play next week, and our other inside linebacker, Dan Hounchell, also suffered a slight shoulder separation. We will be short-handed, but we have some very good players on our defensive unit who will have

SITE SWITCHED - Saturday's Division I chaxppionship game has been switched to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon because heavy rains caused a deterioration in the grass field at Canton's Fawcett Stadium. to step in and do the job." St. Ignatius reached the championship game for the third consecutive season .with a 34-0 victory over Stow Walsh Jesuit. St. Ignatius will be going for its third straight championship with a 13-0 record and a 41-game winning streak. The Wildcats feature first team, all-state running back Eric Haddad, who scored five touchdowns and rushed for 132 yards in the Stow Walsh Jesuit game. Haddad will run behind a huge offensive line led by 6foot-5, 315-pound all-state selection Eric Gohlstin. St. Ignatius' Scott Mutryn (6-4, 200 pounds), a second team all-state pick, could be the best quarterback the Crusaders have ever faced, say Moeller coaches. "I think St. Ignatius is even better than their last two

teams," Klonne said. "They don't have as many top Division I players this season, but neither do we. That's not an indication of how strong they are. They are so powerful and dominating. They are an impressive team from the films we've seen." Moeller reached the championship game by containing Hilliard do-it-all quarterback Steve Baird, who entered the game having rushed for 1,300 yards and passed for 1,400 yards. Moeller's defense did not allow Baird to break loose all afternoon. Offensively, quarterback Mike Green was able to solve an aggressive, blitzing Hilliard defense to complete 5 of 6 passes for 109 yards. All five passes proved to be key completions, his last completion sealing the victory when he hooked up with running back Matt Keller for a 3-yard scoring toss.

DIVISION II - St. Marys Memorial beat Uniontown Lake, 21-0, for the Roughriders' second consecutive Division II state championship. Quarterback Tony Hirschfeld made the most of five passes, completing three for 78 yards, including two· for touchdowns to Luke Kleinhenz. The title was the third in four years for the Roughriders {13-0). DIVISION IV- Drew Stall scored two touchdowns and blocked a punt for a safety as Versailles (12-1) captured its second Division IV state championship in the last four years with a 16-6 victory over Huron. HIUIARD MOEUER

0 1 0 0- 1 32130-27

M-Huston 19 field goal M-Edwards 18 run (Huston klck) M-G<een 1 run (Huston kick) H-Madden 44 run (Glean klck) M-Kel~ 3 from Gleen (Huston klck)

jtss ~~'t:ciS: M~~: ~-Hilliard 11·2

Nipper~

revives playoff tradition· .. '

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By Bob Queenan Post staff r!'porter

The Ohio high school football playoffs return today to University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium for the first time in four years. Moeller (10-0), the area's top Division I ,team in The Post's poll, will be taking the first step toward an eighth state title when the Crusaders meet Centerville (10-0) at 1 p.m. Princeton (9-1 and ranked second), will take the first step toward a fourth big-school title when the Vikings p_lay St. Xavier (7-3) at 7 p.m. St. Xavier, making its second consecutive playoff appearance and fifth overall, never has -won a state football crown.

age," said Klonne. Klonne said his team is strong in all three phases of the game, offense, defense and kicking. "Our take-away, give-away ratio is plus-11, and that shows we not only take care of the ball, we cause other people to make mistakes," he said.

. Please see PLAYOFFS,

School officials estimate crowds for each game today will be about 15,000. Because of renovations; Nippert Stadium was not available· for playoff games the last four years, said Fred Dafler, assistant commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The stadium now seats 35,000. Two of the largest crowds in state play!)ff history were at Nippert Stadium. Dafler said the 27,000 spectators at the 1980 Princeton-Moeller game at Nippert Stadium was the second largest crowd in playoff history. He said the 1982 Moeller-Massillon championship game in Ohio Stadium in Columbus is tops at 31,412. "But that was a Sunday doubleheader," said Dafler. "The 1980 Moeller-Massillon championship game crowd at Nippert Stadium was 22,692, and ranks among the top four or five." Dafler said the second round of the playoffs likely would re-

Princeton coach Pat Mancuso said the playoffs almost have become a tradition at his school, making its 12th trip to the tournament. "From the end of one regular season to the other, all our kids talk about are the playoffs," Mancuso said. "I think it's great for this city to be playing here rather than out of town." Moeller's place-kicker Brian Huston is a major offensive threat for the Crusaders, a school that has been in 14 state playoffs.

St. Xavier coach Steve Rasso, whose team is in its fifth state playoff, is happy to be at Nippert Stadium for two reasons.

turn to Nippert Stadium the weekend of Nov. 20-21, but there would have to be adjustments to the starting time because UC plays East Carolina at 1 p.m. that day. Moeller coach Steve Klonne's

"Five games ago, we thought we were out of it," he said. "This will be especially nice because I haven't been in Nippert since 1959 when I played running back and defensive back for the (UC) Bearcats."

school has been in 14 state playoffs, but has not been to the playoffs for two years. "Centerville's offensive line techniques are exceptional and their offense has produced a dynamite 48 points a game aver-

Playoffs·· From Page 10

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back Andre Collins that proved to be the game-winning score for the Crusaders with 8:52 left in the third quarter. Unlike their first meeting with the Vikings when the Cru· saders repeatedly ran outside, this time Moeller controlled the line of scrimmage in the first half and ran between the tackles with great success. Princeton, however, was the first to score when senior Gary Croley picked off a Mike Green pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Green returned it 67 yards for a score with 10:03 to play in the first quarter. The Crusaders ·stormed back to cut the lead to 7-6 when they marched 84 yards i.tl 12 plays, 11 of which were rushing plays, to score on a 2-yard run by Balsly. The Moeller defense put its offense in position to take the lead when senior defensive end Andy Bailey caused Vikings quarterback Jeremy Teall to fumble on an option attempt from the Moeller 29-yard line. After Bailey caused the fumble, he pounced on it at the 19. Four plays later, Matt Keller found the end zone on a sweep from 8 yards out. The two-point conversion failed, keeping the score 12-7. That's where it stayed until Collins' interception return in the third quarter. Princeton's defense came up with its second big play of the night with 38 seconds left in the third quarter. Chris Gillam returned adeflected pass, intended

for Keller, 41 yards for a score. Teall then hit wide receiver Reggie Mills with the two-point conversion to make the score 18-15. Early in the fourth quarter, Moeller's Ron Adkins snagged an interception, his third in the two games with the Vikings. Moeller attempted a field goal after Green's subsequent thirddown completion of 32 yards to Nick Hodge, but the apparent field goal of 40 yards by Huston was ruled wide by an indecisive official. That gave the Vikings one last chance with 3:45 to play. Starting at their own 20-yard line, the Vikings picked up two first downs before Moeller's defense came up big at the Crusaders' 43. The Vikings faced a fourthand-one situation when they sent running back Darrell Deck into the line, but Moeller linebacker Troy Tuck read the play and stopped Deck just short of the first -down. . · "Our, defense controlled the game," Klonne said.. "I wasn't worried that they would score on us, because we were playing so well. Our defense has been good all season, but in the last four weeks they have been exceptionJohn Swartzei/Press Contributor al." Turnovers and tough defense were the keys to Moeller's playoff victory over Princeton. Andy Bailey forces PRINCETON r o o- 15 Princeton quarterback Andy Bailey to fumble and then falls on the loose ball. The Crusaders defeated the Vikings

MOELLER

18-15 to advance to the Division I state semifinals Dec. 4 in Dayton.

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P-Croley 67 interception return (Comfort kick) M-Balsly 2 run (Kick failed) M-Keller 8 run (Run failed) M-Collins 48 interception return (Pass failed) P-Gillam 41 interception return (Mills pass from Teall) RECORDS: Moeller 12-0. Princeton 10-2

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"f:he Cincinnati Enquir-er/Steve Rosenberg

Moeller defenders Jermaine Monk (40), Andy Shafer (48) and Drew M~:.~e'ller (right) celebrate after . stopping Princeton on a fourth-down play late in the game that preserved the Crusaders' victory.

Vikings: Too little, too late Ill> The Vikings were 0-for-4 on third-down conversions. The situation was just as bad . when Princeton was on defense. BY ~AY SC~AEFER ) /-}. The Moeller front of Gabe TinchEnquirer contnbutor er, Andy Beimesche, Scot GoodPrinceton's playoff run came up · hart, Brad Scheffer and Jim McCabe spent as much time in six inches and 40 seconds short. A dive play by tailback Darrell Princeton's secondary as the line· Dec'k came up short, and Moeller backers and defensive backs. Cru· held on for an 18-15 nailbiter Sat-. sader running backs Mike Keller and Derrick Edwards combined for urday at Nippert Stadium. · Vikings coach Pat Mancuso said 133 yards. he didn't have many options beMoeller averaged 5.6 'yards per sides giving the ball to Deck. "We carry in the first half, while Princeran out of timeouts. We couldn't do ton managed only 1.7 per rush. For the game, Princeton mananything else." Princeton's offense was simply aged just 104 yards while giving up non-existent in the first half: · 211. Ill> Except for Gary Croley's 68"You just try to execute better yard interception return with and play belter and do the things 10:03 left in the first quarter, the you were practicing on for two . Vikings moved the ball no farther weeks and hoping to get done," than their own 37. Mancuso said. to In five possessions, only once "Basically, they jwst came out, did Princeton run more than four they blocked, they did pretty plays in a series. good," said defensive end Jermaine Ill> Moeller defensive end Andy Broach. "They just ran up, played Bailey recovered a fumble when how they had to play." Deck fumbled a pitch from quarterThings didn't improve much t6 back jeremy Teall. start the third quarter, as Moeller ~Princeton had only 24 yards defensive back Andre Collins total offense, with 17 of that on the picked off a· Teall pass and reground. turned it 48 yards for a TD to give

First-half problems too much to overcome

/-"JJ

the Crusaders an 18-7 lead. From then on, Princeton's defense shut down Moeller for the rest of the game. Keller and Edwards gained only 24 more yards in the second half. Mancuso said the Vikings relied on their defense all year for most of their scoring, and a defensive play resulted in their last TD. A pass from Mike Green to Keller bounced into the arms of Chris Gillam, who took the interception 41 yards for a score. A Teall-to-Reggie Mills conversion made the score 18-15. After the game, Mancuso said Moeller is the team to beat. "They might win it all," he said. EXPENSIVE WIN: Moeller's win 'Nill be an expensive one. Two rows of seats in the Moeller cheering section behind the Crusader bench caved in from Moeller fans stomping on them. John Hamel, assistant sports information director at the University ·Of Cincinnati, said Moeller will be charged for repairs. "Obviously the damage happened in the Moeller cheering section," he· said. "I've never seen stands damaged in a football game." The cost is undetermined.

Moeller stops Princeton again, 18-15 .

Crusaders advance to state semifinals BY DAVE SCHUTTE, u.J Enquirer contributor

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Andre Collins and Troy Tuck, the unsung players on the Moeller defense, refused to take the credit. "We're a tough unit and every player does his part," Tuck, the Crusaders' leading tackler for the Crusaders, said. "There's no stars and that's the way we want,it." It was Tuck and Collins who delivered the knockout punches as Moeller pinned an 18-15 setback on the Princeton Vikings in the Division I r~gional championship game at UC's Nippert Stadium. The victory was Moeller's

300th, dating back to 1963, when the school. played its first varsity game and advances the Crusaders to the state semifinals on Dec. 4 at Dayton's Welcome Stadium. Tuck's key tackle of Viking running back Darrell Deck - on fourth down, less than a yard to go from the Crusader 42, with less than two minutes remaining preserved the Crusaders' victory. "Their quarterback changed plays at the line," Tuck said. "I saw the opening and jumped in to fill the gap and made a good hit." Collins came up with what proved to be the winning touchdown, intercepting a Princeton pass and returning it 48 yards with 8:52 remaining in the third period for an 18-7 Crusader advantage. The Vikings made it interesting ,Âˇ

when Chris Gillam intercepted a pass off the arms of receiver Matt Keller and returned it 41 yards for the score. The TD interception, the second of the game for Princeton, cut the deficit to 18-15 with 38 seconds remaining in the third period. "The defense played super, but we had a lot of trouble offensively," Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. Eliminating mistakes and suecessfully running the ball were the two keys that Princeton coach Pat' Mancuso felt the Vikings had to accomplish to beat Moeller. The Vikings did neither against a Crusader defense that was . in total control.' Princeton was held to 65 yards rushing and 39 passing, eight fewer yards than in the first

meeting two weeks ago. Princeton's defense was impressive, limiting the Crusaders to 158 yards rushing (81 by Keller) and 53 passing on five completions by quarterback Mike Green. In fact, the Viking defense pushed Princeton into an early 7-0 advantage when Gary Croley stepped in front of a Crusader receiver and returned the pass 68 yards for the TD and a 7-0 lead. "I felt if we gave Princeton an opportunity they would take advantage," Klonne said. "Green had pressure on him all night and that was one of those situations." Princeton 7 o 8 0-15 Moeller 6 6 6 0-11 P-Croley 68 pass Interception return (Comfort kick) M-Balsly 2 run (kick wide) M-Keller 7 run (pass failed) M-CoiRns 48 Interception return (run failed) P-Gilam 40 Int. return (Mills pass from Teall

Minter seeks offensive aide BY JOHN FAY

t4Jil'93

The Cincinnati Enquirer

The next big decision for the University of Cincinnati football program: Who will be Rick Minter's offensive coordinator? UC's new football coach admits his offensive knowledge is limited. In his 15-year career, he's coached only defense. "The guy who ends up running the show on offense is in a good situation in that he's going to be the guy who has to educate me," Minter said. ''I'm always going to know what's going on, and why we're doing it. And if I say we're going to do things a certain way, it's going to be that way." Still, he'll leave the bulk of the play-calling to the offensive coordinator. Minter said he hopes to have his staff hired within two weeks. Some of the .10-man staff will come from UC's current staff. Two of Tim Murphy's assistant have resigned. Defensive

line coach ~ank Hughes followed Murphy to Harvard, and offensive coordinator Harry Hiestand took a job with Missouri. Minter said some of the remaning eight assistants will be offered jobs. Âˇ Two likely outside candidates: Notre Dame graduate assistants Greg Karpinsky and Gr~ H~dson, ~o playe<!_at

1\roei.Ier.

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want to get this done as quickly as possible," Minter said. Minter's second priority after is recruiting. He knows the absence of a head coach for almost two weeks has hurt UC. "We'll try to recover with effort and tenacity," he said. "There's no question that any lull hurts you." As for the specific schemes UC will run next year, Minter said that will depend on the makeup of the staff and the players.

Moeller rallies·

"They were playing soft and we stepped it cp," Klonne said. "We didn't change much except a few blockmg assignments." Centerville's veteran coach Bob Gregg offered no excuses. "We quit," Gregg said. "Maybe we didn't quit mentally but we quit executing. In fact, we didn't execute after the first 10 minutes of the game." As the final seconds ticked off BY DAVE SCHUTTEif-/f·f3 Enquirer contributor the clock, the Moeller student The season and the football ca- body made a wild scramble onto reers of 45 Moeller seniors were the field, creating a near mob scene as the players from ·both on the line. Scott Goodhart, a 6-foot-1, 225- teams exchanged handshakes. Lost in the crowd was Crusader pound offensive lineman, wasn't ready to turn in his uniform or senior quarterback Mike Green. concede defeat despite being out- Apparently suffering from the flu, played during the first 24 minutes. Green collapsed on the 5-yard line "I'm one of the captains and I and was assisted from the field by felt I had to say something," Good- the medics. Ready to play at the outset, the hart said of the 14-7 halftime defiElks took it to Moeller, scoring cit. "I told the guys at halftime to leave their hearts on the field and two TDs in the first 5:16 for a 14-0 lead. let's get out there and do it." "If you haven't seen our option In a sensational turnaround, Moeller rallied for 24 second-half or gone agains~ it, it can surprise points to hand previously unde- you," GrF!gg said of Centerville's feated Centerville a 31-14 loss in a. early success: "But we had to do Division I first-round playoff game something besides run the option at the University of Cincinnati's like knock some {Jeople on their butts, which we didn't do." Nippert Stadium. Stunned by the early deficit, "The coaches also had a few things to say at the half," Crusader Moeller's defense finally got it tocoach Steve Klonne said. "We gether while the offense struggled. talked to the kids like a Dutch Late in the first period, Dave Launde and simply told them that if pham took a 14-yard pass from we couldn't run the ball in the Green for a TD, cutting the lead to second half, we woulcl lose the 14-7. game." Moeller had several chances in And run they did, with junior the second period but two pass Matt Keller coming through with interceptions by the Elks thwarted 132 yards and three touchdowns drives. "That was the most emotion after being held to minus one yard in the first half. I've ever seen in the locker room "The offensive line came out at halftime," Keller said. "The and did a great job blocking for seniors knew there was no tomorme," Keller said. "Instead of try- row if we lost and they let us know ing to go wide, I started cutting it wasn't about to happen." back inside and the holes were A heavy rain fell at the start of there." the third period, and to make matKlonne could sense a different Centerville defense in the second half.

to win

ters worse, the Crusaders were going into a strong wind. After Troy Tuck returned the kickoff to the Moeller 33, Keller took it down to the Centerville 14 in three plays and scored two plays later to tie the game with 9:42 remaining. "During the second half, Moeller decided to hand the ball off and make us stop them," Gregg said. "It was obvious that we didn't get the job done." "Matt played every down because Brian (Balsly) was out with a strained tendon," Klonne said. "This put a lot of pressure on him but Mike came through in the second half."

Cenlerville......__,_·-·--·-..:............ 14 0 o 0-14 Moeller .•••.•..••••.•••...•••••___·---.................... 7 o 14 10·31 C-Cummins 28 run (Sorrels kick) C-Kiingler 51 pass from Kramer (Sorreis kick)

M-Lapham 14 pass from Green (Huston kick) M-Keller 14 run (Huston kick) M-Keller 19 run (Huston kick) M-Huston 44 field goal M-Keller 5 run (Huston kick) Records: Moeller 11·0, Centerville 10· I.

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Phaedra :

Moeller's Matt Keller tries to break free from Centerville's Derek Cummins (30) during Saturday's playoff game. Keller rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

Moe's Lapham makes name for seH BY DAVE SCHUTTE

The Cincinnati EnquirerfTony Jones

Dave Lapham Jr. says he hasn't had trouble with comparisons to his father, a former Bengal: "I felt a little pressure but I never let it bother me."

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'f) Living in the shadow and then walking in the footsteps of a highly respected professional athlete has its pitfalls, especially if that star is your father. Dave Lapham Jr., son of former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Dave Lapham Sr., has lived with that challenge since enrolling at Moeller High School in 1990. "I felt ·a little pressure, but I never let it bother me," Lapham Jr. said. "People have looked at me for what I can do. Since I play a different position than Dad, I haven't been compared." A tight end for the undefeated Crusaders, Lapham is the team's leading~ receiver with 37 catches Enquirer contributor

''Dave's knowledge of the game is far superior to any player I've coached." - Moeller coach Steve Klonne on Dave Lapham for 574 yards and five touchdowns. "We moved Dave to tight end after Bobby Brannen decided not to play this season," Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. "Dave's filled a big hole and has done an excellent job." A 6-2, 210-pounder, Lapham has more than lived up to expectations not only as a receiver but also as an excellent blocker for the Crusaders' running attack. It was obvious during the second half of Moeller's come-from-

Loser B'erigals Mike Brown is threatening to take a losing team out of this area unless the taxpayers buy him a new house for their less than thrilling Sunday exhibitions. Maybe someone should explain that if we were only interested in watching a bunch of losers in orange uniforms, we could bring 30 prisoners over from the county jail and place them on exhibition every Sunday for two hours; A new stadium won't change the team; at this rate, the Bengals would have trouble filling the Princeton High School stadium. 'As a matter of fact, Princeton and Moeller High Schools are only a couple of many winnirig football teams in this area. The young men on these teams aren't pros, they're teammates. ~ Maybe one could come down to Riverrant and explain that concept to the highaid prima donnas. J1.. j 1..- ~ j

BILL BISHOP Milford

behind victory over Centerville that Lapham's blocking was one of the keys in the 132 yards picked up by tailback Matt Keller. Lapham also plays· baseball, hitting .320 for the 1992 state champion Moeller baseball team. In the classroom, Lapham is fourth in the senior class and a standout in mathematics. He scored 1310 on the SAT with a 760 in math while earning a 31 on the ACT college entrance test. "Dave's knowledge of the game

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PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

RON ADKINS Moeller football

The senior free safety had two interceptions, one tip and 16 tackles in the Crusaders' playoff victory over Centerville.

is far superior to any player I've coached," Klonne said. "He's very mature and when I talk to him, it's like talking to a guy 30 years old." "Dave has established his own identity," Lapham Sr. said. "He plays a skilled position, which is much different than knocking someone down like I did as a lineman." When the playoffs began last week, WL W radio decided to broadcast the Division I games. Lapham Sr. was at the microphone on Saturday when Moeller played Centerville. "I tried to remain calm when David caught the touchdo.wn pass against Centerville," Lapham Sr. said. "It was kind of neat broadcasting one of his games." ~

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Two . weeks can be a long time Moeller's win over Princeton will mean nothing Saturday By Joe Minster Press Contributor

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For the second time in three weeks, the city's two top high school football powers, M?eller and Princeton, will battle 1t out Saturday. The Crusaders and Vikings will clash at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Division I Region 4 play,off finals at University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadiu'in, with a berth in the state tournament at stake. Moeller coach Steve Klonne isn't permitting a 20-7 victory over Princeton back on Nov. 5 to cloud the issue. " They· have an awesome defense and outstanding special teams," warned the Crusader coach. "And they showed an

explosive offense in tr~mnciJ?-g St. Xavier, 42-3, in thetr regwnal opener." Moeller, off to a slow start, rallied to hand Centerville, 10-1, its first defeat of the season, 31-14, behind the second half running of Matt Keller. ·Keller, limited to minus-one _yard· rushing in the first half, • broke loose for 132 yards in the final 24 minutes, scoring three times on runs of 14 yards, 19 yards and five yards as Moeller blanked Centerville, 24-0, after trailing by a touchdown, 14-7, at halftime. "They simply overwhelmed us at the start," Klonne said, pointing to a pair of touchdowns scored by the Elks that staked them to a 14-0 lead after just more than five minutes of play. ·

"Perhaps we were too keyed up emotionally, or maybe we were overanxious," Klonne said. "But after we were burned twice (on a 29-yard run and 50-yard pass for TDs) we settled down and played solid defense." A 14-yard scoring aerial from quarterback Mike Green to Dave Lapham early in the second quarter got Moeller on the board. "That got us started," Klonne pointed out. The second half was all Moeller, as the Crusaders parlayed Keller's running with a 44yard field goal by Brian Huston to dominate the contest. "I think Huston's field goal (his school-record 20th of the season) was a key score for us," Klonne noted, "because it gave us a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter." Following an interception by Ron Adkins, his second of the game, Moeller added the clincher

on Keller's five-yard plunge with just 1 minute, 37 seconds to play. Centerville coach Bob Gregg offered no excuses, pointing out that "we quit after that fast start. Perhaps we didn't quit mentally, but we quit executing. In fact, we didn't execute after the first 10 minutes of the game." Moeller's hopes were jolted in the mob scene that followed the game when Green collapsed on the five-yard line and had to be assisted from the field. "Mike had a touch of the flu and apparently suffered from dehydration," Klonne said. "He should be OK by next Saturday." Brian Balsly, who shares running duties with Keller, didn't play after injuring Achilles tendons of both feet a week earlier. But he, too, could be ready by Saturday, Klonne stated, as the unbeaten Crusaders bid for their 12th straight victory.

Princeton rematch makes Klonne wary - . 11J;-'~13

BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

Moeller's Steve Klonne spoke like a veteran coach. He didn't want to motivate the next oppo路 nent. "Princeton won't do anything different than iri the first game," Klonne said of Saturday's ~ p.m. Division I regional matchup at UC's Nippert Stadium. 路 "They may put in a new wrinkle or change a blocking scheme, but that's about it. You don't make major changes this time of the season." D.espite lower-than-expected attendance at Saturday's Division路 I doubleheader, Ohio High School Athletic Association officials decided to keep the Princeton-Moeller game at Nippert for a second week rather than move it to DaytoTJ's Welcome Stadium as in past years. In other playoff games involving Cincinnati area teams, Hamilton Badin battles undefeated Germantown Valley View (10-0) on Saturday at Middletown's Barnitz Stadium in Division III play. I

Defending Division IV state champion CAPE (9-2) and Versailles (1 0-1) go head-to-head on Friday at Clayton Northmont. Looking toward Round 2 of the Princeton-Moeller series, Klonne must think Princeton coach Pat Mancuso has a few tricks up his sleeve.

After all, the Crusader defense dominated the Vikings in the first encounter on Nov. 5, holding Princeton to 22 yards rushing in a 20-7 victory. As for Badin-Valley View, Ramscoach Terry Malone learned much from scouting reports of Valley View's 24-13 playoff victory over London. "Valley View's normally a 40-60 or 30-70 run-to-pass team," Malone said. "But against London, they stayed pretty much on the ground." CAPE and Versailles have met once in football路 with the Crusaders coming out with a 29-7 victory back in 1985. The three winners advance to the state semifinals at locations to be announced next Sunday. .

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St. Xavier From Page 18

er, Mooney connected with Arl ing on a 12-yard TD pass to giv the Bombers' their first lead since the first quarter, 21-17. "I really got a lot of pep talk before tonight's game," said Mooney, who was wide-eyed y composed after the game. "I ju tried to put all of that aside an remember that it is just a gam It's Moeller, so obviously the nerves were still there, but I j tried to play my game." After allowing 128 rushing and 105 passing yards, two touchdowns and a field goal in the first half, St. Xavier held t Crusaders to 57 rushing yards and 61 passing yards in the sec ond half. Moeller junior runni back Marcus Blanks finished with 168 yards and two touch· downs, and junior tight end Ryan Hamby finished with 162 yards on 10 catches. Senior qu . terback Brian Reisert connect with Hamby for all but four of Moeller's passing yards. "Brian is a great quarterbac and we knew to beat Moeller had to shut down Reisert," St. Xavier senior linebacker Eric Scheidt said. "When you have great quarterback like that; yo have to pressure on him, you'v got to stop him in key times." Scheidt did just that, record ing sacks in two crucial points the game. Just before Kelly's i terception, Scheidt sacked Reisert for a six-yard loss. On the interception, Scheidt again pr sured Reisert causing the erra pass. MOELLER at ST. XAVIER

10 7

X-Lartdn t~s from Moaner (NOlan kick) M-Bianks run (Murphy kick M-Murphy 22 FG M-Bianks 2 run (Murphy kick) X-l.arkln 29 pass from Mooney (NOlan kick) X-Arting l~ass from Mooney (NOlan kick\ . M-5af~ ( ooney ran out of the end zone RECOR . :St. Xev1erS·O, 1-0GCLSouth; Moeller:l-3, 1-1.

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Football recruits: A school-by-school look Wednesday is the first day that colleges can sign football recruits to national letters of intent. Here's a school-by-school look at Greater Cincinnati's top players and the Division I and 1-AA schools with which they are expected to sign: PLAYER

HIGHSCHOOL

HGT

WGT

POS . COLLEGE

Ed Abernathy

CAPE

6-3

180

TE/DE Ball State

Mike Barwick

CAPE

5-8

200

Jelani Brandon

Erlanger (Ky.) Lloyd

6-1

180

WR/DB Cincinnati

:Justin Chabot

Talawanda

6-6

220

Marc Collins

Erlanger (Ky.) Lloyd

6-5

185

Daniel Colson

Middletown

6-0

180

Indiana State

Eastern Ky.

Ohio State

Head of the class: The Elite 8 local recruits

Purdue

La Salle

6-4

200

Sycamore

6-5

275

OT/DT Vanderbilt

Isaac Curtis Jr.

Roger Bacon

6-4

185

Kentucky

PLAYER

Marc Daniels

Mt. Healthy

-230

Akron

Daniel Colson

200

Illinois

195

Marshall

Ty Douthard

La Salle

6-1 6-2

Uohn Duncan

Middletown

6-3

Tony Everhart

Middletown

6-0

170

Williamsburg

6-5

Morehead State

Bowling Green

Corey Glass

Princeton

6-1

235 TE 205 .DT

Chip Hendon

St. Xavier

6-2

220

Toledo

Cincinnati

Ball State

Lamont Houston

Princeton

5-11

180

Josh Johnson

Princeton

6-1

195

Indiana

D.J. Jones

Lebanon

6-5

225

Ohio State

Martin Jones Rob Jones

Aiken

6-1

170 WR

Illinois

Oak Hills

6-2

200

Minne:sota

~erry Killens

Purcell Marian

6-3

205

RB/LB Penn State

Max Langenkamp Moeller

6-5

245

Ohio State

~on Morgan

6-3

195

Villanova

James Olverson

Princeton

6-0

180

Indiana

:Jamie Orr

Anderson

6-5

Country Day

5-11

OT RB

Eastern Michigan

Beau Parry

265 220

Furman

Cleon Plummer

Wyoming

6-2

185

Miami (Ohio)

Mike Rafter

Mariemont

6-3

205

Cincinnati

Hank Ray

Sycamore

6-1

170

Ohio

Dennis Rusche

Turpin

6-2

220

Miami (Ohio)

~rad Schwing Robert Shurelds Del rico Simons Bryson Warner Eric Wendt Darwin Wilson

East Central (Ind.)

6-4

280

Cincinnati Michigan State

Western Hills

6-2

170

Princeton

6-3

210

Michigan State I

Boone County (Ky.)

6-2

220

Western Ky.

Moeller

6-5

275

Michigan

Mt. Healthy

6-2

195

Akron

Shondale Wolfork Princeion

5-10

Caught just 4 passes

PK-P

Bart Conley

Moeller

Parade all-America

Played just 2 seasons

Trey Crusan

Trevor Foster

Max Langenkamp

Ty Douthard

Isaac Curtis Jr.

Northwestern

170. _ DB_ _ Morehead State Âˇ,

A look at the players in this year's graduating class who are expected to make a significant impact in college, according to recruiting experts: HIGH SCHOOL

POS.

HGT WGT

COLLEGE

Middletown DB/FB 6-0 170 Ohio State ABOUT COLSON: Named an all-America defensive back by Super Prep magazine, Colson intercepted five passes and recorded 84 tackles for one of the area's top defenses last season. One of three area players to commit to Ohio State. Considered a fierce hitter, he is expected to play defense in college. Isaac Curtis Jr.Roger BaconWR 6-4195 Âˇ Kentucky ABOUT CURTIS: The son of former Bengals' All-Pro receiver Isaac Sr., Curtis ranked among Greater Cincinnati \"eceiving leaders despite playing only his second year of football. Curtis, who caught 45 passes for 898 yards and nine touchdowns, was named first-team all-Southwest District. Ty Douthard La Salle TB 6-2 200 Illinois ABOUT DOUTHARD: A Parade magazine all-America selection, Douthard set 14 school records, rushing 226 times for 1,203 yards and 15 TDs. He ran for a school-record 234 yards against Sycamore last season. WR 6-1 170 Illinois Martin Jones Aiken ABOUT JONES: Jones caught 30 passes for 434 yards and five touchdowns last season in an offense that featured the option attack. Jones, who has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is noted for his speed, excellent hands and ability to catch the ball in a crowd. Purcell Marian RB/LB 6-3 205 Penn State Terry Killens ABOUT KILLENS: The Southwest District Division Ill back of the year, Killens missed the final three games of the regular season with a broken hand bone. A two-way starter, Killens ran for 1,079 yards on 152 carries and led the Cavaliers m touchdowns (21) and in tackles. Max Langenkamp Moeller TE 6-4 240 Ohio State ABOUT LANGENKAMP: Though Langenkamp caught only four passes last season, he is considered the best tight end in Ohio by John McAllister, publisher of Prep Football Prospects of Ohio. Langenkamp missed four games last season because of strained knee ligaments. Princeton RB 6-0 185 Indiana James Olverson ABOUT OLVERSON: The Post's Division I player of the year, Olverson was the area's second-leading rusher last season, with 1,709 yards on 205 carries. He led area backs with an 8.3-yard average per carry and ranked a_mpnQ scorinQ leaders, with 23 TDs. Moeller OL 6-5 275 Michigan Eric Wendt ABOUT WENDT: Wendt can play guard or tackle. He was named a preseason all-Midwest pick by Prep Football Prospects of Ohio and is considered one of Ohio's top 28 prospects by a consensus of three recruiting services.

Top-ranked Moeller waltzes to 44-22 win over Highlands

By Terry Boehmker C!_ u~t:.r? Kentucky Post prep editor /

.....>;

FT. THOMAS, Ky. - The worst fears of Highlands football coach Tom Duffy came true when Moeller, the top-ranked team in Cincinnati, defeated his Bluebirds, 44-22, on Friday before a capacity crowd in Ft. Thomas. Duffy considered the first game between the tradition路rich programs a mismatch because Moeller had a bigger team in terms of physical size and numbers, but he doesn't regret scheduling the Crusaders. "We're 0-2, but I'd rather be 0-2 after playing Moeller than 1-1 after playing somebody else," Duffy said. Moeller has two platoons of players for offense and defense, while most of the Highlands starters have to play both ways. That's the main reason why the Moeller offense totaled more JIM OSBORN/The Kentucky Post than 200 yards rushing and 150 passing, while Highlands was held to 71 yards rushing and 46 Moiler's Brian Balsly (32) breaks a long run on his team'.s first possession :Friday night against Highlands. The Crusaders went on to win, 44-22. passing. But the Bluebirds scored twice in the second half to make the game interesting and earn ler raced down the left sideline yard line and scored five plays the respect of Moeller coach untouched on a 34-yard scoring later. Tight end Dave Lapham Steve Klonne. run with 6:30 left in the second caught a 24-yard TD pass from Green and Huston kicked the ex"They only have about 30 quarter. players on their entire roster and Moeller scored two more tra point to put the Crusaders most of their starters go both times before the half ended. One ahead 31路6. ways, so it's a credit to them that of them was an interception in Klonne began sending in rethey stayed with us like they the end zone by senior lineback路 serve players after that. did," Klonne said. er Troy Tuck. 13-44 3 21 MOELLER 8-22 0 6 A successful goal-line stand The Bluebirds had less than HIGHLANDS by the Highlands defense forced 30 total yards until running back M - Huston 25 FG Moeller to settle for a 25-yard Jason Sullivan turned a simple M - Keller 34 run (Huston kicl<) -Tuck inlerceptlon In end zone (Huslon kick) field goal by Brian Huston in the trap play into a 48-yard TD with M M - Hartman 7 run (Huslon kicl<) eight seconds left to make the H - Sullivan 48 run (run lailed) first quarter. M - Lapham 24 pass from Green (Huslon kick) Two possessions later, Moel- halftime score 24-6. H - Grimm 4 run (Reynolds pass from Oufly) ler senior quarterback Mike In the opening minutes of the H - Sullivan 24 pass from Dully (Burns pass from Dully) M - Keller 90 kickoff retum (Huston kick) ' Green completed two passes for third quarter, Moeller intercept- MSkukan 14 pass lrom Vaughl (kick blocked) 30 yards and tailback Matt Kel- ed a pass at the Highlands 46- RECORDS- Moeller 1.0, Highlands 0-2.

Moeller adds . St. Ignatius to '94 schedule -

"'".?,;1-

' ....

Moeller and Cleveland St. Ignatius, two teams that have combined for 11 Division I state football championships, will meet for the first time during the regular season in 1994. 路 "This should be a great rivalry," Moeller athletic director Dick Borman said. "St. Ignatius has had great teams the past four or five years and are ranked No. 1 in the country (USA Today). In 1994, Moeller will travel to Cleveland on Nov. 28 while St. Ignatius comes to Cincinnati Nov. 29, 1995: St. Ignatius has dominated Divi sion I the past five years, winning championships in 1988, '89, '91 and '92, when it beat St. Xavier. The Crusaders won titles in 1975, '76, '77, '79, '80, '82 and

'85. . Borman said Moeller has added Xenia and Erie, Pa., Prep to the 1994 schedule and also signed a two-year, home-and-home contract with Covington Catholic.

Moeller shoots down Viking shotgun, 18-15 By Dave Horstman Staff Reporter

i / _,). tf- S3

-Moeller and Princeton: The Rematch. It was played on a different field, the score was a little closer and the stakes were certainly higher, but the results remained the same. The Fighting Crusaders proved too strong once again and remained unbeaten at 12-0·with a close 18-15 edging of the Vikings in the Division I Region 4 finals Saturday night at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium. · . The win brings head coach Steve Klonne and crew their second win over Princeton in three weeks and advances them to the state semifinals Dec. 4 at Dayton's Welcome Stadium against Hilliard (10-1) or Mt. Vernon (9-2). Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (11-0) and twotime defending state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius meet in the other semifinal game .. Moeller's stifling defense was the story just as it was in the first meeting between both these powers. The Vikes were held to almost the same unPrinceton-like offensive numbers tallying a mere 104 total yards (65 rushing, 39 passing) while they could manage just 113 in the first contest (22 on the ground, 91 through the air). The lone wri~kle Princeton put in its gameplan the second t1me around appeared to have no affect on the Crusaders. "They went to a little shotgun to throw the ball· better, but everything else stayed about the same," Klonne said. "Our defense played about the same (as in the first game) while our offense played pretty well in the second quarter, but not so good in the second half. I think we kept them (Princeton) in the game, with our mistakes, letting them mentally feel they could win it." . Princeton's defense was strong as well holdmg the Crusaders to 211 total yards with the ball (158 rushing, 53 passing) while providing the Vikings with 12 of their 15 points with two interception returns for touchdowns. The first, a 68-yard job by Gary Croley in the first quarter, gave Princeton the lead for a short time. Moeller responded with a first-period score of its own on a two-yard plunge by Brian Balsly. The point after attempt was off, though, and the Vikings held the lead into the second quarter. Moeller would take the lead for good in the second period on a seven-yard run by Matt Keller, but the two-point conversion failed and the score stood

at 12-7. The last. two scores of the game would be defensive ones. First Moeller's Andre Collins picked off a Jeremy Teall pass and romped 48 yards for the score, but again the two-point conversion failed against the tough Princeton defense as the score moved to 18-7. · . Princeton pulled to within three in the third when Chris Gillam grabbed a pass which bounced off Keller and took it in from 40 yards out for the score. Though the momentum seemed to swing back in Princeton's favor heading into the fourth period with the interception, the Crusaders refused to think for a minute they were going to lose. "The defense was on the sidelines going over some stuff when we saw the interception. It did dampen our spirits a bit, but our coach told us it would be a war and it was," Moeller's Troy Tuck, 17, of Sycamore, said. "We just all kept saying, 'We like it like this, we like all the pressure to be on us'." Klonne added, "Our defense had played awfully well and I felt it would be hard for them to drive all the way down and get at least in field goal range. At this point, there's not much lecturing. All you want to do is hold on to the ball and keep them (Princeton) off of the field offensively." That attitude proved to be the deciding factor as Tuck would end the Vikings' hopes for a win when he stuffed Princeton running back Darrell Deck on a fourth-down-and-one play in the final two minutes of regulation to all but secure the victory for · his team. "That was just one of the big plays for us," Tuck said. "They were running a lot of splits and trying to run wide on us and our defensive tackle forced them back our way a number of times. We wanted the pressure on us, we were very confident in the huddle; we didn't think they could score." Though Tuck was reluctant to take credit for the biggest play of the game, Klonne noted it was after that crucial fourth-down play that he felt confiden~ of the win saying, "All we had to do at this poiFf~ was run the clock down. As long as we did not do anything stupid on offense and turn the ball over, I felt we could win it." Klonne pointed out his offe.nse will have to become more consistent and well-rounded if the Crusaders hope to emerge from the 1993 campaign as state champions.

u-,;tiIVIoeller moves on: Moeller's Matt Keller follows Derrick Edwards around end during the Crusaders' 18-15 victory in the Division I state playoffs Saturday night at Nippert Stadium. Moeller a~anc~to the semifinals on Dec. 4. Story, C1.

Moeller controlS Princeton

Turing the corner:

Moeller running back Matt Keller (2) looks fo1 running room in Friday's 20-7 win over Princeton with Princeton's Ror Griswold (99) in pursuit.

/ f - C- - 'I J BRUCE CRIPPEN/The Cincinnati Post Moeller's Andy Bailey catches Princeton quarterback Jeremy Teall behind the line of scrimmage. Moeller's dominating defense led to a 20-7 victory in a showdown of the area's top Division I teams.

Princeton hopes history· repeats JI-J. 6---1.3 could show us plays out of different looks (formatiot:J.S), and their deEnquirer contributor fense will try to reduce our ofTwo weeks ago, this happened: fense." A Princeton football machine Without giving away any anticiturned mistake-prone and was pated changes, Mancuso hinted soundly beaten by Moeller, 20-7 · that the Vikings could be in trouble Ten years ago, this happened: if they can't establish a running Princeton rebounded from a 28-21 game. In the first game, Princeton loss to Moeller in Week 10 to rushed for only 22 yards. re'verse the tables for a 28-21 win "We're not a control-type team ·a week later in the playoffs. It's as in the past," Mancuso said. still Princeton's only playoff win "We're running a different type of over Moeller in four tries. option, and also throwing the ball Princeton coach Pat Mancuso more." · dwelled on both events this week, After an injury knocked out run.as his 10-1 Vikings face the 11-0 ning back Robert Prichard for the Crusaders today (8 p.m., Nippert year, Mancuso was forced to ~o . Stadium) with a regional champion- with two small but speedy backs m ship on the line. Darrell Deck and Clifford Mal£ the Vikings are doomed to thews. repeat history, Mancuso would Prichard was the key in earlyprefer to turn the clocks back a season games, especially in shortdecade. yardage situations. "We've talked to the kids about Both teams have exceptional dethe 1983 team," Mancuso said. fenses, which will likely determine "We pointed out the spirit of that the outcome .. team and desire to win." "Our defense probably played · That doesn't mean the Prince- as well as they could have in the ton players are off the hook for the first game," Klonne said. "We'll game two weeks ago, though. have to play the same way this "We've shown the film of the time out." Moeller game so often that the Klonne said the defensive line of kids are tired of watching it," Brian Fitzpatrick, Tony Keller, AnMancuso said. "The game was a dy Bailey and Wolfgang Scholz case of making too many mis- have been the secret to the Crutakes." sader success. "These four guys get it done Moeller turned three Princeton turnovers into points, including 10 and this frees up the linebackers to in the fourth quarter to put the do other things," Klonne said. game away. . "They have put good pressure on Could Moeller be in store for the quarterback and have also desome new wrinkles? fended well against the run/' "Sure, I think Princeton will do Mancuso also has confidence in a few things differently," Moeller . his defense apd special teall!s coach Steve Klonne said. "They-_ !!nits. "We were pleased with the defense in the first game, although we game them 20 points," Mancuso said. "The turnovers gave Moeller opportunities, and they capitalized." In playoff games, Moeller beat Princeton in 1980 (28-3), 1982 (33-20) and 1984 (24-12). But now, Moeller faces the task 1 of beating a tough team twice in the same season. BY DAVE SCHUTTE

National poll The 1993 top 25 national and top 10 regional high school football teams as selected by scholastic sports expert Doug Huff and a national panel of 35 prep sportswriters With record through Dec. 12: ·

"There's definitely more pressure on us having won the first game," Klonne said. Conversely, the Vikings have little to lose. "Our kids are loose and will have less pressure," Mancuso said. "We are the underdog, but the kids feel good about their chances." The winner advances to the state semifinals on Dec. 4 at a siteto be determined.

Moeller primed for big things Moeller outgun~

BY DAVE SCHUTTE

/3/9

6f ;$ · • . 'Big Moe' is back, potentially in a big way. · After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, seven-tinie Division I state football champion Moeller figures to return this year.

Enquirer Contributor

Bluebirds BY RAY SCHAEFER Enquirer contributor :

' ' W e played a· lot of young players last year and they're· all back/' coach Steve Klorine said. ."This could give us an advan~ge since in.ost teams are re- Steve Klonne grouping.'' Ranked No. 2 in The Enquirer's preseason poll behind Princeton, Moeller returns nine starters, four on offense and five on defense, plus a host of players who saw parttirne action in 1992. Tight end Bobby Brannen, a 6-7, 220-pounder, won't be back this season after verbally committing to play basketball at. the University of Cincinnati. · That forced Klonne to make several major changes. "We moved Da:ve Lapham from fullback to fill the tight end position," Klonne said. "Also running backs Andre Collins and Wolfgang Scholz are now playing defense." As a result, tailback Brian Balsley is the only returning starter in a backfield that will feature quarterback Mike Green, a strong-armed, 6-4, 205-pound senior. "At this point, we didn't think the offense would be this good," Klonne said. "We kilew the defense would be strong, but we thought the offense would come around much slower." ·

Klonne's confidence could spell trouble for opponents beginning tonight, when Moeller travels to Fort Thomas to take on Highlands, Kentucky's 12tirne state champions. As for what to expect from the Crusaders this season, Klonne didn't hesitate. "The personality of our team will be to run first and pass second," Klonne said. "All teams have a rnindset and it's how well you do the second that determines your success." In Moeller's first scrimmage against Oak Hills, the Crusaders p~cked up only 110 yards passing. But against Lima last week, _they were well over 300 yards. · Highlands, a quick team with an inexperienced sophomore quarterback (Duffer Duffy), will rely on the run with Ryan Grimm, Jason Sullivan and John Reynolds. · "They're a good team and should have won their first game," Klonne said. "We're much bigger and we're hoping that our physical advantage will take its toll in the second half." Highlands opened the season with a 10-7 loss to Bell County losing on a fourth-quarter field goal. ..,. Where/when: Highlands Stadium, 2400 Memorial Parkway, 7:30p.m. ..,. Pick: Moeller

,14/. 'ft ttfJ

Moeller tailback Matt Keller and his teammates have talked all summer about the fact that the Crusaders have missed the playoffs the last two years. "We feel that this team has a good chemistry," Keller said. "We just think this is our year." On Friday, Moeller's chemistry blew up in Highlands' face. Keller ran for two touchdowns as the Crusaders beat the Bluebirds 44-22, in Fort Thomas. ' The game featured two teams with glorious traditions - Moeller has seven· Ohio Division I titles while Highlands has 12 KentucJ<Y Class AAA crowns. · Moeller is ranked No. 2 behind Princeton in The Enquirer's preseason coaches poll. "They blitzed us early," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. "We had some trouble running the ball. We started running some things outside, and then we started throwing it." When one football team dresses ~4 players and the other suits up 31, the team with fewer bodies can usually figure on a long evening. That's the situation Highlands faced. Yet coach Torn Duffy was pleased with his team's effort. "We carne back and had a shot at it in the fourth quarter " he said. "I don't think there was 'any question they wore our butts down ~orne. We fought them. We're gomg to be a good football team." Moeller won, but it was harder than expected. After Moeller took a 31-6 'lead, Highlands closed to 31-22 with 6:22 to go. in the game. Though . Friday's game was Moeller's first, the Crusaders looked in mid-season form. Moeller had 372 yards offense.

. Hig4Jands gained just 61 yards on the ground the first half, with 49 of those corning on a touchdown by Jason Sullivan with :08 to go in the half. Before that, Moeller took a 24-0 lead. Moeller opened the scoring on a 23-yard Brian Huston field goal. Keller then made the score 10-0 with a 33-yard scamper: around left end with 6:16 to go, and linebacker Troy Tuck picked off an end-zone pass by Highlands quarterback Duffer, Duffey for another score. A third Moeller score in the half was on a seven-yard run by Derrick Edwards with :54 left. Green and fullback Dave La-· pharn hooked up for a 25-yard touchdown· with 8:16 left in the third quarter to give Moeller a 31-6 lead. · Then it was Highlands' . .turn to convert an interception into a touchdown. John Reynolds intercepted a Green pass and took it to the Moeller 3. Two plays later, Ryan Grimm scored from four yards out, and the two-point conversion pass from Duffy to Reynolds cut the Crusader lead to .31-14. Highlands made it 31'-22 when Duffer Duffy found Sullivan with a 24-yard TD pass with 6:22 to go in the game. Keller ended the suspense 15 seconds later with an 85-yard kickoff return. Brian Skukan caught a 15-yard pass from Chris Vaught with 2:01 to go. MOELLER . 21 7 14-44 HIGHLANDS 8 6 8 8-22 M-Hvston 23 field goal M·M. Keler 33 run (Huston kick) M-Tuck Interception In end zone (Huston kick) M·Edwords 7 run (Huston kick) . H-SU!ivan 49 run (run foiled) M-Laphom 25 poss from Green (Huston kick) H-Grirrvn 4 run (Reynolds poss from Duffy) Duff~Sullvon 24 poss from Duffy (Burns poss from M-M. Keller 85 kickoff return (Lyons kick) M-Skukon 15 poss from Vought (Lyons kick) Records: M J.O, H 0.2.

Moeller ranks No. 1 in pre-season poll .

Cf-;;... -1:J

\, Moeller Coach Steve Klonne

Se~tion C

ยงpom l

Back on Moeller rates No. 1 in area By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

a_ '1_CI ~. l" ~

1-.:J

rom 1975-85, Moeller dominated high school football not just locally or statewide, bu~ nationally as well. In that span, the Crusaders compiled a 128-5 record, never lost ~ore than one game in any season, won seven state titles and were named national champions five times. But recently the Crusaders have slumped, at least by their lofty standards. In 1991, Moeller was 6-4- the worst record in school history and last season the Crusaders were 7-3. Since 1986, they've posted a 56-20 record, qualified for the playoffs just three times and haven't won a state championship. But this year, all signs point to

a return to the glory days for Moeller. The Crusaders are ranked No. 1 in The Post preseason poll selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches. A strong nucleus returns from last year's Moeller team that bounced back from a 3-2 start, narrowly missed the playoffs and handed Princeton its only loss of the regular season in the final game, 19-0. "I really like our team chemistry," Moeller head coach Steve Klonrie said. "It's really noticeable how the players feel about each other. "I was watching film of one· of our scrimmages fl,nd I noticed that on one touc:P,down run for us, there were nine or 10 guys waiting for him to come out of the end 'zone to congratulate him. You have that, the wins will take care of themselves." A major reason why Moeller. hasn't dominated in football the way it did from 1975-85 is that in 1983 the Cincinnati archdiocese place·d geographical boundaries Please see MOELLER, 12C

seasons

a look at since 1986:

·The Moeller High School football program, behind head coach Steve Klonne left is showing signs of a return to the powerhouse status it once enjoyed. ' '

St. Ignatius Moeller J--2'13 challenges dynasty Cleveland St. Ignatius has replaced Moeller as Ohio's d0minant high school football team. When St. Ignatius beat St. xavier, 24-14, for the Division I state championship last year, it was the Cleveland school's fourth Division I championship in five seasons. This season, St. Ignatius not only is favored to again win the Division I state title, but it has been picked as the top team in the nation by USA Today. St. Ignatius is threatening Moeller's record of seven state football championships. "If they get to seven, I'll take my hat off to them," said Jim Lippincott, Moeller's athletic director from 1988-92. "I just don't think it will ever be equaled." St. Ignatius, which won its first state championship in 1989 against Moeller, will try this season to equal Moeller's feat of three straight state titles. St. Ignatius draws most top players in Cleveland. The Cleveland archdiocese, unlike Cincinnati's, has no geographical districts for assigning students to its individual schools. -

Richard Skinner

ciistribu~d among the parochial schools. "What I have noticed for us is From Page 1C our first team is probably just as on which parochial schools stu- good, but years ago our second-, third- and fourth-team guys were dents could attend. "Something the archhdiocese. all within a hair of being first wanted was parity and that's teamers," Klonne said. "Now, we what they've gotten," said Jim don't have that kind of depth." Klonne said success nowaLippincott, an assistant coach at Moeller from 1981-88 and its ath-. days likely will run in two- and letic director from 1988-92 before three-year cycles instead of lasthe joined the NFL's Bengals as a ing for a decade. personnel assistant and scout. "In 1986 and 1987 we slipped Klonne, Moeller's head coach to 7-3 each year, then regrouped since 1982, has guided the Cru- the next two years and made the saders to an 111-23 record, state state finals," he ~said. "I think that's the way it's going to be champion~hips in 1982 and 1985 and a national championship inÂˇ anymore." 1982. He said dominant teams Former Moeller linebacker run in cycles and that the cycle Bob Crable, a member of the may have come to an end with 1975, '76 and '77 state championMoeller's decade run. ship teams that went 36-0, is in "Joe Public looks at us not his second year as an assistant playing for the state championÂˇ coach at. Moeller after an NFL ship every year like we used to career with the New York Jets. and wonders where we've gone, He said it's unfair to consider a but if you look, no team has 7-3 season a failure. gone more than a 10-year period "I know that when I went dominating like that," Klonne through it I got a lot more out of said. "There wa.S Purcell (Mari- Moeller than just winning footan) in the 1950s and Roger ball games," said Crable, who Bacon in the 1960s. We've been also is teaching religion at the in the hunt for almost 20 years." school. "I'd like to think the Klonne agrees that the geo- measuring stick isn't wins and . graphical boundaries have had losses, but the total development an impact on there not being a. of the young man." dominant parochial team. Said Lippincott: "People "It's just riot going ~o happen rolled their eyes when we went anymore as long as there are 6-4, but there are teams in the boundaries," he said. city that would beg, borrow and What that has caused is for steal to go 6-4. I don't think anythe talent pool to be more evenly body has to hang their heads."

MELVIN GRIER/The Cincinnati Posl

Practice makes perfect: .La Salle High School goes. through.drills now in hopes of drilling Moeller later in Greater Catholic League competition. .

• Greater Catholic League -

South ·'!-;i- <JJ

Sept. 3

Sept. 10

Sept. 17

Sept. 24

Oct.1

Oct. 8

Oct. 15

Oct. 22

Oct. 2?

Nov. 5

ELDER

Middletown.

Boone County (Ky.

Western Hills (at Woodward)

at Withrow

at La Salle•

Ind. Ben Oavls

at St. Xavier•

Kettering Alter•

Moeller•

at Oak Hills

MOELLER

at Highlands (Ky.)

Cleveland East

at St. Xavier•

Tol. Whitmer

at La Salle"

Purcell Marian•

at Elder·

at Princeton

LA SALLE

at Princeton

Sycamore

Mt. Healthy

Elder·

St. Xavier• (Sept. 29)

Moeller•

Cham.-Julienne•

at Zanesville

at Western Hills

ST. XAVIER

at Centerville

at Western Hills

at Oak Hills

at La Salle"

Elder•

at Lancaster ----

Anderson

Cov. Catholic (Ky.) Wash. O.C. Carroll at Oak Hills

_qolerai_~ _

Moeller•

--------

L__

Roger Bacon-_

' - Grealer Catholic \.oague game

He:re's a look at the Greater Catholic League South Division (teams are listed in order of The Post's preseason coaches poll):

1. Moeller • COACH: Steve Klonne (102-23) • 1992 RECORD: 7-3 overall, 2-2 GCL • RETURNING STARTERS: 4 offense, 5 defense · • CLASSIFICATION: Division I • LAST TIME IN POST-SEASON: 1990, lost in first round . II PLAYERS TO WATCH: tB Brian'Balsly, OL Scott Goodheart, LB Troy Tuck, DE Wolfgang Schultz, DL Brian Fitzpatrick

2. La Salle

3. Elder

4. St. Xavier

• COACH: Jim Louder (29-20) • 1992 RECORD: 7-3, 2-2 • RETURNING STARTERS: 2 offense, 2 defense • CLASSIFICATION: Division I • LAST TIME IN POST-SEASON: 1985, lost in first round • PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB Ryan Murphy, QB Mart Pfiester, LB Adam DiPuccio, Eric Rodenberg, OT Bill Heid

• COACH: Tom Grippa (49-15) • 1992 RECORD: 6-4, 2-2 • RETURNING STARTERS: 7 offense, 3 defense • CLASSIFICATION: Division I • LAST TIME IN POST-SEASON: 1991, lost in first round • PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB Kit Hoffman, RB Jeff Bechtel, WR Ross Hambleton, OG Mat Bauer, OLB Kevin Buelterman

• COACH: Steve Rasso (1 00-53-2) • 1992 RECORD: 13-1, 5-0 • RETURNING STARTERS: 1 offense, 2 defense •CLASSIFICATION: Division I • LAST TIME IN POST-SEASON: 1992, state runner-up • PLAYERS TO WATCH: Damion Dooros OB, Kevin Ritter RB, Tiant Se!vie WR, Brad Ruther OLB, Matt Lodder DL, Dave Allspach OL.

- :J.-'1.5

Moeller High School tight end Dave Lapham, , and the rest of the team are seeing theiy school's legacy challenged by defending Ohio champion Cleveland St. Ignatius, winner of four state titles in five seasons.

Moeller primed for big things Moeller BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer Contributor <1/.1/t:f:!>

outgun~

, 'Big Moe' is back, potentially in a big way. · · · After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, seven-tirrie Division I state football champion Moeller figures to return this year. ' '- W e played a lot of young players last year and they're·. all back/' coach Steve Klortne said. ...This could give us an advantage since' most teams are' re- Steve Klonne grouping." Ranked No. 2 in The Enquirer's preseason poll behind Princeton, Moeller returns nine starters, four on offense and five on defense, plus a host of players who saw parttime action in 1992. · Tight end Bobby Brannen, a 6-7, 220-pounder, won't be back this season after verbally committing to play basketball at the University of Cincinnati. · That forced Klonne to make several major changes. "We moved Da:ve Lapham from fullback to fill the tight end position," Klonne said. "Also running backs Andre Collins and Wolfgang Scholz are now playing defense." As a result, tailback Bdan Balsley is the only returning starter in a backfield that will feature quarterback Mike Green, a strong-armed, 6-4, 205-pound senior. "At this point, we didn't think the offense would be this good," Klonne said. "We knew the defense would be strong, but we thought the offense would come around much slower." ·

Bluebirds BY RAY SCHAEFER .!,fl. Enquirer contributor : 'ft

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Klonne' s confidence could spell trouble for opponents beginning tonight, when Moeller travels to Fort Thomas to take on Highlands, Kentucky's 12time state champions. As for what to expect from the Crusaders this season, Klonne didn't hesitate. "The personality of our team will be to run first and pass second," Klonne said. "All teams have a mindset and it's how well you do the second that determines your success." In Moeller's first scrhnmage against Oak Hills, the Crusaders piCked up only 110 yards passing. But against Lima last week, Jhey were well over 300 yards. · Highlands, a quick team with an inexperienced sophomore quarterback (Duffer Duffy), will rely on the run with Ryan Grimm, Jason Sullivan and John Reynolds. · "They're a good team and should have won their first game," Klonne said. "We're much bigger and we're hoping that our physical advantage will take its toll in the second half." Highlands opened the ~ason with a 10-7 loss to Bell County, losing on a fourth-quarter field goal. ~ Where/when: Highlands Stadium, 2400 Memorial Parkway, 7:30p.m. · · ~

Pick: Moeller

Moeller tailback Matt Keller and his teammates have talked all summer about the fact that the Crusaders have missed the playoffs the last two years. "We feel that this team has a good chemistry," Keller said. "We just think this is our year." . On Friday, Moeller's chemistry blew up in Highlands' face. Keller ran for two touchdowns as the Crusaders beat the Bluebirds 44-22, in Fort Thomas. ' The game featured two teams with glorious traditions - Moeller has seven· Ohio Division I titles while Highlands has 12 Kentuck~ Class AAA crowns. · Moeller is ranked No. 2 b~hind Princeton in The Enquirer's preseason coaches poll. "They blitzed us early " said Moeller coach Steve Klonn~. "We had some trouble running the ball. We started running some things outside, and then we started throwing it." When one football team dresses 84 players and the other suits up 31, the team with fewer bodies can usually figure on a long evening. That's the situation Highlands faced. Yet coach Tom Duffy was pleased with his team's effort. "We came back and had a shot at it in the fourth quarter " he said. "_I don't think there was 'any question they w.ore our butts down ~orne. We fought them. We're gomg to be a good football team." Moeller won, but it was harder than expected. After Moeller took a 31-6 ·lead, Highlands closed to 31-22 with 6:22 to go. in the game. Though . Friday's game was Moeller's first, the Crusaders looked in mid-season form. Moeller had 372 yards offense.

. Highlands gained just 61 yards on the ground the first half, with 49 of those coming on a touchdown by Jason Sullivan with :08 to go in the half. Before that, Moeller took a 24-0 lead. Moeller opened the scoring on a 23-yard Brian Huston field goal. Keller then made the score 10-0 with a 33-yard scamper around left end with 6:16 to go, and linebacker Troy Tuck picked off an end-zone pass by Highlands quarterback Duffer, Duffey for another score. A third Moeller score in the half was on a seven-yard run by Derrick Edwards with :54 left. Green and fullback Dave Lapham hooked up for a 25-yard touchdown· with 8:16 left in the third quarter to give Moelle~ a 31-6 lead. · Then it was Highland{ turn to convert an interception into a touchdown. John Reynolds intercepted a Green pass and took it to the Moeller 3. Two plays later, Ryan Grimm scored from four yards out, and the two-point conversion pass from Duffy to Reynolds cut the Crusader lead to 31-14. . Highlands made it 31'-22 when Duffer Duffy found Sullivan with a 24-yard TD pass with 6:22 to go in the game. Keller ended the suspense 15 seconds later with an 85-yard kickoff return. Brian Skukan caught a 15-yard pass from Chris Vaught with 2:01 to go. . MOELLER 3 21 7 14-44 HIGHLANDS---· 6 8 8-22 M-Huston 23 field goal M·M. Kener 33 run (Huston kick) M·Tuck interception In end zone (Huston kick) M·Edwards 7 run (Huston kick) lf.Sullivan 49 run (run failed) M-Lapham 25 pass from Green (Huston kick) lf.Grimm 4 run (Reynolds pass from Duffy) H·SUifivan 24 pass from Duffy (Burns pass from Duffy) M·M. Keller 85 kickoff return (Lyons kick) M·Skukan 15 pass from Vaught (Lyons kick) Records: M Hl, H D-2.

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St. Ignatius Moeller J. . :J./ 1.3 challenges dynasty Cleveland St. Ignatius has replaced Moeller as Ohio's d0minant high school football team. When St. Ignatius beat St. xavier, 24-14, for the Division I state championship last year, it was the Cleveland school's fourth Division I championship in five seasons. This season, St. Ignatius not only is favored to again win the Division I state title, but it has been picked as the top team in the nation by USA Today. St. Ignatius is threatening Moeller's record of seven state football championships. "If they get to seven, I'll take my hat off to them," said Jim Lippincott, Moeller's athletic director from 1988-92. "I just don't think it will ever be equaled." St. Ignatius, which won its first state championship in 1989 against Moeller, will try this season to equal Moeller's feat of three straight state titles. St. Ignatius draws most top players in Cleveland. The Cleveland archdiocese, unlike Cincinnati's, has no geographical districts for assigning students to its individual schools. -

Richard Skinner

distribut~d among the parochial schools. "What I have noticed for us is From Page 1C our first team is probably just as on which parochial schools stu- good, but years ago our second-, third- and fourth-team guys were dents could attend. "Something the archhdiocese. all within a hair of being first wanted was parity and that's teamers," Klonne said. "Now, we what they've gotten," said ·Jim don't have that kind of depth." Klonne said success nowaLippincott; an assistant coach at Moeller from 1981-88 and its ath-. days likely will run in· two- and letic director from 1988-92 before three-year cycles instead of lasthe joined the NFL's Bengals as a ing for a decade. personnel assistant and scout. "In 1986 and 1987 we slipped Klonne, Moeller's head coach to 7-3 each year, then regrouped ·since 1982, has guided the Cru- the next two years and made the saders to an 111-23 record, state state finals," he •said. "I think championsh!ps in 1982 and 1985 that's the way it's going to be and a national championship in' anymore." 1982. He said dominant teams Former Moeller linebacker run in cycles and that the cycle Bob Crable, a member of the may have come to an end with 1975, '76 and '77 state championMoeller's decade run. ship teams that went 36-0, is in "Joe Public looks at us not his second year as an assistant playing for the state champion- coach at. Moeller after an NFL ship every year like we used to career with the New York Jets. and wonders where we've gone, He said it's unfair to consider a but if you look, no team has 7-3 season a failure. gone more than a 10-year period · "I know that when I went dominating like that," Klonne through it I got a lot more out of said. "There was Purcell (Mari- Moeller than just winning footan) in the 1950s and Roger bali games," said Crable, who Bacon in the 1960s. We've been also is teaching religion at the in the hunt for almost 20 years." school. "I'd like to think the Klonne agrees that the geo- measuring stick isn't wins and . graphical boundaries have had losses, but the total development an impact on there not being a. of the young man." dominant parochial team. ·· Said Lippincott: "People "It's just riot going to happen rolled their eyes when we went anymore as long as there are 6-4, but there are teams in the boundaries," he said. city that would beg, borrow and What that has caused is for steal to go 6-4. I don't think anythe talent pool to be more evenly body has to hang their heads."

Vikings welcome the ,

Mancuso s team again voted N 0 1

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BY DAVE SCHUTT};. Enquirer contributor

Normally low-keyed Pat Mancuso, Princeton's veteran football coach, accepted the news with pride and enthusiasm. "We feel real good about the rankings," Mancuso said. "Anytime you're rated this high, it presents a c~allenge, but I know the kids wtll accept it." Again this prese~so.n, Princeton was voted Cmcmnati's No. 1 high school football team, capturing 23 of the 30 first-place votes in The Enquirer coaches poll. Moeller, Elder, St. Xavier and Western Hills round out the top five, followed by La Salle, Middletown, Anderson, Colerain and CAPE.

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Princeton (23) .............. 300 Moeller (2) .................... 253 Elder (2) ....................... 222 St. Xavier (3) ................ 180 Western Hills ............... 130 La Salle ........................ 123 Middletown(1) ............. 113 Anderson ..................... 83 Colerain ....................... 70 CAPE ........................... 49

Others: Winton Woods 47, Harrison 42, Oak HIDs 28, Wyoming 18, Fairfield 15, Purcell Marian 14, Lakota, Woodward, Sycamore, Lockland 5, Roger Bacon 3, Hamilton, Amelia, Glen Este 2, Withrow, Goshen 1.

In the USA Today national poll announced last week, Princeton was ranked No. 8. If national and local acclaim isn't enough motivation, the Vikings need look no further than Mancuso as a rallying point. He will be after a milestone 300th career victory.

The Top 1 0 I Teams to watch

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Beginning his 34th year at Princeton and 36th as a high school coach, Mancuso tak~s a brilliant 295-86-14 record mto the 1993 season. He has won 277 games at Princeton. "This could be a special year, but achieving 300 victories isn't on my mind at this time," Mancuso said. "It can't be because I have to be concerned with the 0pening game which is the most im-

porta~t."

The Vikings open Friday at home against No.6 La Salle. Cincinnati's winningest football coach is the late Bron Bacevich, a dear friend of Mancuso who won 318 games during the 1950s '60s and '70s at Roger Bac~n. According to USA Today, the winningest public school coach was Gordon Woods of Brownwood, Tex. (408-88-12, 1940-85). · "We return six starters on defens~ and four on offense,"

Mancuso. said. This Il!ay also ~e the biggest team~ ve had m years, but '!'fe stdl have plenty of speed. Jeremy Teall, a 6-3, 190pound senior quarterba.ck.who transferred from Fairfie_ld, adds a badly needed passmg attack to an already potent running game. The offensive line is huge with Rick Scheiderer (6-3, 301), Erron Martin (6-2, 240), Joshua Matt~gly (5-10, 266) an~. Gene ~mith (6-5, 276). Defensively, we feel we are solid," Mancuso said. · If the Vikings slip, Moeller or Elder could take over the top spot. "Moeller's for real," Mancuso said. "Don't listen to Steve (Moeller coach Steve Klonne) if he tells you anything different." "Elder's quarterbac~ throws the. ba}} awf?l well, Mancuso said. They re also a solid club and very toul!h."

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• 1. MOELLER: The Crusaders, who failed to qualify for the state playoffs last year for the second season .in a row, have nine returning starters from a 7-3 team, including tailback Brian Balsly and offensive lineman Scott Goodheart. Moeller's defense is led by linebacker Troy Tuck, defensive end Wolfgang Schultz and lineman Brian Fitzpatrick. • 2. PRINCETON: The Vikings reached the playoffs last season in what coach Pat Mancuso called a "rebuilding year." The Vikings feature more than 30 seniors and two NCAA Division 1-A prospects - offensive tackle Rick Scheiderer and linebacker Gary Croley. Quarterback Jeremy Teall, a transfer from Fairfield, will add an air attack to a potent rushing game. • 3. ELDER: The Panthers started last season atop The Post's coaches poll and ranked sixth in the nation by USA Today, but finished 6-4. Coach Tom Grippa returns 10 starters, seven on offense, from that team. Quarterback Tim Hilvert and wide receiver Ross Hambleton will try to replace last year's combination of Mike Schwallie and John Miller. Linebackers Kit Hoffman and Kevin Buelterman will anchor the defense. • 4. La SALLE: The Lancers are looking to win their first Greater Catholic League football title. La Salle returns four starters from a team that went 7-3 in 1993. Quarterback Marty Pfiester will lead an offense that also features tailbacks Fred Kendall and Eric Rodenberg. Linebackers Adam DiPuccio and Ryan Murphy anchor the defense. • 5. COLERAIN: The Cardinals, 6-4 last season, return 12 starters - six on offense and six on defense - including running back Kevin Kidd, quarterback Rob Lazarus and linebacker Dwayne Ballard. Tim Kraus is one of the area's best kickers.

• 6. WESTERN HILLS: The Mustangs have four returning starters from last year's Metro County Conference championship team. Wide receiver Rasche Sumpter, quarterback Charlie Gourley and running back John Ingram power an offense behind 270-pound lineman Terrence Hill. • 7. WINTON WOODS: The Warriors return 12 starters six on offense and six on defense - from a team that came within three computer ranking points of qualifying for the playoffs. The secondary, led by all-state safety Tony George, will be a strong point. George had 12 interceptions last season. Winton Woods has 25 players weighing more than 200 pounds. • 8. ST. XAVIER: The 1992 Division I state runner-up lost all but ·.three starters from last year. Quarterback Damion Dooros, running back Kevin Ritter and wide receiver Tiant Selvie carry the burden of rebuilding the offense. Top defenders are linebacker Brad Ruther and lineman Matt Lodder. •·9. ANDERSON: Seventeen lettermen return from last year's team that went 10-0 in the regular season. Anderson won most of its 1992 games by wide margins, so the younger players usually played at least one quarter and gained varsity experience for this year. • 10. HARRISON: Coach Dick Nocks says the first five games of the season (East Central, Ind., Oak Hills, Turpin, Anderson, Winton Woods) will make or break his Wildcats. Harrison has 22 seniors. Leading the defense are tackle Darryl Frye and linebacker Mike Brotherton, who set a school record for tackles in one game with 23 last season. Top threats on offense are wide receivers Jason Campbell and Troy Borgemenke and tight end John Cloe.

Home-field edge determined sites BY TOM GROESCHEN . The Cincinnati Enquirer

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Hundreds of fans may be shut out of tonight's Moeller at Princeton and Anderson at St. Xavier football games, but the schools serving as hosts prefer home-field advantage to the larger ·gate of neutral Nippert Stadium .. Respective visitors Moeller and Anderson inquired about moving their games to UC's 35,000-seat Nippert, but Princeton (capacity 6,500) and St. Xavier (3,700) opted for their home fields. Princeton is sold out, and St. X will sell standing-room tickets tonight - it expects a crowd near 7,000. · · ' Anderson would appear in the worst predicament. The Redskins and St. Xavier both need a victory to gain the Division I playoffs, but St. X at least has home advantage. Anderson and St. X originally considered Nippert, but St. X last week opted for its home stadium. "No, I'm not upset. I'd use the word 'disappointed' instead," said Rich Neumann, Anderson athletic director. "Taking the home-field advantage from them was a con~ideration, yes, but it's also AstroTurf at Nippert. There wouldn't be a problem if the weather's bad." Pete Boylan, St. X athletic director, acknowledged that St. X could have made more money. playing at Nippert. "If the playoffs were not in the balance, we might have done it," Boylan said. "But in the end, we figured it was unfair to our kids." Princeton is hosting a Moeller-Princeton game for the first time since 1982. Tonight's game, the first since 1983 that, both schools entered with 9-0 records, has· stirred the most interest in years. Princeton opted to play at home, even though the game probably could have drawn 15,000 or more at Nippert. "We just felt we wanted it back here," said Pat Mancuso, Princeton football coach and athletic director. "A lot of people say, 'well, Princeton-Moeller, it's bigger than that,' but really, it's just a high school game. The years we played at other places were nice, but it's still not your home field. "I know there are fans that won't get in, but we're sorry, that's just the way it goes."

Moeller at Princeton • • • •

KICKOFF: 7:30p.m. SITE: Princeton High School, 11080 Chester Rd., Sharonville. RECORDS: Princeton 9-0, 7-0 GMC; Moeller 9-0, 4-0 GCLS. COACHES: Princeton, Pat Mancuso (304-62-11 ); Moeller, Steve Klonne

(111-23). • • • •

RANKINGS: Princeton No. 2 in The Post Division I poll, Moeller No. 1. HARBIN RATINGS: Princeton is No.2 in Region 4; Moeller is No. 1. LAST WEEK: Princeton beat Lakota, 27-13; Moeller beat Elder, 49-13. WHAT TO WATCH: The winner claims the mythical city championship.

Princeton, No. 2 in the Associated Press state poll, is led by safety John Baker, who has scored 38 points and leads the city in punt returns. The

Vikings' defense and special teams have scored 62 points. Moeller, ranked No. 3 in the state, will counter with running backs MaU Keller and Brian Balsly, who combined for 227 yards and four TDs last week. The game is sold out.

Football friendship of mutual respect Coaches K.lonne, ·Mancuso help each other improve BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

Ardent Moeller and Princeton football supporters might have difficulty understanding. To fans who aren't satisfied with mere victory but who want to run up the score, the revelation that Princeton coach Pat Mancuso and Moeller's Steve Klonne are best friends could come as a shock. "I don't recall how our friendship started," Mancuso said. "It just happened spontaneously and has grown over the years." While Klonne was an assistant under Gerry Faust long before he took over as ' ' Both of us head coach in 1985, this have a relationship somehow starttremendous ed and has continued. "No, our families don't desire to win, go out to eat or socialize," and no matter Klonne said. "This is a footwhat happens ball friendship. We talk shop and compare notes each when we play, week." we will remain Frequently during the season, Mancuso and friends.' ' Klonne exchange game - Moeller coach films in order to get across Steve Klonne a point that they had discussed on the telephone. From these conversations, both coaches attempt to develop more effective offensive and defensive formations to be used against certain teams. "We discuss opponents and what they did in certain situations," Mancuso said. "Steve may like certain things we do well and ask my advice on them." The two also discuss blocking, different pass protections and what routes receivers should run against ~ertain defenses. During the summer, Mancuso and Klonne get together to view films. "We talk less during the summer because Pat's usually out of town in July," Klonne said. "But in June and August, I may go to Princeton or he may come to Moeller to watch films." · So how will this weekly exchange of ideas affect tonight's battle between the two undefeated powers? "We may put in a few new wrinkles, but nothing major," Mancuso said. "Adding something new for one game would only compound the problem." _Klonne agrees: "When it gets down to this game,

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there will be just a few adjustments. It's not like we're giving away any secrets. It's just a matter of trying to improve every week." Since Klonne took over in 1982, Moeller has won eight of 12 games. Dating back to 1965, when the series began, Moeller is 23-7. The two powers have met in the Division I playoff four times, with Moeller winning three. They last met in the postseason in 1985; the Crusaders won, 24-12. "We treat each o~her with respect," Klonne said. "Both of us have a tremendous desire to win, and no matter what happens when we play, we will remain friends." Mar.cuso looks for a great game tonight. "We've never had a problem getting the kids up for Moeller," Mancuso said. "There will be a lot of respect out there on both sides, and it's not a game where either coach would run up the score." Although both teams have locked up Division I playoff berths, the team that wins clinches the city championship and finishes the season undefeated. The game is a sellout. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

High school football Titles, playo~f berths on line thi.s weekend BY TOM GROESCHEN The Cincinnati Enquirer

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The players can't wait to run out on the field, bands playing, crowds cheering. Fans and alumni are pumped, too. When the high school football season climaxes tonight, some of the biggest gamds of the year headlined by No. 1 Moeller vs. No. 2 Princeton for the city championship - will draw thousands and thousands to neighborhood stadiums all over Greater Cincinnati.

"When you think about it,'' said Boone County (Ky.) senior linebacker R.J. Riegler, "it's kind of amazing to see 8,000 or so people come out to watch a high school football game. It really makes you feel special." In Ohio, playoff berths are on the line for Anderson, St. Xavier, Lockland, Mariemont, Goshen, Ross, CAPE and Hamilton Badfu in the final game of the regular season. For CAPE (Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education), it is the last regular-season

scatter across the state for the first round of playoffs.

game eyer. The high school is due to close in the spnng. In Northern Kentucky, lllocal teams will

There will be upwards of 6,500 fans at the sold-out Moeller-Princeton game, and maybe 7,000 at St. Xavier for the St. X-Anderson game, with a Division I playoff berth going to the winner. That many people may also turn out at Boone County, which hosts Jessamine County in a Kentucky playoff game. And in Mariemont, where Lockla~d and Mariemont clash for a Division V berth, there could be 4,000 fans. Si Rose, a 32-year-old Lockland High (Please see SHOWDOWNS, Page E6)

Showdowns: 'It makes you feel special' /6

II ft:t-3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE El

grad and alumni association officer, is a typical diehard fan. His team is 9-0, but must win at Mariemont tonight to make the Division V playoffs. "We'll leave early for the game, and we may be tailgating like we often do," said Rose. "We may have several families, metts and brats, pizza. And of course we'll all be wearing our blue and gold." At Moeller, the cheerleaders have helped prime the players for The Game at Princeton. "Each week, they pick some seniors' homes and go out and decorate them,'' said Moeller booster Ray Goodhart. "I understand my grandson was on the hit list Thursday night." Goodhart, 68, is speaking of grandson Scott, a Moeller plaver. Five of Ray Good-

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hart's own sons played football at Moeller. "Seen every MoellerPrinceton game but one, and that was the time I broke my leg in 1991," said Goodhart. "I've got my tickets, and I've also got some friends coming in from Cleveland just to see the game." From Cleveland? Don't they have their own high school football there? "Yes, but they once saw Moeller play upstate, and they just got attached to them,'' he said. Dayton (Ky.) High is making its first playoff appearance since 1971. The Devils will play at Paris, Ky. "People are pretty excited,'' said Dayton coach Dan Ridder. "We've got several busloads going to the game. We're going to leave in the afternoor . and we've got a

police escort out of town. Everybody's excited, and we're going to do this up right." The saga of CAPE, which will close its doors after this academic year, could help some fans learn to better appreciate their schools. Financia! reasons helped shut down the school, which became a dominant Ohio football power in its short history. The Crusaders are heavily favored to beat Deer Park tonight and make the playoffs. CAPE will hold a special parents night tonight, but there's no talk of the end. "We have not addressed that at all,'' said CAPE coach Steve Sheehan. "We just know we have to win." That's how Mike Gusich, a safety on the St. Xavier team, sees it. If the Bombers don't beat Anderson, he may not want to go home - he lives

in Anderson Township. "I get lot 0 f he t b t . . . a a a ?U hvmg 10 A~?ers?n but playl~f for St. X,, ~aid Gus1c~. I know that s JUSt how 1t is around here." As a former player, Si Rose cherished a recent game at Lockland when coach Dave Wancata let him address the team. "It's hard, while you're in school, to have an appreciation for what's going on with the football team,'' said Rose. "The moment is here for the players, and it's very temporary. "I think you should always give back to the school that educated you, and I don't understand why more people don't do it. It's a great feeling."

Distractions don't .faze Vikings Vikings. "Darrell is averaging 4.4 yards a c'arry and George 3.7, which is good for us," Celebrations, distractions, controversy Mancuso said. "Cliff Matthews, the other and a death threat have marked Pat Mancustarter, has also picked up the slack and so's 34th year as Princeton's football coach. Under such circumstances, some teams - Princeton coach Pat Mancuso done a fine job." Princeton's strength this season has been might have struggled. Not the Vikings. the defense, which returned eight starters. Heading into Friday's showdown with No. "The defense has played extremely 1 Moeller at sold-out Princeton Stadium, at Fairfield. Mancuso is trying to put the past behind and Âˇ Through all this, the Vikings have won well," Mancuso said. "We are quick but not concentrate on winning the city champion- nine straight and are the No. 2 team in The exceptionally big, but we match up viell with Moeller." Enquirer's weekly poll. ship. Mancuso pointed to the defensive backNow comes Friday's long-awaited showConsider: .,.. The Vikings lost star running back , down that matches the Crusaders' powerful field of Mario Strayhorn, John Baker, Phil Brooks and Chris Gillam, along with lineRobert Pritchett for the season during the offense against a tough Vikings defense. "We struggled early in the season, but as backers Larry Croley, Terry Tucker and third game with a broken leg. .,.. Two weeks later, Mancuso celebrated they say, a win is a win," Mancuso said. . Jamie Smith, as keys .. "We pretty much like to keep it on the his 300th career victory, joiPing' an elite "We've been getting better every week, ground," Mancuso said. "Jeremy has thrown which is encouraging and a good sign." group of coaches at that milestone. After Prichard went down, Mancuso 92 passes in nine games and completed 50 .,.. Then came the controversy surroundbut has had only three intercepted." ing Vikings quarterback Jeremy Teall, a. faced another problem. Both teams have excellent kickers, with "We had to bring in several new people senior who transfered from Fairfield to take over the starting position. on the offense," Mancuso said. "It's tough the Vikings relying on Jay Comfort. Moeller The media built up the story going into losing a big running back who has such counters with Brian Huston. "We can't make mistakes or turn the ball Princeton's battle against Fairfield for the outstanding speed." Greater Miami Conference title. Darrell Deck, a 5-8, 158-pound speed- over to beat Moeller," Mancuso said. "The The day of the game, Teall received a ster, along with George Hudson; a 5-11, special teams will also play an important role death threat, prompting Princeton officials 167-pounder, were given the opportunity to and it's just a matter of not letting up." to provide their own security for the game step in. Both ~ave come through for the Kickoff is schedul.;>d for 7:30 p.m. BY DAVE SCHUTTE

Enquirer contributor

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The defense has played extremely well. ' '

Unbeatens ·fie for title of King of the Block By Peter Brewingl,on

USA TODAY

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Competitive pride fuels Cincinnati Moeller loolball coach Steve Klonne's 1111swers to questions about Princeton, Moeller's bost FridaY in the city title game. "We're not going into this thing to be ovenvbelmed by the No. 8 team in USA TO. DAY," says Klonne. ''They bave the ranking. We'll see." II Princeton (9-0) bas the ranking, Moeller (9-0) bas the track record, leading tbe series 23-7. Moeller is tbe catholic power Gerry Faust built before leaving lor Notre Dame. Klonne's Moeller record is 111·23 in 12 years, with one USA TODAY No. I 6nal ranking in 1982, two otber top-10 6nisbes and two Slate ti ties ('83, '85). Princeton coacb Pat Mllllcuso is 30+8&-14 in 39 years. He bas three top-25 USA TO. DAY 6nal ranking;. three state titles ("78, '83, '87) and three runners-up ('72, '88, '90) in 34 years at Princeton. Monday, Klonne, 47, and Mancuso. 63, talked about bow last the 6,000 tickets sold out Tbe men are friends with a lot in common. College coaching bolds no lure. Wbat they want out or coaching - control, job security, success - is round at their top-lligbt programs and exempli6ed by Friday night's showdown. The schools - one public, one catholic - are neigb· bors. "Many or their kids catcb the bus lor school at Princeton," says Mancuso. At stake: the King or the Block trophy. Asked il tbere is compeli: -tloD -tor· playen, Mancuso said, ''There's absolutely no recruilment or kids on their

NOTES part or our part. We lase some and we get some." Moeller is led by quarterback Mike Green (72-lor,J30, 1,132 yards, nine touchdowns) and tailbacks Brian Balsly (752 yards) and Matt Keller (540 yards). Princeton's top players are quarterback Jeremy Teall (50-lor-92, eigbt TDs), receiver Reggie Mills ( 39 catcbes, 602 yards, seven TDs) and 64, 301-pound tackle Rick Scbeiderer. Obio's top team is USA TODAY No. I Cleveland St. Ignatius (9-0), wbicb stands in tbe way ol eacb team's state title dreams. All three appear playolr-bound.

Princeton, Moeller play for city title Post staff report

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The mythical Division I city championship will be decided Friday night when Moeller plays at Princeton. For the ninth straight week, Moeller and Princeton stayed 1-2 in. The Post's Division I high school football poll, setting up Friday's showdown. A strange week among teams in the Division II-V poll saw considerable movement of teams. The top four ranked teams in last week's poll all lost, but Go· shen, which lost its first game Friday night, retained its No. 1 ranking. CAPE, which was knocked off by powerful Ironton, retained the No. 2 spot. ' . move Badin made the biggest in the Division II-V poll, going from No. 6 to No. 3. Wyoming moved up from No. 5 to No. 4. Loveland, which was upset by Mariemont, 13-10 in overtime, fell from No. 4 to No. 5. Roger Bacon, which was ranked as high as No.2 two weeks ago, slid to No. 6 after its second straight loss. The polls are selected by The Post high school sports staff with input from area coaches. Princeton is ahead of Moeller in the most recent state poll assembled by the Associated Press. The AP panel of sports writers and broadcasters ranks Princeton at No. 2 and Moeller at No. 3, though both teams received 4 first-place votes in this week's poll. Princeton had 336 total points according to the voting formula of the AP poll, trailing only Cleveland St. Ignatius (370).

City polls 11 -'l- '2JJ DIVISION I School

Last

1 1. Moeller 9 0 0 2 2. Princeton 9 3. Anderson 9 0 3 7 .2 4 4. Colerain 5. St. Xavier 6 3 6 7 2 4 6. Elder 7. Fairfield 7 2 7 8. Winton Woods 6 9 3 9. Harrison 6 3 10 10. Lakota 4 5 8 OTHERS: La Salle, Oak Hills, Western Hills.

· DIVISION School

II~V

Last

1. Goshen 1 1 8 2. CAPE 7 2 2 3. Badin 8 6 4. Wyoming 8 1 5 5. Loveland 7 2 4 6. Roger Bacon 6 3 3 7. Lockland 9 0 X 8.Ross 7 2 8 9.Norwood 7 2 9 10 10. Count!1 Day 8 OTHERS: Batavia, Franklin, Hillsboro, Kings,· Mariemont, Monroe.

Vikings-Moeller matchnp 20-0 in the seventh game of the By Mark Schmetze~ Contributor

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These things just don't happen. Princeton shutout? Scoreless? Zip? Nada? Goosegged? Noway. How often doesn't it happen? Try decades. When ~oeller upset Princeton, 19-0, m the regular-season football finale for both teams last season, it marked the first time in more than 20 years that the Vikings weren't able to push, pass or kick the ball . . over the goal line. Princeton scored something m each of the 214 games it played between a o-o tie with Upper Arlington in the fourth game of the 1972 season and last year's loss to Moeller. The last time the Vikings were shut out and lost was 1969, when Badin beat Princeton,

sea~on Princeton played 241 games.between shutout defeats. Ancient history won't mean a hoot to the Vikings who trot onto th field at Princeton Stadium Frlday night for the 31st game between Moeller and Princeton. Thev won't care too much that • .J • n1 7 23 · the Prin~eton Is o Y m · preVIous 30 games. Recent history might be more meaningful Many of the Vikings will rem~ber last year's loss, which most observers considered to be an upset. After all, M ller didn't even make the l oe ff last season p ~~Y this ye~'s matchup is more in k~eping with the traditions of these two giants, though Princeton's route to 9-0 has been a bit less than traditional. The Vikings, usually an offensive

powe;house, haye counted ~~ heavily on therr defense even veteran hteedd t fb:~~~ Mancuso expec a the season. . . Mancuso, who picked up his 300th victory as a head coach halfway . t~ough the season, knew gomg mtoultdhehaseasoton ht~dt his defense wo ve Ol the f rt bile his offense worked o w . . out the kinks of replacmg ~~~ starters, but ev~n he co . have been counting on getting eight touc~owns from sources other than his offense. . The most offensive of Princeton's defenders has been senior defensive back John Baker, who's scored thre~ touchdowns on I?unt returns ~ one ea~h on a kickoff ret~ terception return and e r e t u r n . B a k e r a 1m o s t

a playoff preview? singlehandedly won Princeton's thrown eight touchdown passes~ first two games of the season seven of them to senior wide receiver Reggie Mills. with such antics. The Vikings also have gotten That's what the Vikings will touchdowns on a kickoff return throw against a Moeller team by Clifford Mathews and, just that has been, well, more this past Friday in a 7.:1-13 win Moeller-like this year. The 9-0 over Lakota, on a 71-yard return Crusaders clinched their first of a fumble by senior defensive Greater Catholic League South title since 1990 with a surprisinglineman Jermaine Broach. That's not to say the Vikings ly easy 49-13 win at Elder this are completely punchless with past Friday night. They are the ball. Mathews, a senior averaging 35.7 points per game tailback, is z.veraging 5.4 yards while giving up just 11.7. per carry and has scored eight Like Princeton, Moeller can touchdowns from scrimmage. rotate tailbacks without losing Junior tailback Darrell Deck has production. Junior Matt Keller scored five touchdowns, one gained 140 yards and scored four while gaining 111 yards on 27 car- touchdowns - giving him 13 on the season - on just eight carries against the T-Birds. Also, senior transfer quarter- ries against the Panthers. Senior back Jeremy Teall has introduc- Brian Balsly has scored 10 ed the Vikings to the advantages touchdowns and is averaging 6.6 of a passing game. Teall has yards per carry this season.

Senior quarterback Mike Green passed the 1,ooo-yard passing mark against Elder, going 6-for-6 f9r 147 yards and two touchdowns. His go-to guy, apparently, is senior tight end Dave Lapham, who caught all six passes to give him 35 for 527 yards and four touchdowns this year. Moeller's defense has been as imposing as its offense, having allowed an average of 172.6 yards per game through the first eight games of the season. On the other hand, Princeton's defense was allowing only 179 yards per game through the first eight. Which means, as often happens in games of this magnitude, it could come down to defense. Oh, well, with Johnny Baker around, at least the Vikings won't get shut out.

..,. Coach: Tom Grippa (49-15). ..,. Division: I. ..,. Last year. 6-4. ..,. Outlook: Ten starters are back from a year ago, including linebacker Kit Hoffman. who was second on the team in tackles with 105; receiver Ross Hambleton, who runs a 4.5 40 and ~ad 38 catches for 580 yards and SIX touchdowns; and T.J. Hilvert, a senior quarterback who passed for 690 yards and nine TDs. . IJi.. Key matchups: Ben DaoJIS, Sept. 17; Moeller. Oct. 30.

WI Yr 220 12 ISO 12 185 12 Andrew Schroer ..•....•............... DB 6-3 175 12 steve Berkowitz ................•....... DB 5 ~ 160 12 160 12 0 ISO 12 Rob Oberjohann ........................ WR 5-6 140 12 Mark Moehring .......................... DB 5-IO 160 12 Ken Thamann ..........................RB·B 5-8 lBO 12 Kevin Buellerman ..................DB·R 5-ll 190 12 200 12 200 12 12 Brian McKenna ...................... DB-B S·IO 170 12 Casey Albertz ...........................WR 5-IO 165 200 12 165 12 225 12 200 12 Chris Broxterman ...................... OL 6· 240 12 185 12 200 12 240 12 215 12 210 12 190 12 170 12 10 Tony Catanzaro ......................... DE 5· Trey Radei ..................................TE 6-0 200 12 Ross Hambleton ........................ WR 6-l 180 12 Bob Schlacter ..............................PK ~~ 150 12 140 11 Jeff Brogan ................................. PK Arnie Sandman ........................... OL S·ll 220 11 Bill Reder ..................................... QB 5-IO ISO 11 11 Jon Broxterman .................... WR ·B 5-B ISO Doug Nicholas ............................. DB 5-11 165 11 Shane Adler .............................DB·R 5-~~ 160 II 205 11 Ryan SlaUmeyer .................... LB·E 11 Rob Plagge .............................. RB·B 5-9 lBO Casey McKenna .........................OL 5·10 230 11 Jamie Allen ..................................OL 5·10 250 11 11 Dan Delfendahl .......................... WR 6·5 170 Brad Lambers ............................ TE 6-2 190 11 180 11 205 11 165 II 175 11 11 Eric Prieslle ............................ OL·T ~l~ 225 180 11 215 II 250 11 210 II 205 11 235 11 11 Andy Bucher ....... - .............. R·DB 5 ~J 160 195 11 170 II 170 11 140 11 ISS 11

Name

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,;,~{~~~;~:/\=:;;::;:;;;://{:;~ ii 1. Moeller ..,. coach: Steve (192-23). . ..,. Division: I. ..,. Last year. 7-3.

Klonne

..,. Outlook: The Crusaders have 30 consecutive winning seasons, and coach Steve Klonne has several offensive weapons this year. Among them: senior Dave Lapham, a 6-2, 21 0-pound fullback who rushed for 393 yards and five TDs last season. Kicker Brian Huston connected on 24 extra points and seven field goals.

Name

Pos

~~ ~~

~[~::~:~~;-] ~l \~

~~·r~~J~~~.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::·~: s-5~ ~~

6-2 5-10 5-11 5-9 5·10 5-11 6·2 5-9 6·2 5·11 6·3

159 10 158 10 ISO -10 157 10 141 10 160 10 175 10 165 10 204 10 180 10 210 10

4. La Salle

..,. Coach: Jim Louder (31-19). ..,. Division: I. ..,. Last year: 7-3. ..,. Outlook: The Lancers have won seven or more games four straight years, making them one of the area's more consistent teams. This year should be no different. La Salle has backfield speed and depth. Marty Pfiester, a 6-2, 175-pound senior, will call the signals; Eric Rodenberg, a 6-2, 220-pound traf1sfer from Akron, is No. 1 running back. ..,. Key match ups: Princeton, Sept. 3; St. Xavier, Oct. 1; Moeller, Oct. 8; Elder, Oct. 15.

Jim i..iebe~i ..................................DB 5-9 Joe Haugh ....................................DE 6-1 Andre Collins ............................... DB 6-2 Brian Balsly ................................. TB 5-10 Dan Cox ........................................DB 5-8 Dave Lapham ............................. TE 6· 2 Dan Hounchell ............................. LB 5-11 Andy Beimesche ........................ OT 6·3 Jason Haskins ............................. LB 5·11 Craig Naish ..................................OG 6-2 Ryan Nagei .................................. OT 6-0 'Andy Shafer ................................ LB 6-0 Tom Brisken ................:............. WR 6-4 Kelly Scheidt ............................... DT 5·8 Jeff O'Connell ............................ WR. 6-0

145 210 198 182 150 205 195 245 202 197 218 185 173 195 173

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

5-10 6·2 6-0 6·1 6·2 6·1 6-1 6·2 5·8 6-0 6·3 5·11 5·11 6-2 6-3 6-0 5·11 6·0 5·11 6-4 6-0 5·8 5·11 5·10 5·11 6-3 5-11 5·11 6·2 5·8 6·0 6-1 5·11 6·3 6-2 6·0 6-4 6·1 5·11 6·2 6-1 6·3 6·2 6·1 6·1 6-5 6-2 5·11 6·5 6·1 5·9 6·2 6·1 5·1 0 5·10 5-9 6-4

195 181 202 211 175 225 210 184 182 175 196 202 165 192 174 158 175 205 200 170 185 165 182 145 170 182 160 167 225 127 171 205 209 210 250 225 274 246 170 176 148 244 195 195 170 181. 193 217 298 219 204 233 220 162 ISO 235 222

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 II 11 II 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11' II 11

Dan Gallagher .......................... OG Scott McKinney ......................... DE Brad Scheffer .............................OG Brad Rettig ................................. OG Andy Bailey .................................DE Scot Goodhart ............................ OG Brian Fitzpatrick ........................ DT Jim Holtel .....................................DT Denny Lewis ............................... DT Andy Burke ................................. DE Tony Keller ..................................DT Jim McCabe ................................ oc Rob Gruber ................................. DE John Merritt ................................TE Nick Hodge ................................. WR Chris O'Rourke .......................... WR Andy Simon ................................. LB Wolfgang Scholz ......................... DE Troy Tuck .................................... LB Todd Degenhart ........................ WR Matt Keller .................................. TB Chris Vaught ............................... QB Randy Adkins .............................. LB Steve Schreiber ............................ K Casey Liebert ............................. DE Pete Dabbelt .............................. WR AndyKwiatkowski .................... DB Jim Sprinkle ................................ DB Derrick Edwards ...................... FB Jason Zielinski ............................ DB Mike Steltenpohl ........................ DB Buddy Jackson ........................... DE Adam Shackleford ..................... OC Jermaine Monk .......................... LB Jason Cunningham ..................... OL Tim Budai .................................... OT Gabe Tincher .............................. OT Hari Daniels ................................. FB Todd Shafer ................................ DE Michael Ross .............................. DE Brian Eller ................................. WR Rick Clark .................................... OT Dan Koterba ............................... OC Todd Huffine ............................... LB Greg McHugh ............................ WR Bill Kemme .................................. TE Enzo MiUer .................................. OG Zach Gagel .................................. DT Steve Becker .............................. OT Aaron Hawley ........................... OG Drew Mueller ............................. DT Brian Leugers ............................. OT Jedd Williams ............................. OT Mike Schenk ............................... DE Brian Montag .............................. LB Jeff Lynch ................................... DT Rob MurphY ................................ TE

Jason Kettler ...............................LB JoeSprengard ............................ QB TylerTroppmann ...................... QB Dan Hayes ................................... RB Tom Kelly .................................... RB warren Dom ............................. WR Chris Hoffman ............................. LB Ben Moore ................................... RB Mike Marshaii ............................. LB ChrisCost .................................... DL Cam Cahiii .................................... DL

3. St. Xavier ..,. Coach: Steve Rasso (160-89-7).

..,. Division: 1. ..,. Last year: 13-1. ..,. Outlook: The Bombers are coming off one of the best years in their football history, making it to the state final. But St. Xavier returns only three starters from a year ago, among them tailback Kevin Ritter, receiver Tiant Sevile, kicker Dan Fricke, center Dan Williams. and linebacker Mike Kuhlman. Ritter's speed makes him one of the city's top backs. ..,. Key matchups: Centerville, Sept. 3; Moeller, Oct. 15. Name Pos Dan Fricke ..................................... K Damian Dooros .......................... QB Dan Armstrong .......................... DB Jef!Geoppinger ......................... DB Kevin Ritter ................................. RB Rob Prouty .................................. RB Malt Ladder .............................. MG Nick Kuhlman .............................. LB MikeBrierton ............................ WR Josh Peyton ................................ DE ChrisNewman ............................ DL Seth Bauguess ............................... K Tim Banker ................................. QB Mike Gusich ................................ DB T.J. Meyer .................................. DB Lemar Marshall ......................... DB Phil Sheridan ............................... DE James Cox ................................. WR Damian Wilcox ........................... DB MattBoich .................................. DE Chad Hickson .............................. RB Barrett Doxsey .......................... DB Tim Fitzpatrick ......................... WR Tiant SeiVie ................................ WR Mike Wenstrup .......................... DB Jason Kearns .............................. DE J.D. Belting ...................................LB Charles Luxford ......................... DL Manuel Chavez.. ......................... DL Joe Nichols .................................. OL Mark Anastasi ........................... OL Josh Young .................................. DL Brian Vaske .......................:....... DL Jason Enia ................................... OL Nick Reilly .................................... RB Mike Desherow .......................... LB Brian Merz .................................. OL

HI 5-11 6·1 5-9 5-6 6-0 5-7 6·0 6·2 5-10 6-2 5·11 5·10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6·3 5-11 5·9 5·8 5-10 5-10 5·11 6·1 6·1 5·11 5-10 6·1 5·8 6-1 6-2 5·9 6·0 6·1 5·9 5·9 6·0 5·10

Coaches Poll 1. Elder ....................................... 13 Moeller ................................. 13 3. St. Xavier .................................. 8 4. La Salle .................................... 6

170 165 ISS 140 160 ISS 205

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 II 11 11 II II II 11 11 II 11 II II II 11 II 11 11 II II II 11 II 11 II II

1~5

165 195 175 135 195 170 175 180 182 ISO 148 160 143 165 182 182 162 160 210 I 80 250 200 220 175 180 200 165 I85 176

Name Pos EricSchantz ............................... WR Jeff Powers ................................ RB Marty Pfiester ........................... QB Jason Ditullio ............................... RB Bill Heid ........................................ OT Matt Paul ..................................... DL Steve Sweeney ........................... DL Jim Fuchs .................................... OL Andy Neltner .............................. DE TimBurke ................................... OL Dan Vogei .................................... OL T.L Thrower .............................. OL Greg Gibson ................................ DL Mark Kathman ........................... OL Bill Rizzo ...................................... WR Ryan Murphy .............................. LB Bob Fasbender ........................... OL Kirk Lambert ..............................DL Brandon HaM.. .............................. LB Adam DiPuccio ........................... LB Joe Bennett ................................. DB Eric Rodenberg .......................... RB Rick Bernecker .......................... DB Jason Barela ............................... DB Eric Besse ................................... RB Eddie Lule .................................. WR Joe l:'arwish ................................ DB Mike Ditullio ............................... WR Jason Roberts ............................. DB Andy Weisman ..............................K Brian Howei. ................................ DB Brian Cramer .............................. DB Scott Paulinelli .............................RB Joe Crowley ................................ DB ShawnGronefeld ....................... DB JoshLebar .................................. DB KyleOehler ................................. DE Ryan Reardon ............................. DB Brian Hinton ................................ RB Jeremy Borgman ....................... LB Malt Brick ................................... OL Brian Werbrich .............................. C Ryan Beck ................................... OL Mike Heuer ................................. OL Brad Bien ..................................... OL Chris Trahan ............................... OL Drew Ostendorf ........................ WR Steve Culman ............................. WR Rob Cummings .......................... WR JarrodGreen ............................. WR Brian Held .................................... DL Keith Betz .................................... QB Nate Sex ion .................................QB

HI 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-0 6·2 5·10 5·11 6-1 6·1 5·9 6-3 6-1 6·1 6·2 6·0 6-4 6·4 6-0 6-3 6·2 5·11 6-3 6-2 5·8 5-11 5·6 5-6 5·10

5-7 5·9 6·0 5·8 5-9 5-B 5·9 5·11 5·10 6·2 5-7 6-0 5·8 6·1 5·11 5·9 6·1 6-2 6-2 6·3 5·11 6·1 6·1 6·0 6·0

WI 175 165 175 180 225 230 194 200 170 171 200 230 193 215 145 220 190 212 I80 195 170 220 165 165 180 145 ISO ISO ISS 145 145 148 160 ISO 145 180 175 145 160 185 157 195 171 212 215 225 180 170 145 167 205 ISS 165

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12. 12. 12 12 .12. 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 . 11 ·II • · .11 • II 11 · .. 11. .. 11 ll ·11· .11. •· 11 . II 11 II II II 11 II 11 11 II II II II II II 10

TOM UHI.Mmll'RESS COMTRIIIUTOR

Moeller players such as Dan Hounchell (42) had plenty to celebrate Friday night as the Crusaders' won their first GCL football title since 1990 when they pummeled Elder, 49·13, at

the Pll. The 9·0 Crusaders travel to Princeton Friday night to take on the 9-0 VIkings In another game In the schools' storfed rivalry.

Moe, Vikes stay unbeaten ;.I

COWbOyS TO} , St • X Wl.llS bid -'-0

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The highlight of week No. 9 of the prep football season was the Greater Catholic League Division showdown at ElderSouth (?-2, 2-2) between Moeller (9-0, 4..U} and the Panthers. Tbe Crusaders trounced Elder, 4g. 13 . to win the GCLS outright and all but clinch a Division I, Region Four playoff berth. Moeller romped to the win behind four Matt Keller touchdown runs and two Mike Green to Dave Lapham touchdown passes. The Crusaders defense befuddled Elder all evening too. Up next for Moeller is Princeton (9-0, 7..U), which put a victorious spin on its Greater Miami Conference finale with a 27-13 win over Lakota. The Vikings win the GMC again and seem to be a sure bet for the playoffs, but a win over Moeller this Friday would help secure that scenario. Darrell Deck scored on a 3-yard run, "Touchdown" John Baker returned a punt 56 yards for a

score, Jeref!ly Teall tossed .a 34-yard sconng pass to Reggie Mills and Jermaine Broach returned a Lakota fumble 71 yards for the final score of the night Wyoming (8-1, 6-1) drubbed Read in~. 34-17, at home in a Cincinna ti Hi s League rna t~"" l;uup bet ween the Millcreek Valley rivals. The Cowbovs have won seven straight 1 and might be the hottest team in town, but their Division IV, Region 16 playoff chances still seem a stretch as they lagged behind the top foutr spotst. in last week's Harbin compu er ra wgs. Steve Pipes scored twice and John Johnson scored on a 78-yard run as the Cowboys rolled to a 34-Q halftime lead and cruised to the win. In a big non-league game for St. Xavier (6-3), the Bombers put themselves in even better Division I, Region Four playolf contention with a huge 42-13 win at 7-2 Lancaster Friday night. Kevin Ritter scored four touchdowns and Joe Sprengard threw for two more scores. If the Bombers beat Anderson at home this Friday night. there's

almost no way they'd miss the playoffs. Roger Bacon (6-3, 4-1) blew its chance for an outright GCL North Division championship - falling 19-6 to Purcell Marian Friday night. The Spartans were unbeaten · Nortb D'I VISion · · p1ay pnor · to th e m Purcell game, but have now lost two game.·sin a row. Instead, Bacon settles for a three-way tie for first along with Hamilton Badin and Purcell. Bacon, which was fourth in the Division II, Region Eight playoff standings last week, didn't help itself with the loss to Purcell. It finishes the season at 3~ Northwest this Friday night. • Regional cross co'll!ntry: Princeton's boys placed eighth in Division I at Troy and Wyoming's boys team placed 13th in Division III. . • District volleyball: Wyoming lost 1().15, 15-2, 15-6 in the district final to Springfield Central Catholic Saturday afternoon in Fairborn. The Cowboys close their season at 11-8.

La Salle's Louder calls big game· a classic tossup By Mark Schmetzer .

Contributor

II-3·- ·1..3

Jim Louder wanted to make sure he wasn't going to be put on a spot for which he might have to answer later say, next season. "You don't want me to make a prediction, do you?" he said. In anticipation of this Friday's Moeller-Princeton matchup, Louder had been asked for his impressions of the Crusaders and Vikings. As La Salle's head football coach, he is in a unique position. The Lancers are the only team to have played both this year. La Salle almost got the season off to a swinging start. In the opener for both teams, the Lancers held Princeton to seven yards of total offense in the first half and 56 in the game. But La Salle lost the battle of the special teams, forcing one safety while giving up a safety and allowing Johnny Baker to score touchdowns on a kickoff return and punt return in a 23-8 Princeton victory. "Princeton's got very good speed," Louder said. "We got murdered on special teams. We concentrated on stopping their veer offense and putting pressure on the quarterback in passing

situations." "Another thing that hurt them, I think, is that we had a torrential downpour about two hours before the game. The field was a total quagmire. It hurt us, too, but I think it hurt them more." · La Salle didn't have such luck in Week No. 7. The Crusaders were rolling by then, and they rolled over the Lancers, 34-13. "I don't think Moeller has too many weaknesses," Louder said. "I've been here six years, and I think this is the best Moeller team I've seen. They don't have a great running back, like a Francisco (he didn't specify Hiawatha or D'Juan), but their running backs, line and receivers make them a very good team. If they continue to play as well as they have been, they won't. bea~ themselves.~'·

Louder doesn't expect to see either team make those kinds of mistakes. "Both teams are well-coached," he said. "It's going to be an interesting game. It's going to be a good game." '

Princeton and Moeller meet once again (Friday night, 7:30 p.m., Princeton Stadium) with unblemished records. Both are 9-0. Both are champions of their leagues.. ·

Football week Friday, Nov. 5 Moeller (9-0) at Princeton (9-0), 7:30 p.m.:It will be standing room only at Viking Stadium Friday night as two of greater Cincinnati's titans duke it out. And there's a lot at stake this year. Both teams were in the top four of the Harbin computer ratings prior to last weekend's games. Moeller won at Elder and are a lock for the playoffs no matter this Friday's outcome. Princeton ran its record to 9-0 and finished Greater Miami. Conference play at 7-Q with a win over Lakota last weekend. But the Vikings need to win to guarantee themselves a .

playoff spot. A loss to Moeller would leave . Princeton 9-1 and looking at teams like Troy, Centerville, St. Xavier and AndersOn in the region.. So expect a rock-'em, sock-'em affair highlighted by Princeton's big play capability and Moeller's balanced, steady attack. ·

•

Others: Friday, Nov. 5 - Wyoming at Taylor, 7:30p.m.; Roger Bacon at Northwest, 7:30p.m.; Anderson at St. Xavier, 7:30p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 - Landmark Christian at Fort Recovery, 1:30 p.m.

Moeller wouldn't wait Klopne's 'year-away' comment proved wrong BY DAVE SCHUTTE

tt/J[Cf"J

Enquirer contributor

"We're a year away," Moeller football coach Steve Klonne proclaimed prior to the start of the 1993 season. "We lack depth at the running back, receiver and linebacker positions." But anyone who had the ability to read between the lines could see the Crusaders would be a force in 1993, with enough tools not only to win the Greater Catholic League crown, but also the city championship. Mter nine convincing victories, Klonne's pessimism has turned to optimism as the undefeated and No. 1-ranked Crusaders prepare for the city championship showdown with No.2 Princeton on Friday at Princeton. Both teams have clinched Division I playoff berths. "This is the first time since the 1984 season that Moeller has a chance to go undefeated during the regular season," Klonne said. "We've had good success against Princeton The Cincinnati Enquirer/Steve Rosenber! but this game will be especially tough because ~oelle~·s success against Princeton Friday we'll have to guard against a letdown coming off ould nde on the production of tailback an emotional victory over Elder." ~att Keller, who has 13 TDs this season.

Finding a weakness in a Crusader offense that has racked up 322 points and 351.1 yards a game is almost impossible. Complemented by outstanding receiver Dave Lapham (35 catches for 515 yards), quarterback Mike Green has been brilliant, completing 72 of 130 pases for 1, 132 yards and nine touchdowns. While junior tailback Matt Keller has scored 13 touchdowns and given the Crusaders a much needed outside threat, senior halfback Brian Balsly has quietly assumed the rushing leadership. Moeller's defense is also strong, allowing 179.6 yards a game while giving up only 106 points. Highlands scored the most points in the opener, racking up 22. Lineman Brian Fitzpatrick and Tony Keller show the way for the defense. "Princeton is a hard team to judge," Klonne said. "They will raise to a level of quickness and athleticism that we haven't seen this season." Princeton brought a 9-0 record into last ye<~r's game at Galbreath Field. The Vikings were thwarted in their bid for a perfect season, losing to the Crusaders 19-0. "We've never had to say much before this game/' Klonne said. "Both teams will be ready."

FOOTBALL STANDINGS C.-Julienne......... Alter................... McNicholas.......

Jl> Greater Miami Conf. Team Princelon__ ,,,_. Fairfield.. _,_...... Lima Senior....... Lakota.... _ .... -.. Sycamore.......... Middlelo.,n....... Millard.... __....... Hamilton_........

League overall W L W L 7 5 5 4 3 3 1 0

0 2 2 3 4 4 6 7

9 7 7 5 4 4 2 1

0 2 2 4 5 5 7 8

252 202 265 204 99 128 129 127

98 181 188 176 199 218 233

Jl> Cincinnati Hills Leag. League overall W L

Team

PF'

W L

Jl> Fort Ancient Valley Conf. League Overall Team W L w L PF PA

Team Colerain.............. West. Hills......... Oak Hills............. Mt. Healthy....... Withrow............. Aiken......... :........

Deer Park.........

Readirig .. _....... ~··· Taylor ................. lndianHiK............

Goshen............... Ross .................... Norwood............ Kings................... Wilm~ngt:cn ...... -

Little Mi,.,L..... Mason ............. -

Springb<J1l.........

136

0627

5172

2 2

4 4

5 5

2 1

4 5

2 2

7 7

270 220

130 117

273

158 161 223 212 198 244

206 171 205 142

112

Jl> GCL-South Team r" Moeller .. _... _ ... .. Elder ...... _ ........ .. Sf. xavier .......... . La Solie-..............

League Overall W L W L

322 222

211

149

106 146 129 145

League Overall

Roger Bacon-.. Pur.M;~rlan ..... .

202 145 229

League Overall W L W L 5 4 2 2 2 I

0 1 3 3 3 4

9 4 3 3 2 5

0 5 6 6 7 4

League Overall W L W L 4 3 · 2 1 0

0 1 2 3 4

6 6 4 3 1

PA 110 117 160 198 255 216

3· 3 5 6 8

7 5 5 3 2 1

228 307 238 129 76

146 155 231 226 378

2 3 4 6 7 8

349 168 135 126 78 52

124 140 157 223 185 289

Jl> Miami Valley Conference Team Lockland............ Cincinnati C.D... Batavia............... •summit c.o..... "New Miami..... L. Christian........

League overall W L W L 5 0 4 · 1 3 2 1 3 1 3 0 5

9 8 6 2 3 0

WL'WL PF 4181245

0 I 3 6 5 9

350 214 188 183 252 46

76 95 116 266 253 346

1-summit CO-New Miami game ended in tie and will be completed later.

.154

137

Team

124 87 158

Bethel-Tate ...... .

Hillsboro ............. W.Brown ..........

League Overall W L W L 4 4 3

1 1 2

7 6 6

Clermont NE ..... League Overall Team Franklin ..............

Lem. Monroe .. .. Talawanda ....... .

Miamisburg ..... .

Carroll............... . Edgewood ........ . Fenwick .............

League Overall W L W L 0 1 2 3 4 5

124 205 83

Blanchester ...... . N.Richmond ...... .

Lebanon .............

Jl> Metro County Conference 5 4 3 2 1 0

154

Williamsburg .... .

2 3 3

223 149

156 290

Jl> Mid Miami League

PF 306 191 163 175 130 192

Jl> Southern Buckeye Conf.

Jl> GCL-North Team Badin .................. .

133 139 105

Jl> Queen City National PA

Team Winton Wds...... Harrison............. Walnut Hills....... Northwest......... Hughes...............

5172'224 5181278 5 2 7 2 241 5263236 3363237 I 5 2 7 139

4 3 1

Jl> Queen City American Team Anderson........... Woodward........ Glen Este........... Turpin................. Amelia................ Taft.....................

80 Ill 92 141 141 250. 194 247

CAPE ..... _ ........ . Wyoming._ ....... . LovelandL_.... -.. Mariemont ...... .

3 4 5

234 217 223

176 144 121

W L 5 1 4 2 4 2

W L 8 1 7 2 6 3

3 3 1

7 3 2

2 3 3 4

2 6 5 4

Jl> Others Oint on Massie..

Madeira............. Midd. Madison. Carlisle............... HiUcrest.............. No. College Hill.. Waynesville....... East Oinfon.......

5 3

4 6

1 1 0 0

4 8 8 9

Finneytown ......;

218 213 249 261 135 100 155 77

155 110 185 112 228 141 177 251

278 203 108 56 58 115 80 71 65

43 127 278 178 119 388 221 339

309

Jl> Kentucky Team Covington Catholic........................... Newport CC......................................

W 9 9

Harrison Co.......................................

8 8 7

Boone County................................... Simon Kenton...................................

Highlands........................................... Lloyd.................................................. Campbell County.............................

Beechwood.......................................

6 6

Conner................................................ Carroll County.................................. Dayton............................................... Dixie Heights....................................

Bellevue............................................. Newport............................................ Ryle.................................................... Ludlow ........................................... .. Scott...................................................

6 6 6

5 3 3 4 ~

L 1 I 2

2 3

3 4 4

5 7 7 6

Holmes...............................................

6 8 9 9

Grant County....................................

10"

FOOTBALL-STATISTICS Football Pts 1. MoeRer !12!...........~............................ 147 2. Princeton (3)................................................. 138 3. Anderson....................................................... 114 4. St. Xavier........................................................ 100 5. Elder................................................................ 74 6. Fairfield........................................................... 70 7. Colerain........................................................... 41 B. Goshen ............................................................. 32 9. CAPE............................................................... 32 10. western His.................................................... 24 Others: Lockland 10, Wyoming 9, Winton Woods, Lakota 5, Lima, Roger Bacon, Purcell Marian 4, Badin 2, Ross, Wyoming.

.,.. Scoring Player, School Alexander ,BooneCty .... . Stiegall, Talaw ................ . Kidd, Colerain ................ .. Barkley, CCD ................ .. Pennington, Fair ............ . Monk, Franklin ............... Trevino, Bet·Tate ........ .. Houston, Ross ............... .. Cobb, Norwood.............. . Martini, East Cent........ . Andreadls, Anderso.... .. Nichols, Batavia ............. . Hart, East Central.. ...... . HaR, Walnut Hills ............. Rayborn. Milford .......... .. Sandtoss, Newport.. ......

Pence, Mason ................ . Russel, Gin-Mass .......... Baynard, Lockland........ Nelson, Taft.. .................. . Samuels, Lakota.......... .. Keller, Moeller ..... - .. .. Straight, Blanch.............. B.Wilschevick.Lock ...... . Schibi, Norwood.............. Holmes. Lloyd................ . Ventura, Madeira ........ .. Rogers. New Miami...... . Huston, Moeller.............. Anderson, CAPE.......... .. Hamner, Hamilton ......... Hambleton, Elder .......... . Hart, New Miami... ........

Johnson, Walnut.. .......... . Ritter, St. Xavier ........... . Hardy, West Brown.... .. Faris, Harrison.............. .

Smith, West Brown ...... . Stinson, Taylor .............. ..

G Pos. TO.PAFG Tot 10 RB 32 0 0 192 9 RB 24 4 0 148 9 PB 21 2 0 128 9 RB 20 0 0 120 9 RB 20 0 0 120 7 RB 19 0 0 114 9 RB 16 12 0 lOB 9 RB 17 4 0 106 9 RB 15 12 0 102 9 RB 17 0 0 102 9 RB 16. 4 0 100 8 RB 14 12 0 96 9 RB 16 0 0 96 9WR 1124 0 90 9 RB 14 4 0 88 10 RB 14 4 0 88 9 TB 14 1 0 86 9 WR 12 14 0 86 9 RB 13 1 0 80 9 RB 13 0 0 78 9 RB 13 0 0 78 9 TB 13 0 0 78 9 RB 12 2 0 74 9QB112070 9 TE 10 10 0 70 10 RB 10 1 0 70 9 RB 10 10 0 70 9 RB 11 4 0 70 9 PK 0 39 10 69 9 TB 11 1 0 68 9 RB 11 2 0 68 9WR112068 9 RB 11 2 0 68 9 RB 11 2 0 68 9 RB 11 0 o 66 9 WR 11 0 0 66 9RB110066 9 RB 11 0 0 66 9RB911065

.,.. Rushing Player, School Alt. Yards Avg. Barkley, CCD ................................. 178 1938 10.9 Alexander, Boone County ........... 168 1749 10.4 Martini, East Central ................... 156 1635 9.0 Stiegall, Talawanda ...................... 167 1573 9.4 Andreadis, Anderson ................... 176 1556 8.8 Kidd, Colerain ................................. 174 1507 8.7 Pennington, Fairfield .................... 250 1494 5.9 Nelson, Taft .................................... 133 1397 10.5 Houston, Ross ................................ 186 1315 · 7.1 Ventura, Madeira ......................... 167 1299 7,8 Cobb, Norwood ..............................218 1242 5.7 Trevino, Bethel·Tate .................... 180 1205 6.7 Rayborn, Milford ........................... 186 1160 6.2 Monk, Franklin .............................. 124 1139 9.2 Pence, Mason ................................ 207 1087 5.3 Hart, East Central ........................ 105 1050 10.0 Baynard, Lockland ....................... 126 1040 8.3 Rogers, New Miami ..................... 147 1026 7.0 Conrad, Holmes ............................. 184 1010 5.5 Platter, Deer Park ........................ 165 1000 6.0 Nichols, Batavia ............................. 116 962 8.3 Straight, Blanchester ................... 293 937 4.8 Killens, Purcell Marian ................. 164 931 5.7 Hamilton, Indian Hill ...................... 147 928 6.3 Ripberger, Ryle ............................. 188 927 4.9 Orr, Mariemont ............................. 152 888 5.8 Samuels, Lakota ........................... 147 868 5.9 Freund, Turpin ............................... 133 867 6.5 Fancher, Kings ............................... 155 864 5.6 Smith, Western Brown ................ 113 840 7.4 Stinson, Taylor ............................... 179 829 4.6 Mercer, Madeira .......................... 167 824 4.9 Holmes, Lloyd ................................ 151 813 5.4 Scott, Middletown ......................... 128 781 6.1 Mathews, Princeton ..................... 142 n1 5.4 Sparkman, Simon Kenton ............ 150 762 5.0 Balsly, Moeller .........~................ 113 744 6.6 Hamner, Hamnton ........................ 142 742 5.2 Smith, Lakota ................................ 154 737 4.8 Wiliams, Northwest ..................... 131 711 5.4 Lewis, Reading .............................. 138 711 5.2 WiMiams, Roger Bacon ................. 141 711 5.0 V•lentine, Wilmington .................. 145 711 4.9 Hall, Scott ........................................ 115 706 6.1 Miller, Glen Este ............................ 125 694 5.6 lnarr::m, Western Hills .................. 114 692 6.1 Aod<rson, CAPE ............................ 96 680 7.1

Johnson, Loveland ........................ 114

676

5.9

.,.. Passing Player, School Aft Comp McHenry, Walnut Hills ................. 228 121 Hilvert, Elder .................................. 244 119 Hall, Harrison .................................232 131 Brewer, Williamsburg ..................216 114 Powers, Scott ................................201 122 Downing, Hilsboro ........................ 179 99 Henderson, Lima ........................... 153 85 Huey, East Central ....................... 131 89 B.Wilschevick, Lockland ............. 142 84 Johnson, Talawanda ..................... 114 60 Jones, Woodward ......................... 169 58 Lee, Lloyd ....................................... 177 82 Green, Moeller ..................... 130 72 Peters, Western Brown .............. 120 60 Wulff, Franklin ............................... 144 74 Cannon, MI. Healthy ..................... 178 74 Burdine, Kings ................................ 133 69 Neubauer, Simon Kenton ............ 152 68 Hensley. Northwest ...................... 138 61 C.Rieck, Glen Este ........................ 147 55 Berwin, Norwood .......................... 129 62 Ridley, Taft ..................................... 120 57 Nier, Clinton-Massie :.................... 103 53 Black, Mariemont ......................... 11 8 62 Gregory, Lebanon ........................ 112 67 Ratliff, Lemon Monroe ................. 94 43 Wiggins, Newport CC .................... 92 51

Yds 1977 1816 1760 1442 1415 1397 1379 1371 1348 1212 1211 1154 1132 1086 1072 1046 1035 1006 979 953 945 934 927 926 912 882 873

~~!~;~~!c~t::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~ i~ Seizer, McNicholas ....................... 157 77

825 824 801

Ahrens, Roger Bacon ................... 111 Stewart, Oak Hills ......................... 130 · Long, Wilmington .......................... 131 Glassmeyer, Turpin ..................... 104 Hergott, Beechwood ..................... 80 J.Hendrix, CAPE ........................... 110 Mcintyre, New Miami .................. 92 Pfiester, La Salle ........................... 127

51 63 59 40 70 50 46 61

863

799

780 774 725 723 716 708 693

.,.. Receiving Player, School No. Hall, Walnul Hills ............................. 55 Hambleton, Elder ........................... 54 Gregovich, WiHiamsburg .............. 47 Campbell, Harrison ........................ 40

~~£o~~~~~f~li~

.. :::::::::::::::::::::::::: Siemer, Scott .................................. 39 Gefz, East Central ......................... 36 Bohlen, Mariemont ........................ 35 Lapham, Moeller ,,_,,, ............ 35

~i~~~:: b~d::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~

Hall, Scott ......................................... 30 Moore, Kings .................................. 30 Moering, McNicholas .................... 29 Montgomery, Mt. Healthy ........... 25 Pruitt, Oak HiHs .............................. 25 Cloe, Harrison ................................. 25 J.McKinney, Lockland .................. 24 Monday, Lockland ......................... 24 Stacy, Roger Bacon ....................... 23 Maxwell, East Central .................. 23 Holbert, Harrison ........................... 23

~~~~!~~~~=b·;n~~··:::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~

Rogers, New Miami ...................... 22

A. McGinnis, Hillsboro ................... 22 Russell, Clinton~Massie ................. 21

Rasheed, Woodward ..................... 21 Jones, Talawanda .......................... 21 Captain, Hillsboro ........................... 21 Martin, Turpin ................................ 21 Lewis, Batavia ................................ 21 Sandusky, Taylor ........................... 21 Louisa, Williamsburg ..................... 21 Bechtold, Amelia ............................ 21 Ford, Hillsboro ................................ 21 Gladden, CAPE ............................... 20 Schibi, Norwood .............................. 20 Helvey, Lemon Monroe ................ 20 Scherzinger, Western Brown ...... 20 Murphy, Blanchester .................... 20 Pringle, Middletown ...................... 20 Sandhas, Elder ................................ 19 Carter, Taft ..................................... 19 Beatty, Hillsboro ............................ 19 Delfendahl, Elder ............................ 19 Paulinelli, La SaUe ........................... 19 R. Sandtoss, Newport CC ............. 18 Evans, Lakota ................................ 18 Merz, Clinton-Massie .................... 18 Hodson; Wilmington ....................... 18 Burns, Wilmington ......................... 18 Ishmael, Simon Kenton .................. 18 Weeks, Williamsburg .................... 18

Yds Avg. 1417 25.8 14.9 805 11.2 527 684 17.1 576 14.4 15.4 602 522 13.3 15.4 553 603 17.2 14.7 515 17.8 588 488 15.3 13.1 393 366. 12.2 404 13.9 17.2 430 18.1 402 391 15.6 499 20.8 304 12.7 539 23.5 19.9 459 163 7.1 393 17.9 14.4 317 313 14.2 11.0 243 26.2 552 511 24.3 410 19.5 19.0 391 379 18.0 15.2 319 14.6 306 261 12.4 12.4 260 7.0 186 17.8 356 17.5 350 15.0 300 15.4 307 294 14.7 232 11.6 22.4 425 18.6 288 285 16.0 233 12.3 216 11.5 361 22.6 17.2 318 273 15.2 14.7 265 261 14.5 12.1 218 206 11.4

.,.. All-purpose yardage Player, School Alexander,Boone Cty .... StiegaH, Talawanda ........ Barkley, CCD ................ .. Andreadis, Anderson ... .

G Rsh Rec Ret Total 10 1749 94 429 2272 9 1573 367 315 2255 9 1938 70 221 2229 9 1556 14 479 2048

Nelson, Taft.. .................. . HaH, Walnut Hills............ .

9 1397 221 343 9 26 1417 452

Rogers, New Miami ...... .

9 1026 313 526

Kidd, Colerain. ................. Cobb, Norwood .............. . Hal, Scott.. ....................... Houston, Ross................. Brockhoeft, Beechwd.. . Ventura, Madeira .......... Straight, Blanchester .... Nichots, Batavia............ .. Platter, Deer Park ......... Conrad, Holmes .............. Baynard, Lockland........ Stinson, Taylor ................ Trevino, Bethel·Tate .... . Freunct Turpin .............. ..

9 1507 9 1242 10 706 9 1315 9 555 9 1299 9 937 8 962 9 1000 10 1010 9 1040 9 829 9 1205 9 867

11 36 393 35 246 56 136 67 83 0 204 0 32 96

182 386 399 105 650 53 320 337 '254 298 000 410 0 270

1961 1895 1865 1700 1664 1498 1455 1451 1408 1390 1366 1337 1308 1244 1239 1237 1233

.,.. Kickoff returns Player, School No. Barkley, CCD .................................... 5 George, Winton Woods ................... 7 Bell, Middletown ............................... 5 Mathews, Princeton ........................ 6 Albertz, Elder ................................... 6 KeRer, Moeller ... """"" ..................... 7 Alexander, Boone County ............ 11 Wall<er, Lima .................................. 14 Bohlen, Mariemont .......................... 8 Taylor, CCD ....................................... 6 Mercer, Madeira ............................. 6 Nichols, Batavia ................................ 7 Nelson, Taft ..................................... 12 Andreadis, Anderson .................... 14 WiUiams, Loveland ......................... 11 Denton, NCH ................................... 12 J.McKinney, Lockland .................... 8

Yds 200 256 179 212 211 242 373 461 250 180 174 202 343 389 302 321 210

Avg. 40.0 36.5 35.8 35.3 35.2 34.6 33.9 32.9 31.2 30.0 29.0 28.9 28.5 27.8 27.4 26.8 26.3

.,.. Kick scoring Player, School FG Huston, Moeller .:.~ .................... 10 Kraus, Colerain ................................. 6

~~~~~~~y~~~ier·::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~

Francis, Lemon Monroe ................. 6 Comfort, Princeton .......................... 3

Byrd, Boone County ........................ 0 Vaughn, Wilmington ........................ 5 Stamp, Lakota .................................. 3 C.McKinney, Lockland .................... 0 Hillner, Newport CC ......................... 1 Poggi, Kings ....................................... 4 Dahlmeier, Mariemont ................... 1 Bonini, CCD ........................................ 1 Money, Fairfield ............................... 3

PAT Total 39 69 33 51 47 47 23 41 29 38 36 36 20 35 25 34 32 32 29 32 20 32 28 31 27 30 21 30

.,.. Punting Player, School No. Yards Avg. Galimore, Batavia ......................... 24 1056 44.0 Taylor, CCD ..................................... 20 839 42.0 Brenner, Western Brown ............. 27 1119 41.4 Dahlmeier, Mariemont ................. 27 1090 40.3 Kraus, Colerain ............................... 20 804 40.2 Rickard, Franklin ........................... 19 748 39,4 Howe, Norwood .............................. 19 743 39.1 Henderson, Lima ............................ 17 645 37.9 C. Baker, Blanchester ................... 30 1106 37.0 Bailey, Oak Hills .............................. 24 888 37.0 Riley, Walnut Hills .......................... 22 806 36.6 Evans, Winton Woods ................... 24 877 36.5 HiM, Northwest ................................ 30 1090 36.3 Colemire, Boone County ...... -......... 9 326 36.2 Exeler, Lloyd .............................. ,_, 17 615 36.2 Carter, l"'illiamsburg ..................... 31 1123 36.2 Peace, Madeira ................................ 8 285 35.6 WiMiams, Loveland ......................... 32 1137 · 35.5 Gourley, Western Hills .................. 40 1419 35.5

.,.. Punt returns Player, School No. Yards Brockhoeft, Beechwood ................. 7 247 Russell, Clinton-Massie ................. 11 367 Harris, Taft ...................................... 8 225 Baker, Princeton ............................ 13 351 Morks. Lloyd .................................... 5 118 George. Winton Woods ................... 7 165 Monday, Lockland ........................... 6 134 Smith, Western Brown ................... 7 138 Bramlage, Boone County ............... 8 134 PaganeHi, Colerain .......................... 16 315 Lewis, Batavia ............:..................... 7 123 Anderson, CAPE ............................ 22 388 Payne, Northwest ............................ 5 87 Pemberton, New Richmond .......... 6 94

~~~~~~%~a;;;-1·:::::::::::::::::::::::::::!~

Thompson, Lakota .......................... 7

·~~

105

Avg. 35.2 33.3 28.1 27.0 23.6 23.5 22.3 19.7 18.8 17.7 17.6 17.6 17.4 15.6 15.5 15.1 15.0

Harrington, East Central; Moore, Kings; Walters/ Clinton~Massie; Nier, Clinton~Massie; Payne, Northwest; Buttons, Winter. Woods; Kirzner, CCO; Martin, TurpiOi Rabin, Lakota.

.,.. Fumble recoveries 5: Richter, Glen Este; Atkins, Purcell Marian;

Metz, Madeira; Carter, Williamsburg; Gallimore, Batavia 4: Amend, Roger Bacon; Cobb, Norwood; Wisman, Norwood; Mapp, Taft; Harrisrs, Lemon Monroe; Heflin, Lemon Monroe; ·sweeney, La Salle; Chasteen, Ross; Lang, Madeira; Rebert, Clinton-Massie; Weeks, Williamsburg; Bosch, Northwest; Buttons, Winton Woods; Blackman,

Glen Este; Morris, Reading; Powell, Lockland; McAllister, Lockland; Schorsch, Western Hills; Weisman, Western Hills; Holmes, Uoyd; Ballard, Colerain; Lemons, Colerain; Scott, Milford

.,.. Touchdown passes 21: HaA, Harrison 17: Hilvert, Elder 16: Peters, Western Brown 15: C.Rieck, Glen Este 14: Ratliff, Lemon Monroe; Lee, Lloyd 13: McHenry, Walnut Hills; Brewer, Williams· burg; Nier, Ointon-Massie 12: Huey, East Central; Burdine, Kings; Jones, Woodward; Downing, Hillsboro; B.Wilschevick, Lockland 11: Powers, Scott; Cannon, Mt. Healthy; Black, Mariemont 10: Wiggins, Newport CC 9: Erwin, Norwood; Johnson, Talawanda; Glassmeyer, Turpin; ~reen, Moeller; Neubauer, Simon Kenton ·~

.,.. .Offensive average East Central ........................................................... 467.3 Lockland .................................................................. 402.8 Colerain ................................................................... 388.2 Taft .......................................................................... 382.0 Winton Woods......................................................... 381.0 Harrison .................................................................. 378.8 Talawanda .............................................................. 375.0 . Anderson ................................................................ 372.0 CCD .......................................................................... 356.0 Norwood ................................................................. 352.0 Moeller .......,.,.,....................................................... 351.1

~~~~;~d·.·.·.:·::.·:::::::::::::::::::.:·::::::.~::.·:::::.:·:::::::.:·:::::. ~~:~ ~~=~~~~~.9_·::.~::::.:·.::·.::·.::·.:::·:.:·:.:·.:·::::::::::.:·.:::·:.:·.::·:.:·.: ~~:~ New Miami ............................................................. 326.7

~~r~~in::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:::: ~~~:~ ~e~r.:~ ~~;;;·::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~~:~

Clinton·Massie ....................................................... 312.1 Deer Park ............................................................... 311.0 Hillsboro .........................................c........................ 307.0 Madeira ................................................................... 302.5 Fairfield ................................................................... 299.7 New Richmond ....................................................... 298.0 Elder ........................................................................ 298.0 BetheHate ............................................................. 295.0 Ross .......................................................................... 294.0 Simon Kenton .......................................................... 294.0 Glen Este ................................................................ 286.0

~~(.~~~·:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~:~:~ .,.. Defensive average Loveland ................................................................. Colerain ................................................................... Woodward .............................................................. CAPE ....................................................................... La Salle .................................................................... CCD .......................................................................... Fairfield ...................................................................

119.2 121.6 135.7 141.0 162.2 165.0 166.2

~~~~rs;;;;·::::::::::::::.·::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~:~ ~~~g~:~;;i;·::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~::~

= .......................................................... 179.6

Moeller .... Bethel· Tate ............................................................. Princeton ................................................................ East Central ........................................................... Deer Park· ............................................................... Lockland .................................................................. Elder ........................................................................ Lemon Monroe ......................................................

184.0 185.7 187.8 190.0 192.1 193.0 196.6

~~~~nB~~nd.s::::::::=::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~:~

7: Bramlage, Boone County 6: Johnson, Loveland; Sumpter, Western Hills; Hardy, Western Brown 5: Murphy, FrankOn; Geis, Anderson; Wiggins, Newport CC; Jackson, Woodward; Rasheed, Woodward; Devine, Glen Este; Fratianne, CCD; Felts, New Richmond; Gusich, St. Xavier; Knight,

Batavia .................................................................... 209.7 Withrow .................................................................. 210.0 Simon Kenton.......................................................... 211.0 Ross .......................................................................... 213.0 Norwood ................................................................. 215.0 Mason ...................................................................... 216.4 Glen Este ................................................................ 217.0 St. Xavier ................................................................. 217.6 Taft .......................................................................... 220.0

Fairfield; James, Fairfield; Dodson, Bethel 4: Stacy, Roger Bacon; Smiddy, Norwood;

~~;:;~~~ ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::· ~~}.~

.,.. Interceptions

Moeller beats Elder to clinch GCL South title By Richard Skinner

Post staff reporter

i1~ j ·- '1J

The last three times Elder played Moeller, the Panthers controled the Crusaders' ground game by blitzing. Friday night, though, Moeller blitzed Elder with the run. The Crusaders consistently picked up Elder's blitzes and rushed for 315 yards - 202 in the first half - en route to a 49-13 victory at The Pit. The win gave Moeller (9·0, 4-0 in the Greater Catholic South Division) the GCL South championship, its first GCL football title since 1990. It also ensured it a berth in the Division I regional playoffs. "We knew going in they'd probably _blitz 95 percent of the time, because they've done that· and stopp~d .. us before," said Moeller. co·ach steve Klonne. "We put in a new wrinkle to the same play we've been running all year and just blocked them." The play was an off-tackle run by the tailback. The new wrinkle was an unbalanced line; three linemen, including two tackles, set up on one side of the center, and just a guard and tight end were on the other side. "What happened was we'd get them one-on-one with the guy blitzing and it was up to our fullback (6-foot-2, 225-pound junior Derrick Edwards) to pick him up," Klonne said. "Then the tailback would either cut inside the block or outside the block." Moeller's top two tailbacks,

Week 9 highlights MARIEMONT 13, LOVELAND 10

The Warriors knocked off the CHL frontrunner in overtime. KINGS 16, GOSHEN 7

The Knights handed Goshen its first loss.

Moeller From Page 18

TOP PERFORMERS

• QB Brian Cannon, Mt. Healthy, 11 of 21 for 237 yards and three· TDs. • RB Glynn Johnson, Walnut Hills, 13 carries for 83 yards and four TDs. • RB Nathan Lamb, Little Miami, 26 carries for 220 yards and two TDs. • QB Craig Wright, Glen Este, 13 of 26 for 331 yards and four TDs. • RB Brad Hamilton, Indian Hill, 28 carries, 231 yards and three TDs. . • WR Denny Paganelli, Cole· rain. 125 all-purpose yards two TDs. ' •

DEFENSIVE GEM

• LB Jarrod Burns, Wilmington, 50-yard fumble returned for a TO. See stories, Page 6B.

junior Matt Keller and senior Brian Balsly, combined to rush for 227 yards on 19 carries. Keller had 140 yards on eight carries and scored four touchdowns, three in the first half. "My job wasn't all that tough," Keller said. "Our line did a great job. The fullback did a great job. And down-field the wide receivers did a great job blocking." · Please see MOELLER, 78

When not making critical blocks, Edwards also rushed for 82 yards on 12 carries, including a 38-yard touchdown on the Crusaders' second play of the second half, which increased their lead to 35-7. "They simply blocked us," said Elder coach Tom Grippa. "We were drawing up defenses and doing all sorts of crazy things as we were going along, but we couldn't find anything to stop them." Elder also had a tough time offensively. Senior quarterback T.J. Hilvert completed just six of his first 23 passes and just nine of 27 for 144 yards overall. He was also sacked seven times. Moeller senior defensive tackle Tony Keller had three of the sacks. "We thought we might have to blitz them as the game went along, but we started out just rushing four and that's all we really needed," Klonne said. Said Grippa: "The game came down to us not blocking them and them blocking us. We have all kinds of fancy pass plays in

our playbook, but they don't amount to a hill of beans if. we can't block them." Moeller jumped to a 14-0 lead behind 17- and 51-yard touchdown runs from Matt Keller. Elder cut it to 14-7 on Hilvert's 25-yard touchdown pass to junior B.J. Sandhas and had a chance to tie the score late in the first half after Edwards fumbled at the Moeller 35 and Shane Adler recovered. But on the first play following the fumble, Moeller lineman Brian Fitzpatrick batted a Hilvert pass into the arms of lineman Wolfgang Scholz, who caught the ball falling down at the Moeller 41. The Crusaders, who finished with 457 yards total offense, scored five plays later on Matt Keller's 17-yard touchdown run. The Crusaders, ranked No. 1 in The Post's Division I poll, play at No. 2 Princeton next Friday for the city championship. MOEUER ELDER

-{ 21 . 14 0 7 0

M-M. Keller 17 run (Huston kick) M-M. Ketler 51 run (Huston kick) E-Sandhas 25 pass from Hilvert (Schlacter kick) M-M. Keller 17 run (Huston kick) M-Lapham 22 pass from Green (Huston kick) M-Edwards 38 run (Huston kick) · M-Lapham 21 pass from Green (Huston kick) M-M. Keller 21 run (Huston kick) E-Aibertz 67 run (kick blocked) RECORDS: Moeller 9.(), 4.() GCLS: Elder 7·2. 2·2.

7-49 6-13

Moeller replaces Princeton as No. 1 But Klonne's vote goes to Vikings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

'f71.r/'f3

Feeling Princeton is still the team to beat in Cincinnati, Steve Klonne, Moeller's veteran football coach, voted coach Pat Mancuso's Vikings No. 1. But 10 other coaches voting in The Enquirer's weekly poll differed with Klonne, naming his undefeated Crusaders the top team after two weeks of the 1993 season. Capturing 10 of 15 first-place votes, Moeller earned 144 points to 128 for Princeton, unseating the Vikings from the top spot awarded them in the preseason poll.

_ Rec Moeller (1 0) ...................... 2-0 Princeton (2)..................... 2·0 Elder (3)............................ 2-0 Anderson ......................... 2-Q CAPE..•...•........................ 2-Q St. Xavier ......................... 1-1 Fairfield ........................... 2·0 Loveland ......................... 2-0 Harrison .......................... 1·1 Goshen........................... 2-0

Lima Senior ....... Fairfield.......- ... Mldlk!town....... Milford....._ ....... Sycomore.......... Hamllon...-.... Lakota................

League overall W L W L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1

Team Loveland......CAPE.............Mariemont_ ..... Reading ____

Indian H<ll-...

Wyoming....._ .. Oeer Park......... Taylor ___ ...

1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0

0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2

PF 36 47 35 21

36 21 19 24

PA 20 19 7

39 35

61 41 24

19 13 32 49 19 26 24 37

21 51 39

Ttam Norwood..-....... Kings ...._........... Ross .................... Goshen........-.... Lillie Miaml_.. Springboro......... Wimlnglon........ Mason..-

2 0 o o 2 o Oi0'-·2··,0· 0 o 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2

PF 43 52

34 51 55 28 13 20

Cf~I.J--

Team Bodin................... C.-Julienne.._ ... Aller................... RogerBocon. .... Pur. Marion. ..... McNicholas.._.

~ Metro County Conference League Overall

33 61

0 0 0 0

2 2

I 0

0 0 1 2

PF 44 66 38

PA 22 28 38

Ltagve Overall W L W L 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 1

I 1 0

0 0 1 1 1 2

PF 69

40 41 20 40

PA 34 21 51 10 40 47

..,. Queen City American ream Anderson.. - ...... Taft ..................... Woodward........ Turpin................. GlenEste _ _ Amen a.. ____,

League Ovtrall W L W L 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0. 0

2 2 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 2 2 2

PF 51 45 42 26 21 21

PA 10

38 43

50 37

..,. Queen City National

PA 8 40 7 19 42 21

League overall W L W L

.... GCL-North

Team MooRer•...:::,.... Elder ................... St. Xavier_ ....... LaSalle........ _ ..

..,. Fort Ancient Valley Cont. League Overall W L W L

Today poll," Klonne said. "Until they get beat, I feel they deserve the No. 1 ranking." Most coaches voting for Moeller pointed out that Princeton struggled in victories over La Salle and Westerville South, while the Cru-

.... GCL-South

..,. Cincinnati Hills Leag. League overall W· L W L

The Enquirer's weekly prep page makes its season debut today.lncluded: .,... Players of the week. .,... Boys and girls soccer statistics, standings. .,... Football statistics and standings. .,... Polls and top performers for boys and girls cross country, boys golf and volleyball. PageD&

Elder received three first-place votes to finish a close third while surprising Anderson (2-0) and CAPE (2-0), a Division IV team team, rounded out the top 10. "Princeton hasn't been beaten and they're No. 8 in the USA

.,... Greater Miami Cont. Princeton. ...........

Pts 144 128 123 84 75 62 56 29 22 25

01hers: Colerain 14; Sycamore, Mlddletown 8; Lakota. Lima 7; Norwood, Western Hils 6; Withrow, Woodward 4; Badin, Tolawanda, Oak Hills 3; Purcel Marian, Kings 2; Ross 1.

FOOTBALL STANDINGS Team

Prep page today

Coaches' poll

Team

Northwest.... Harrison......- ....

fiu!lleS---

Wr1tonWdsWal'luiHIIs..- ..

League Overall W L W L 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

2 1 1 0 0

0 1 1 2 2

31 37

22 47

26 22

Team West. Hills......... Oak Hils............. Colerain.............. MI. Healthy... _. Withrow............. Aiken..................

o o 0 o o

W L

o o 0 o o

W L

1 1 1 1 1 0

1 1 1 1 1 2

pf 28 41

46 14

38 30

Ltogue Overall W L W L 0

o o o 0 0 0

0 0

2 2 1 1 1

o 1 1 1 2

PF 61

63 36 28

League Over at W L W L 0

o o 0 o

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

2 2 1 1 1

o 0

o o 1 1 1 2 2

25 14

Lebanon.-·--Lem.Monroe_

League Overall W L W L 0 0 0

0 0 0

2 2 2

0 0 0

1 1

o o o o

..,. 0 1

Flnneytown...._

0 0 0

47 22 16 18 15

2 1

3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

Others 2 1

0 1

35 43 21 48

Madeira....._._

13 12

..,.

Kentucky

62 2

35 38 66 54

Team Co 1 • ngton Colhoi'IC.-----·-·-.. Simon Kenton.........- - - - - Dayton.-..--·----·-·"'·-·Newportec.. _ _ _................. Harrison Co.Y----·-·-·-.. ·-·-

Conner.................- .... ---·-·--·

65 26 47 26 13 6 7

14 14 32

Lloyd-............ - ...- ....- - - - Carroll County..............- · - - Beechwood-------·--Highlands _ _ _ _ _ _ ,.......

Campbeleounty _ _ _ _ _..

Ryle.-·-· Dixie Heights.-·-··--·-." Boone CountY--·-·---·-·-·-Holmes-------·--.... Belevue.... Newport ..... Luclow.-..... Grant County __ Scott________ ,_ _:

PF 77 38 44

1 1 2 2

..,. Mid Miami League Team Miamisburg._

FrankRn.__ Edgewood.....-. Fenwick..._.. _ carrolL...........-

43 36

o o o "' Southern BuckeY.e. Cont.

Ttom Bethel-Tale.... _ Hillsboro....._ N.Rictvnond.._. : Blanchester-W.Brown.......... Wiliamsburg..... Oermonl NE.....

I""---· • • ' •

"' Miami Valley Conference Team Lockland............ Cinclfll!all c.o... S<J"'"!II c.o_ Balavoa............ _ New Mlaml....... L Christian....._

saders cruised to victories over Highlands and Cleveland East. "I voted for Moeller because we scrimmaged them and I feel this is their most impressive team in four 'or five years," Oak Hills coach Bobby Klotz said . "And Moeller has been just as dominant in their first two games as they were against us, while Princeton has struggled offensively. Princeton's a fine team, but Moeller is better right now." "Actually, ·we haven't played anybody as yet," Klonne said. "We beat a Highlands team with only 31 players. Cleveland East is better than last year but not a power." Moeller still must face three top 10 teams, Princeton, Elder and St. Xavier, and Northern Kentucky's best, Covington Catholic.

PA 28 35 6

FOOTBALL STATISTICS q -1>'~1"3 .,.. Scoring Player, School Barkley. ceo................ Denton, NOL.·-··-·Smllh, Ryle................ . Killens, Pur. M1!JT.•.•.•... Alexander. Boone eo..... Mortlnl, East Cent __ _ Sandfoss, Newport CC.. Matlscheck. Reading .... Rogers, New Mlaml ....•. Hambleton. Elder ....•..... Hickey, Deer Park........ . Exeler, Lloyd..•••........... Hart, East CenL........... . Williams, Loveland. ........ Kistner, Lemon Monro. Alexander, Colerain..••. L WRschevick, Lad< ...... Holand, SUmmiL........ Scltibl, Norwood. .........•• PeMinglon, Fair-··-···· West, Lima...•.•.............. Bal<er, Princelon. ....- Rayborn, MUford ..•........ Burton. Bel~~ Tale ...•... Bolsly, Moeler...• _ Keller, Moeller....._.. Huston, Moeler.... Nichols, Batavia........... .

Mercer, Madeira.......... . Pruill, 0111< Hils.••.•..•.. Gelz. East cent ...•......... Engle, Lloyd. ..•.••......•.•

G Pos. TD.PAFG Tot 2RB 700•42 2RB60036 3RB60036 2RB50030 3RB50030 3TB50030 3HB42028 2WRJ5126 2RB42026 2RB42026 2RB 42026 3WR40024 3TB40024 2RB40024 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 TB 3 0 0 18 2 TE 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 RB . 3 0 0 18 2RB30018 2 RB' · 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 RB 3 0 0 18 2 PK 0 10 2 16 2 RB 2 2 0 14 2 F8 2 1 0 14 2 RB 2 2 0 14 3 WR 2 1 0 14 3 PK 0 1 10 13

.,.. Rushing Player, School AH. Yards Barkley, ceo ............................... 39 454 Martini, East Cent ..............••....... 46 424 Cobb, Norwood .•....•...................... 53 382 Killens, Purcel Marian .................. 52 · 380 Denton, NCH ...••••.......................... 37 378 Conrad, Holmes ........................... 62 362 Nelson, Tall ···-··········· ................. 33 335 Hort, East Cent ............................ 31 318 Smlth, Ryle .................................. 49 314 Penolngton, Folrfteld ..................... 48 303 Andreodl s, Anderson .................... 39 m Alexander, Boone Coooly ............ 38 287 Kkld, Colerain ................................ 44 281 Colemlre, Boone County ............... 62 269 Hager, Newport cc ...................... 42 259 Trevino, Bethe~ Tate .................. 29 249 Straight, Blanchester .•...........•.... 57 246 Kistner, Lemon Monroe .............. 40 243 ·Mercer, Madeira ......................... 45 242 Lewis, Reading ............................... 33 238 Smith, Lakota ................................. « 232 Hamilton, Indian Ha ...................... 29 231 Rogers,NewMiaml ...................... 28 228 Holmes, Lloyd ............................... 43 201 Sandfoss. Newport cc ................. 41 198 Prulll, Oal<. Hils - ........................ 29 187 ·Hickey, Deer Park ....................... 39 186 Bechte~ Elder ........................... 33 185 Wllams, Roger Bacon .•••.•...•.•. 36 184 Baynard. Lod<land ................... 25 IU ·Rayborn. MHford .••....................... 23 182 Wiliams, Northwest ..................... 34 181 ThOmas, Lima ............................. 29 175 Platter, Deer Park ........................ 34 173 Brod<hoell, Beechwood ............... 17 169 Alexander, Colerain ...................... 13 164 Scott, Mldd. ··--··························· 23 162 'Edwards, Moeller ···~·········· 24 162 'Ripberger,Ryle ......................... 46 160 Davidson, Mount Healthy .........•. 33 159 Taylor, ceo ..--···-··--·-..·-···· IS !57 Miracle, Blanchester .................... 25 157 Balsly,Moeler -----········21 157 Ricley, Tall·······-··-·············· 21 ISS Bat Western Brown ..................... 35 153 Lazarus, Colerain ....................... 18 ISO

Avg. 11.6 9.2 7.2 7.3 10.2 5.8 10.1 10 . ~ 1 6 6.3

7.6 6.4 4.3 6.2 8.7 4.3 6.0 5.4 7.2 5.3 7.9 8.1 4.7 4.8 5.7 4B 5.6 5.1 7.4 7.9 5.3 6.0 5.1 9.9 12.6 7.0 6.8 3.4 4.8 10.0 6.2 7.5 7.4 4.4 8.3

.,.. Passing Player, School AH Comp Hilvert, Elder ................................. 45 27 Huey, East Cent..........•........•....... 41 28 Lee, Lloyd ................................... ss 26 ·Jones, Woodward ....................... 41 10 B. Wlschevick, Lod<land ............ 37 20 Salz~ Reading ·---·-····-········ 41 U Hoi, Harrison ......................... 52 25 Powers, Scott ·-··--··············· 40 17 Ridey, Tall ................................ 23 12 PUrmer, Wyoming ................. 25 13 McHerry, Walrout Hils .........•.•.... 28 9 AITens. Roger Bacon ................ 35 14 Hensley, Northwest •..••............... 23 IS Cohen, Summit ..••...............•........ 11 7 Downlnq, Hilsboro ..•..•................. 34 16 Blanton. Blanchester ..........••....... 20 12 J. Henderson, Lima ···-·············· 21 12 &reen, Moeler ···t(ll;o4·············· 31 IS ~tor. P.yle .................••....••....... 27 10

Yds «1 432 388 335 303 298

298

290

279 276 276 263 253 244 218 218 209 205 200

18 11 14 8 12 9 17 11 6 17 9 10 8

Erwin, Norwood·······--············· 33 Wiggins, Newport CC ··················- 24 Stringer, Ross ··········-················· 29 Stewart, Oak Hils .......................... 27 Rieck, Glen Este ···-····················· 30 Gourley, Western Hilts·-··-·········· 21 Cannon, Mount Healthy ................ 39 Mcintyre, New Mlaml ................ 24 Wagner, Walnut Hills ..................... 12 Abbott, Amelia ............................... 35 Zapkowskl, Milford ...................... 20 Albers, Anderson ...................•...... 21 Burger, Madeira ··········-················ 12

196 186 181 181 179 176 170 166 164 158 156 154 ISO

.,.. Receiving Player, School No. Hambleton, Elder ··-···················· 16 Exeler, Lloyd······················-······ 12 Goetz, East Cent. ·-······-············ 12 Laphann. Moeller .... . _.•. -_ ...... 12 Siemer, Scott •......-....................... 11 Hal, Walnut Hins ·····················-······- 9 Gregovlch, Willamsburg .........•..... 9 Murphy, Blanchester ..................... 8 Moxwell, Eost Cent. ······-··············· 8 Bechtol, Amelia ·····················-········ 8 Lewis, Reading ·······-······················ 7 Carter, Taft ...................................... 7 Monday, Lockland .......-•................ 7 Pringle, Mldcletown ·········-··---· 7 McKinney, Lod<lond -·-----········ 6 Rogers, New Mlaml ··········-·····-- 6 Ooe, Horrlson .......-·-·················· 6 Horton, Western Hills ..................... 6 Trager, Harrison·······~······~·-········· 6 Louisa, Williamsburg .............•.•..... 6 Holbert, Harrison ......• -................... 6 Dixon. Woodword ..........•................ S Fisher. Lima .................................... ;. S ' Heywood, Anderson ............•.......... S Wharton, Mount Healthy .............. S Tipton, Ross .......•......•.............._..... S McGinnis, Hilsboro ...•.•••....•........ S Zelina, Sycamore .......................... ~ Colier, HamRton ··········--·-····-·· S Helvey, Lemon Monroe ................. 5 Homes, Lloyd ···············-·-·--········ s Hefteberg, Lloyd ····················--· 5 Miler. Glen Esle ··········-····-···· 5

Yds 216

Avg. 13.5

~-:g 168 206 326 66 193 128 77 160 122

100 75 108 86 69 59 52 47 46 199 86 85 70 65 62 61 51 43 42 30 26

14.0 18.9 36.2 7.3 24.1 16.0 9.6 22.3 17.4 14.3 10.7 18.0 14.3 11.5 10.0 8.7 7.8 7.7 39.0 17.2 17.0 14.0 13.0 IH 12.2 10.2 8.6 8.(

6.0 5.2

.,.. All-purpose yardage Player, School Denton, NCH .............• -.. Barkley, ceo.................. Alexander, BooneCty.... Martini, East Cent......... Cobb, Norwood.............. Nelson, Taft.................... Rogers. New Miami....... Conrad, Holmes..•·-····· Hall, Walnut Hils............. Pruitt, Oak Hils .•. -·-···· Lewis, Reading............... Kilens, Pur. Marian....... Stralght,Bianchester.... Hart, East Cent............ Brockhoeft, Bechwd .._. Colemire, BooneCty....... Sampfoss, Newpr!CC.... Smith, Ryle...................... Kldd, Colerain.................. Wi~ams, Lovelond......... Wi~ams, Roger Bacon.. Alexander,eoterain...... Suttles, BetheHale....... Smith, Hughes...............

G Rsh 2 378 2 454 3 287 3 424 2 382 2 335 2 228 3 362 2 0 2 187 2 238 2 380 2 246 3 318 2 169 3 269 3 198 3 314 2 281 2 92 2 184 2 164 2 113 2 145

Rec Ret Total 70 lSI 599 o 137 581 2 238 527 0 72 496 26 87 495 42 101 478 86 151 465 0 71 433 326 75 401 118 95 400 160 0 398 3 0 383 17 114 377 0 47 365 69 125 363 54 30 353 75 51 324 10 0 324 0 42 323 8 189 289 56 28 268 15 85 264 0 141 254 8 93 246

.,.. Kickoff returns Player, School No. Borkley, ceo ········----·-·--······ 1 ReRiy,SI.Xavler -························' Baker, Princeton ..•......•...•...•........ 1 WIIHams, Loveland ........................... 2 Keller, Moeller ........--,............... 2 Halt, Scoft .... ·······-·····················-·-- 6 Jones. ceo ·························-··•.."" 1 Helvey, Lemon Monroe ........•.•..... 3 Denton, NCH ·············-·· ..--.......... 4 Alexander,BooneCounly ............• 6 Scudder, NCH ·················-···-······ 1 Rogers, New Miami ················--·- S Williams, Roger Bacon ···---···· I Chesser, Middletown ............... 1 Rogers, Hamilton ......................... 6 Vigl, Ryle ·····················-··.. ··-·········· 1 Troxel, Deer Park ........................... 1 Cobb, Norwood ························--· 3 Nelson, Tall ···············-·····-············· 4 Brock hoe It, Beechwood ...............• S Mathews, Princeton ..............•.•..... 2 Leslie. Withrow ............................... 2 Holmes, Uoyd ............................•.•• 3 Samploss, Newport CC ----····· 2 Jones, Withrow .•.•...•.•...•.........•• 1 · Lewis, Batavia ······-······----- 4 · Conrad, Holmes .•.••.•.•...•...•......• 3

Yds 95 68 67 123 104 242 40 119 149 210 33 151 28 27 157 26 26 77

101 125 so

74 48 24 95 71

Avg. 95.0 68.0 67.0 66.5 52.0 40.0 40.0 39.6 37.3 35.0 33.0 30.2 28.0 27.0 26.2 26.0 26.0 25J 25.2 25.0 25.0 25.0 24.8 24.0 24.0 23.8 23.7

Pope, PurceH Morlan .................... 3 Sumpter, Western Hils .................. 4 Straight, Blanchester .................... S Pruitt, Oak Hills ..........•.................... 2 Crutcher, Hughes ............................ 3 Guslch, St. Xavier ............................ I Montgomery, Mount Healthy ....... 1 Holbert, Harrison ............................. 3 Holand, Summlt ............................. 2 Rlpberger, Ryle ................................ 4 Ennerine, Roger Bacon .................. 2 Colemlre, Boone County •.............• 2 HOrrbleton, Elder ··········-···-·-··... •· I Swarlnger, Mariemont ··-············ 1

71 90 114 43 65 21 21 62 41 81 40 40 20 20

23.7 22.5 22.8 21.5 21.2 21.0 21.0 20.7 20.5 20.2 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0

.,.. Kick scoring Player, School FG PAT Total Huston. Moeller ..~.............•.•. 2 10 16 Francis, Lemon Monroe •............... 3 S 14 Engle, Lloyd ....................................... I 10 13 Bonini, ceo ........................................ o 9 9 Harvey, Beth•~ Tate ....................... I 6 9 9 8 8 Matt scheck; Reading ····-················ 1 S , Byrd. Boone County ···············-······ 0 8 ~ Lillie ton, Northwest ...............•.•.•. 1 4 Belz. Loveland ...............•................. 0 7 7 7 wetter, Ryle ................................. -. o 7 c. McKinney, Lad< land •...•.•......... 0 7 7 6 Mayer, New Miami····'········· ..······-· 0 6 6 Dalllmeler, Mariemont ··-·············· 1 3 Boeckmann. Ross ............................ 1 3 6 stamp, Lakota .................................. 1 3 6

~~~~~: ~~;?;:.~.:::~:::::::::::::: ~

·.,..Punting Player,School

.. ,

No. Yards

Avg. 43.3 42.0 Henderson, Lima ...................~.'-······ ( 166 41.5 Exeler, Lloyd ............•.........•.......:~.• 8 323 40.4 Blli<er, Blanchester ....................... S·' 204 40.8 Bailey, Oak Hils ..........•...•.•.........•. 5 200 40.0 Gourley, Western Hilts ...........•..... 10 394 39.4 Kraus, Colerain ·············--·-········· s 193 '38.6 Siemer, Scott ····-···························· 18 483 38.0 Rasheed, Woodward ....................... 5 154 38.0 Esterkamp, Wyomlng ...•....•......... S 189 37.8 Brenner, Western Brown ............... 6 226 37.7 Hil. Northwest ............•.................... 7 261 37.3 Carter, WIMiamsburg ····················-· 9 330 36.7 Wiliams. Loveland ........................ 11 402 36.5 Cotemlre, Boone County •............... 4 147 36.5 Francis, Lemon Monroe ............... 7 2SO 35.7 Huston, Moener •....... .-......-·-······ 3 lOS 35.0

g~::;:;,B~~r!~~i·:::;::::::::::::: ~

.,.. Punt returns Player, School No. Yards Tatber, Sycamore .......................... I 74 Marks, Lloyd ·····························-···· I 60 Hart, New Mlaml ........................... 1 45 Baker, Princeton •.........................•. 3 122 Alexander, Boone County .............. 1 28 Payne, Northwest ...-....................... 2 51 Jones. ceo ........................................ 3 75 Helvey, Lemon Monroe .................. 3 68 Anderson, CAPE .............................. 8 165 Barkley, ceo .................................. 2 40 Pennington, Fairfield ..................... 1 19 Orr, Mariemont .._........................... 1 18 LaBarbara, Indian Hi! ·······-·-......... I 18 Wiliams, Loveland····-·················· 4 66 Monday, Lod<land ··············--·-··· 3 42 Brlsben, Moeler ···-··-·-······· 3 « CUpp, Brian. Masofi ......................•. 1 U McCoy, Hi!frison ·······················-·-· 1 14 Ztnurk, Ryle ...... -............................ 1 13 Harrison, Middletown ..................•. 4 49 Pope, Puree! Marian ··················-· I 12 Guslch, St. Xavier ............................ 3 33 Davis, Reading.:................................ 2 22 Gregovich, Williamsburg ................ 3 31 Montgomery, Mount Healthy .•.... 1 10

Avg. 74.0 60.0 45.0 30.5 28.0 25.5 2s.o 22.6 20.6 20.0 19.0 18.0 18.0 16.5 14.0 14.5 14.0 14.0 13.0 12.3 12.0 11.0 11.0 10.3 10.0

.,.. Interceptions 4: Harrington. East Cent. 3: Smlth, Hughes. 2: Wiggins, Newport CC; Enderle, Newport CC; Heflin, Lemon Monroe; Johnson, Loveland; Whitaker, Lod<tand; Bruns, Summlt CD; Brinkman, Norwood; Duncan, Glen Esle; Melz. Madeira; Dol· son. BetheHale; Colemlre, Boone County; Alen. Moeler; Lewis, Batavia; Frakes, Indian Hll; Jamlet, Middletown. 1: Creutzinger, Northwest; Payne, Northwest; Dixon, Woodward; Jackson, Woodward; Johnson. Woodward; Moore, Woodward; Crooker, Scalf; Hamlin, Oak Hins; Phelps, Ross; Boch, Wiliams· burg; Berger, Madeira; Mercer, Madeira; Schuler, Madeira; Bush, Withrow; Leslie, Withrow; Smlth,

We5tern Brown; Brenner, Western Browrt Price, Ross; Bramlage, Boone County; Wardlow, Ross; Alexander, Boone County; Haines, Boone County; Rabin, Lakota; Federman, Fairfield; Fftthorris, Fairfield; Wym, Fairfield; James, Fairfield; Knight,

Fairfield; Bodey, Milford; Rose, Milford; Brooks, Princeton; MuNins, Homlllon; Shick, Sycamore; Howard, Middletown; Fehrman, Lloyd; Hetteberg, Lloyd; Scheffelld, Lloyd; Steffen. Boone County; Nichols, Batavia; K.Sanders, Batavia; Bohlen, M.. ricmont; Dever, Mariemont; Hackney, Mari~ mont; Hilebrand, Purcel Marian; Platter, Deer Pork; Goodpaster, Deer Park; Huster, Deer Park; Davidson, Moun! Heotthy; Johnson, Holmes; Young, Holmes; Straight, Blanchester; Mallott, Blanchester; Berkowitz, Elder; Hamllton, Indian Hil[

.,.. Fumble recoveries 3: Weisman, Western Hills; Schorsch, west· ern Hils; Amends, Roger Bacon. 2: Sampfoss, Newport CC; Swattz, Lemon Monroe; Heflin, Lemon Monroe; Hansford, Hughes; Hamman, Loveland; Porzel, West em Hils; Young, St. Xavier; Brotherton, Harrison; Heekln, Summll; McNabb, New Miami; Price, New Miami; Wisman, Norwood; Atkins, Puree! Marian; Mat· thews, Lakota; BlAlock, Lakota; Abusway, Sycamore. 1: Buchanan, Mason; Rappage, Mason; Bosch, Northwest; H"tl, Northwest; Watkins, Woodward;

Snow, Woodward; Rasheed, Woodward; Moore, Woodward; Haeman. Feirlleld; Kruger, Sycamore; Redwine, Scott; Hal, Scott; Simms, Oak Hils; lsaocs, Ross; Carter, WiiUomsburg; Gregovich, Wll· liamsburg; S. Pangallo, Wiftlamsburg; Bol, Wi~ liamsburg; Freudenberg, Indian Hill; Beatty, wattrow; Kendrick, Withrow; Nichols, Western Brown; Smith, Bethel-Tate; Cole mire, Boone County; 011· Ius, Boone Coooty; Bramlage, Boone County; Gal· more, Batavia; Henson, Batavia; LesHe, Withrow; Sfoan, Mariemont; Clark, Purceh Marian; MUf11)er, PurceM Marian; Rauen, Deer Park; Shaffer, Deer Park; Montgomery, Mount Healthy; Walton, Witft. row; Kurry Commins, Mount Healthy; Kenyon Commlns, Mount Healthy; Rice, Holmes; west, CAPE, Washington, Withrow; Hicks. Taft; Walker, Tall; Scholtz, Moeller; Lang, Madeira; Jamlng, Indian Hil.

.,.. Touchdown passes • , 7: Lee, Lloyd. 6: Hilverl, Elder. 5: Huey, East Central. 4: Plummer, Wyoming; Jones, Woodward; Ridley, Tall. ··" 3: Wiggins, Newport CC; Hall, Harrison; B. Wilschevlck, Lod<land; Cohen, Summit; J.Henderson. Lima. 2: Ra!ill, Lemon Monroe; Downing, Hilsboro; Salzl, Reading; Erwin. Norwood; Powers, Scott; Stewart, Oak Hils; Rieck, Glen Este; Frakes, Indian Hili; McHenry, Walnut Hills; Cannon, Mt .Healthy; Blanton, Blanchester; 1: Stringer, Ross; Berger, Madeira; Pelers, western Brown; Bramlage, Boone County; Black, Morlemont; Pickett, Purcell Marian; Calery, Holmes; Hendrix, CAPE; Gree~n._M~M~r; Vo.~ler; Burton, Ryle; ~~i'hsburg.

.,.. Offensive average East Central..............•.•...-.................................... 437.0 Lockland.......................•.•....................................... 401.5 Tall ..............•. -..................................................... 398.0 ceo............................-....................................... 398.0 Elder...................... ,_ ...............••............................ 381.0 MoeHer .•...""""·-························-.......................... 372.5 Norwood........................•........................................ 365.0 Wyoming..........-...................•................................. 349.0 Bethel·Tale.............................................................. 348.5 Reading................................................................... 320.5 Blanchester.........•....... ·-········································ 317.0 Colerain .................................................................... 308.0 Newport CC. ....•...................•................................. 299.0

~Tor.~~~.~:~~:.~.:::·:.:~::.:·::.:·:.:·.:~.~.:·::::::.:::·:.:·:.:·::·:.:·.:·:·::~

Ryle.............................-......................................... 291.0 Oak Hils-·-······················-··································· 287.0 Lloyd................•........._.......................................... 285.0

.,.. Defensive average

Be the~ Tate ............ ~•............................................ 90.0

:;,~~.~:::::;;;;~:::::::::>;:::::::~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~:~

Ross .........................•................................................ 108.5 Blanchester.............................. \ ............................ 111.5

~~':,'d~a'id:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:::::::::::::::::::::::::: :~~

Lloyd ..................................•..................................... 141.0 Taft ..............•......•.--······-······································ 14S.O Wilhrow_._····································-··············-···· 152.5 Elder ......................................................-............ 156.0 CAPE..............•....••.•...........................................• 160.0 Woodward......................................•....................... 160.0 ceo.....•...........................-.................................... 160.0 Colerain .............•....•............................................... 160.0 Lemon Monroe....................•................................. 161.0 Loveland...........-..................................................... ·6•.o Indian Hi!.........................................,........................ ,82.0

Final playoff berths on line win out against Dayton Jefferson (played Saturday night) and Harrison. In Division IV, CAPE will qualify with a 20.45. . victory over Deer Park on Friday while Clinton A St. Xavier victory would catapult the Massie also appears in good shape. Bombers to 21.6, while an Anderson win would :y DAVE SCHUTTE Lockland faces a must-win situation on ·Friput the Redskins at 20.0. Troy should finish nquirer contributor I " /~ 3 day at Mariemont if the Panthers hope to with a maximum of 19.2. Entering the final game of the 1992 season, "Moeller's a clear-cut cinch to make it," qualify in Division V. .nderson faced a must-win situation against Shuck said. "A lot of things could happen, but it Maria Stein Marion Local and Delphos St. Iarrison with the winner advancing to the looks pretty certain that either St. X or Ander- John's will probably pass the Panthers after livision I playoffs. posting big computer point victories over MinThe Redskins face the same situation on son will get that fourth spot." The Division II playoff race was thrown into ster and New Bremon, respectively. 'riday, taking on St. Xavier with a playoff berth chaos following upset losses by Roger Bacon to oing to the winner. If Lockland beats Mariemont, the Panthers "It looks like Moeller, Princeton and Center- Purcell Marian and Ross to Little Miami. will make it. Cincinnati Country Day will make "Piqua and Franklin will make it while · it if it wins its final two games. ille are in," Harbin computer ratings expert .teve Shuck said. "The final spot comes down Lemon Monroe will remain in the third spot," Mariemont could also sneak in by beating Anderson and St. X, with Troy given an Norwood coach Jim Barre said. "The fourth Lockland. spot will be a battle betwe~n Roger Bacon, utside chance." "Mariemont's victory over Loveland puts · Shuck predicted that if Moeller beats Prince- Ross and Norwood." the Warriors back in the picture," said Rusty Lead weekly If Ross upsets Goshen, it appears the Rams )n, the Crusaders will finish with an average of Wilson, .who tracks the Division V ratings. will make it, although a victory over Northwest computer ratings 7.35 while a loss would lower it to 23.35. would put Roger Bacon within points. Norwood The final Harbin rankings will be released The Cincinnati Enquirer Princeton would have 24.15 with a victory next Sunday with playoff teams and sites an· ver Moeller but would drop to 20.45 with a · also has an outside chance, but it needs help. Princeton and Moeller are tied In the Division III race Hamilton Badin must nounced at that time. )SS. Meanwhile, Centerville will finish at for first in the weekly football computer ratings in Division I as released by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Elder was third in Division I. The top four teams in each division in the ratings qualify for the playoffs. Other Cincinnati-area leaders are Roger Bacon in Division II, Goshen in Division III and CAPE in Division IV. Cincinnati Country Day is the top area team in Division V at third.

;t. X -Anderson clash

nr Division I spot •/7'

i !

)

PREP FOOTBALL

~~~;~~~N~

Vikings, Moeller tied

Moeller tops Moeller and Princeton continue to be ranked 1-2 in The Enquirer's weekly football coaches poll. Elder remained a solid No. 3 while Fairfield leap-frogged Anderson and CAPE into the No. 4 position.

MARK BOWEI>Vfor

The Cincinnati Post

Elder's Adam Studt pulls in a pass in front of Moeller's Chris Brisben. The Panthers had-diffi~ulty generating much offense the entire game.

Jl,..;.. .'J -~ ~ j

MARK BOWEN/for The Cincinnati Post

v1oeller senior tackle Tony Keller brings down Elder's T.J. Hilvert for a first-half sack. Keller recorded hree of the Crusaders' seven sacks in the game.

II '

.Those who. can, teach

"In the pros, the best coach I had was (former University of Cincinnati assistant) Dan Radakovich. I only had him for one year at linebacker, but he taught me more' in that year than I learned in all of my other years combined. The other coaches' attitude wa~ that you· concentrated on techniques and fundamentals during training camp, then concentrated during the season on the different defense we'd be playing. His attitude was to work on the fundamentals during the season as much as you can. "That's what we try to do at Moeller. Even though we're not able to do as ml}ch as we'd like, we try to work on the things that can drift away from you ~ $"'-h~t:lfbQJ ~; f'e, Pres·> By Mark Schmetzer. 'J../,1 <J3 · like tackling." Press Contributor Crable is the linebacker coach Bob Cr~ble has played foot- for a Moeller team that has b.all at the highest levels, but reached the state Division I he's teaching the linebackers on semifinals. The Crusaders are this year's Moeller High School 12-0, and the defense - under team the same techniques he defensive 'coordinator-line coach learned and used to become an Bob Tull and defensive backfield All-America linebacker on coach. Tim Schira - has allowed Crusader teams that won three just three offensive touchdowns consecutive Class AAA state in its . last three games. . championships. . · . Princeton, normally quite diffiThey may help Moeller return to that level for the first time cult to stop runni~g the football, hasn't reached the end zone on 1since 1985. · the ground and has gained just The Crusaders 87 rushing yards in eight quar. play Hilliard ters against Moeller this year. · 1 p.m. "It's really neat the way we're Saturday. at able to work together," Crable Dayton's says of his fellow coaches. Welcome "When there's a problem, we're Stadium in the able to sit down and come to a Division state semifinals. consensus." "A lot of That came in handy in the the techniques Bob Crable regional semifinal game against I learned in Centerville, in which the Elks high school carried me through struck for two quick touchdowns college," Crable says. "I loved out of their hurry-up, no-huddle my coach at Notre Dame offense to post an early 14-0 '(George Kelly). He was an excel- lead. lent coach, but I didn't learn a "We just had people in bad 'lot of technique. His approach positions," Crable recalled. was to get to the ball whichever "Yeah, we got in their faces a litway we felt most comfortable. tle bit, but we told them that it was still early in the game and all we had to do was shut them down and give the offense a chance to come back.

Crable back on sidelines

iat

"Sometimes, as coaches, we can ·get too cute and out-coac~ ourselves. You can draw up the prettiest Xs and Os that you wan.t, but if you don't execute, you can throw them out the window. I think our defensive line this 'year is the best we've had in a lo!}g time. They've taken up so much attention that the linebackers ~re free to make plays more than they've been in the past couple of years." .

On'

" Crable ~n Qis. secg~d xeat the Moellet. coaching stafr.l.re worked under linebacker coach Bill_~traub last season, working witq the. outside guys while Stniub ·concentrated on the insi<le 'backers.. '

".One of the reasons I left Midland was we had some things we were going through with our family and I wanted to try to get my priorities straight," said Crable, ·who lives in Loveland with his wife, Lisa, and their three children: Amy, 10, Brian, 6, and Allison, 3. "We'd had some family crises, and it ma~i'e me unde,rstand that, if I wapted to leave a lasting mark on the world, I needed to start at home with my kids and leave a mark with them in terms of spirituality. "That was one of the most important things I learned under ('former Moeller head coach) Gerry Faust. If I can be 1/10th of the, role model he was, I'll be hap'py." ·

Crable, a 1978 Moeller graduate; certainly has the credentials. After a brilliant four-year career at Notre Dame, which included two All-American years If_ he qm help Moeller enjoy and a year as co-captain of the Fighting Irish, Crable was the some of the success it grew used No.1·1 draft cho.ice of the New to under Faust, he'll be happier. York Jets. He spent seve.n years with the Jets before knee injuries forced him to miss the entire 1988 season. He retired in February .1989. Crable, who has a bachelor's degree in business, also has started ·tWo businesses, one he sold to The'Midland Co.' and another he's in the process of trying to sell to. his brother-business partner, Rick. Bob went to work for Midland after selling his first business, but now he's coaching football and teaching religion part-time at Moeller while pur;uing a Master's degree in theol)gy at Athenaeum of Ohio in Mt .. washington. He hopes to earn that degree by mid-1996.

'·

'1 '

completing his. 25th season in coaching. He played football at St. Xavier High School and later graduated from Xavier University. After stints as an assistant football coach at Mt. Healthy, Elder and Turpin high schools, .Klonne joined Faust's staff as a ·· Moeller assistant in 1978. He says the game has changed considera. bly since he started as an assistant in 1969 at Mt. Healthy. · ·"Most boys wanted to play just to b~ part of_a winning ~~adition and a good program," sa1d Klonne. . That was especially true here 12 years ago.. Today, there is more 'I' stuff more. individual expectation ·to attain th~ next level. · · .· "It's a cliche, but there is no 'I' in 'team • • 'Moeller' or 'Crusaders,' " said Klonne. "Thi~ . year, we have had to worrif even less about that and it's the reason for our success." • Kl?nne. says his most difficult job is teachmg a player what his role is and con. vincing him to put. that ahead of. self . interests.·. · .· . · . · •. . • ; · · · His sati~faction ~ d~ri~~d fro~- his team : achieving its maximum performance, win or lose.... , .. _. . . . . ·.. .· .. ; "Youneed to be' the same when lose as

fie

Klonne's coaching. abilities~ still remains a relatively unassuming figure on the local and state sports scene. : "People underestimate Steve and it's Un· fair, ·because he has to live with some unbelieveable expectations in a league (Greater Catholic League) and a state which has much greater 'parity and balance than 'previous years," said St. Xavier High School . football coach Steve Rasso. "And still he gets .more out of his kids every single year." Said Princeton football coach Pat Man'cu· · ··so, who surpassed 300 career victories this · season but. lost twice to Moeller: "I truly ·don't think Steve has received the recogni· :uon he deserves. That's a shame, too. · . "' "Steve has done more with the players he gets than most people give him credit for," said Mancuso. "Remember, Moeller does not get as many of the athletes who go on to play 'Division I college ball as they once did." ·· Klonne, who teaches accounting; comput· er keyboarding 'and a number of business~ecor10mics classes at Moeller, is

when you win," said Klonne.. , His off-the-field times with his family wife Mary Ann; daughter Tricia, 8; a·nd son David, 5 - are his relaxing moments. Klonne's peers say he would have had even more success if not for the so-called "Moeller rule." A year· after Moeller's 1982 state championship, the Archdiocese of Cin· · cinnati passed an edict that said students at all Cincinnati-area parochial schools except St. Xavier - a private school that requires an entrance exam - live within specific dis· trict boundaries. The restriction is known as the· "Moeller rule" because it prevented Moeller's football· team from getting top players from· all parts of the region. · · i .·.

Klonne said the rule has cut do\vn on his team's depth. · .. Yet, despite. th~t setback and against. a schedule that includes perennial powers such as Cleve1and St.· Ignatius, Covington. Catholic, Erie (Pa.) and Massillon, Klonne . continues to win at. . Moeller. ·~·

"The biggest thingcabout ·pis team~ is they don't .make many _mistakes," said Rasso. · ·

-.'

·•'·""

:;~;:;:-----=--~-..:::-:--~=:.__--

Crusaders .live up to No. 1 ranking By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

There were many games this high school :football se.ason that Princeton won because of its defense and kicking game. So it was ironic that Moeller beat the Vikings, 20-7, Friday night thanks in large part to its defense and kiCking game. The Crusaders 00·0) held Princeton (9·H to just 18 yards rushing and 109 yards total offense and kicker Brian Huston drilled two field goals; including tying a school record With a 49-yarder, in earning the mythical city championship before an estimated 7,000 spectators. at Princeton. Moeller is ranked No. 1 in The Post's Division I poll of area teams. Princeton is ranked No. 2. "Not· to put our offense down, but our defens.e really won this game for us," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. "We made a lot of mistakes and had too many turnovers and penalties on offense, but our defense hung in there all night for us." A stiff wind from the west also proved to be huge factor. · It aided Huston on his 49-yard field goal, but made punting and passing into it an adventure. · . . "It was the same for. both. tea~•. 'Q:ut,yes,' it did cut down on some .of the-things you could do when you were: going into· the Wind," said Princeton coach Pat Mancuso. All the points scored in the game came With the Wind. "The wind didn't effect us running the ball," Mancuso ·1,;aid. "Moeller just stopped us. It was that simple."· ,· · ' The Moeller defense ·was so dominating against the run that Princeton's lopgest rush was only five yards. The Vikings were aver· aging 179 yards per game rushing. , Moeller took a 10-7 lead into halftime, but Princeton had a: chance With the wind in the third quarter to ,take the lead. The Crusaders, though, held Princeton on fourth down-and-one at the Moeller 30-yard line when running back Darrel Deck was stopped for no ga_in With 7:35 left in the quarter. Then later in the quarter; Huston punted into the wind from the Moeller 41. His 17· yard punt, which was held up c9nsiderably,. by the wind, bounced off t~e turf and hit Princeton's'Jermaine Broach. The ball was recovered by Moeller's Jim Holte! at. the Princeton 39. . .. · Moeller then used up the remaining two ·minutes of the third quarter and 3:13 of the fourth quarter before Huston's 24-yard field goal made it 13-7. "I was trying to punt it out of bounds and keep it away from (John) Baker (who has returned two punts for touchdowns this season), but the Wind kept it from going out of bounds and kept in play," Huston said of his punt. On the ·second play of the ensuing Princeton drive, Jeremy Teall was intercepted at the Moeller 39 with 7:05 remaining. I

Moeller .then marched for a clinching touchdown in seven plays, with quarterback Mike Green sneaking in from a yard out with 4:28 left to make it 20-7. "We knew we had to do something in third quarter because we had the wind," Mancuso said. Said Klonne: "Our offense had its problems, but ~hen we had to put together a drive, we were able to do that. That's the mark of a great team." Moeller completely dominated the first quarter and took a 10-0 lead bepind a 20-yard touchdown pass from Green to wideopen tailback Brian Balsly and Huston's 49-yard field goaL The touchdown .pass to ·Balsly, which came one play after 'Teall fumbled an option pitch ·that Moeller's Brian FitZpatrick recovered, was a play Klonne said was put in just this week. Balsly had shifted from his tailback spot to a Wing position on the left side and ran a pattern straight down the middle of the field totally uncovered. · "We had a flanker, a tight end and Balsly on that side," Klonne said.· "E.veryone jumped off to cover (Dave) Lapham (the tight end and Moeller's leading receiv- · er entering the game with 35 receptions) and that left Brian. open.'~

The Crusaders also held Princeton to just one yard total ·offense in the the quarter and didn't allow the Vikings further than its 27 in five possessions. But Moeller couldn't take ad· vantage of starting two other drives in the quarter· at the Princeton 48 and Princeton 42, and· squandered another good opportunity on its first drive of .the second quarter when it started at the Princeton 37. That drive ended on a Balasly fumble that Princeton's Chris Gilliam recovered at the Princeton 25. The Vikings cut it to 10-7 with 5:2J. left in the first half when T~all ·c;o'nnected with a wide· open D~ck at the Moeller 20 and DecK took it the rest of the way to complete a 35-yard touchdown pass. Both teams qualified for the Division I playoffs, whi~h likely will be played next Saturday at Nippert Stadium. Pairings, sites and times will be released Sunday when the final Harbin rat:ings will be released by-tfie Ohio -High School Athletic Association. MOEUER PRINCETON

M-Balsley 20 pass from Green (Huslon kick) M-FG Huston 49 ; P-Oecf< 35 pass ~om Teall (Comfort kick) M-FG Huston 24 ; M-Green 1 run (Huston kick) . RECORDS: Moeller 10-0, PNnceton 9-1:

1Q-20

o- 7

II 'Â·

GSTRENGTH·

------:-~-

....

r•

·to .•.

are key in Princeton-Moeller gam·e

Xavier coach Steve Rasso, Moeller. He has a streak of -~75 whose team lost in the regular- · consecutive successful extraseason to Moeller, 27-17, and was point kicks over two years. knocked out of the playoffs last. "We've had some good ki(lkSaturday by Princeton, 42-3. ers at Moeller, but nobody with a "There's a good possibility it leg like Brian's,_" said Moel~er could come down to. a field coach Steve Klonne. "I feel very goal," Rasso said. comfortable letting him .try alHuston has has connected on most anything 50 yards and iQ;." 13 of 17 field-goal attempts, five Comfort< has made three :of from beyond 40 yards, and has five field-goal tries and 36 of ]39 · made all 45 extra-point tr.ies for · extra-point tries for Princeton: -

Unbeaten Moeller, :Vikings duel a.gain 1

By Richard Skinner ·Post staff reporter

I·drama Moeller head coach Steve Klonne says the surrounding tonight's game against . Princeton is the way he remembers it being in the late 1970s and through the mid-1980s. I "It seemed like every time we played back ' then, we were both 9-0 heading into the game : with the city championship on the line," Klonne · said. j That's exactly where the teams stand heading into the sold-out 7:30 game at Vikings Stadium 1 in Sharonville. · But it's actually the first time the teams have been undefeated heading into the game since 1982. Here's a synopsis of the top games played between the teams: • 1983: MOELLER 28, PRINCETON 21 PRINCETON 28, MOELLER 21 (playoffs) D'Juan Francisco rushed for.127 yards in the first half a.S Moeller jumped to a 21-7 halftime lead but injured his back and didn't pfay the sec· ond half. A Princeton rally fell short, but that all changed in the playoffs the following week. Moeller had a 21-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but that's when James Brown scored two of his three second-half touchdowns. D' Juan Francisco rushed for 224 yards on 22 carries, but the Crusaders lost three fumbles and had 108 yards in penalties. The loss ended ·Moeller's season at 10-1 and was just the Crusaders' third loss in 108 games. Princeton went on to finish 11-2 and win the Division I state championship. • 1985: MOELLER 24, PRINCETON 12 (playoffs) Undefeated Princeton entered the game as the favorite for perhaps the first time ever, but Moeller's defense held the Vikings to just 111 yards rushing and forced two fumbles that set up Crusaders scores. Moeller went on to win the state championship, while Princeton finished its season 11-1. • 1982: MOELLE~ 56, PRINCETON 7 MOELLER 33, PRINCETON 20 (playoffs) Moeller was ranked No. 1 in the country and Princeton was ranked No.9 and both teams were undefeated at 9:0.

Moeller From Page 18 With everyone expecting a close game, Moeller took a 49-0 halftime lead and. ended up romping, 56-7, with the Francisco brothers - ·Hiawatha, 'a senior, and D'Juan, a sophomore -- each rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. It was the biggest margin of victory by either team in the city. "I didn't really know .what to. say at halftime," said Klonne, who was in his first season as Moeller head coach. "I was walking off the fieid and kept looking at the scoreboard and shaking my head. It wasn't supposed to be like that." Then, a week later in the first round of the playoffs, both Francisco brothers rushed for over 140 yards each in a 33-20 Moeller victory, Moeller went on to win the state championship, finisliing. with a 13-0 record. • 1978: PRINCETON 13, MOELLER 12 Ken Weber connected on a 37yard field 'goal with 13 seconds left to snap Moeller's 53-game regular-season winning streak in just the. second ~eek of the season. Moeller had a 12-3 first-half lead and had scored an apparent touchdown late in the half on a fourth-and-six play. Princeton, though, was offside on the play, which according to rules then had to be automatically accepted. Princeton then stopped· Moeller on fourth-and-one. Princeto.n went on to Win the Division I 'state· championship that season, finishing with an 11-0 record. -M5eller wound up 9·1 and missed the playoffs.

·'/

Big Mo v~. Vikes Here's a took at the history of Moeller-P•inceton football

·..,.. St. PatricK (New Jersey) 51, Moeller 44, at Red Cross Rotary RounQball Tournament in Charleston, · South Carolina - jeff Holman made two field goals and a free throw in the final two minutes to seal the outcome for St. Patrick, the No. 21 · ranked team in USA Today 's Super 25 poll. · Moeller cut St. Patrick's lead ·to 43-4{) with under 2 minutes left but could not close the gap. . . . Mike Monserez led the Crusaders with 19 points. Holman finished with 25 to lead all scor,ers. : ' ' MOELLER (44) - Duncan 6 0 14, Welsch 1 0 2 Monserez 8 1 19, Hutzel 4 1 9. Totals: 19 2 44. ' ST. PATRICK (51)- Lamlzana 2 3 7, Price 4 0 10, Dalembert 2 0 4, Holman 10 1 25, Jackson 0 1 1, Lake 1 0 2, Payoute 1 0 2. Totals: 20 5 51. Moeller ____.....................................12 10 10 12-44 Sl. Palrick ·---·-..---~----·---·· 17 17 4 ll-51 Three-point field goals: M-Duncan 2, Monserez 2. SP-Price 2, Holman 4. Records: SP 5·1. M 5·2. ' . '

IJll>

Moeller 35, La Salle

7; at Galbreatfi'Field- Brian

Reisert rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another to help Moeller snap it's twogame losing. streak. Moeller, ranked 'N.o:, 4..ir1 The Enquirer's ,_Divisi6n I coaches poll, scored 21 unanswered points to open . the game. Reisert rari for the first score and passed for the sec- · ond. La Salle---·-·------- 0 7 0 0- 7 Moeller----·-·--·---- 14 14 7 0"'-35 M-Reisert 1 run (Murphy kick) M-Ryan Hamby 11 pass from Reisert (Murphy kick! . M-Nick Dabbell 28 run (Murphy kick) L-Botts 10 run (Obert kick) M- Tony Brotherton 1 run (Murphy kick) M-Reiserf 2 run (Murphy kick) R•cords: M 3-2 (GCL 1-D), L 3-2 (Q-1).

Moeller 14 Covington Catholic ·10 · Moeller scored all its points in the first half and then let the defense fend off the Colonels. Chris Vaught threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Greg McHugh for the first score; Vaught ran in from one yard for the second score. Steve Schreiber converted both points-after. This week: Saturday, Sept. 24 - Erie Cathedral Prep vs. Moeller @ Galbreath Field, 7:3-op.m.

. - ·.

·. i.2. - j- c;..J

, Moel)er running back Matt Keller finds a hole

;•

-· BRUCE CI)!PPENfThe Cincinnati Post

~n the line during practice for tonig~t's gal)1e against 'Princeton.

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Steve Klonne

John Baker

Kevin Kidd

FIRST TEAM

IPOS.

PLAYER

SCHOOL

1aB RB RB RB WR WR TE OL OL OL OL OL PK

T.J. Hilvert Jake Andreadls Kevin Kidd Pat Penning!on Ross Hambleton Reggie Mills Dave La~ham Andt Biemesche Mark Piatt Rick Scheiderer Joe Schmitt Dan Williams Brian Huston

Elder Anderson Colerain Fairfield Elder Princeton Moeller-.. Moeller Fairfield Princeton Oak Hills St. Xavier

Offense

Moeller.~

HT. WT: YR.

.6-2 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1

200 180 200 205 180 181 205 245 270 301 270 220 185

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Defense POS. PLAYER

SCHOOL

HT. WT. YR.

6-2 6-2 6-5 6-3

175 210 200 196 220 205 220 200' 170 170 180 170 180

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Moeller Sr. 6-4 La Salle R~an Mu!Eh~ Sr. 6-0 Chris Federmann .Fairfield Sr. 6-2 Elder Kit Hoffman Sr. 5-11 Moeller Tro~ Tuck Sr. 5-11 Princeton John Baker Sr. 6-1 Winton Woods Ton~ George Jr. 6-3 St. Xavier Lemar Marshall Sr. 5-10 Rasche Sum~ter Western Hills p Sr. 6-0 Colerain Tim Kraus OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Kidd, ColeJ rain. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: John Baker, Princeton. COACH OF THE YEAR: Steve Klonne. Moeller.

DL DL DL DL DL LB LB LB DB DB DB DB

And~ Balle~ Dwa~ne

Ballard Jermaine .Broach Ton~ Keller·

Moeller Colerain Princeton

POS. PLAYER

SCHOOL

QB Chaz Hall RB Matt Keller RB Tim Ra~born RB · Kevin Ritter • Jason Cam~beil. WR WR Nick Reill~ TE John Cloe OL Scot Goodhart David Kremer OL OL Paul Nichols OL Jerem~ Streck OL · Gabe Tincher PK Dan Fricke

Harrison Moeller .._ Milford St. Xavier Harrison St. Xavier Harrison Moeller~

Colerain Lakota Anderson Moeller r;.St. Xavier

HT. WT. YR.

6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-4 5-11

175 Sr. 185 Jr. 190 Sr. 160 Sr. 155 Sr. 165 Jr. 200 (ISr. 225 ·Sr.· 215 Jr. '282 Sr. 250 Sr. 274 Jr. 170 Sr.

Defense POS. PLAYER DL DL DL LB LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB

SCHOOL

Ron Griswold Todd Richter Care~ Williams Chad Abell

Princeton Glen Este Princeton Anderson Princeton•· Ga~ Crole~ Adam DiPuccio La Salle Jeff Mohr Oak Hills Theron Washington Withrow Ron Adkins Moeller '-Hasheem Rasheed Woodward Fred Rogers Hamilton Princeton Mario Stra~horn Dan Fricke St. Xavier HONORABLE MENTION

HT. WT. YR.

5-11 6-6 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-11

191 230 250 195 208 195 220 185 184 175 150 195 170

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Offense Quarterbacks - Damlon Dooros (St. Xavier!. ~reen (Moeller), Rob Lazarus (Colerain), Brian Rieck (Glen Este), Jeremy Teal (Pri~ Running backs - Ronnie Alexander (Colerain), Mister Askew (Winton Woods), Brian BalslvJMoeller), Jeff Bechtel (Elder), ~Edwards MeeKer), lhomas Hamner (Fialliillartr, ontr&z Ingram (Western Hills). · IS ), Eric Rodenberg (La Saia), Brian Samuels (Lakota), Mike Scott (Midd atown), Lamont Smith (Lakota). . Recefvers - Chris Heywood (Anderson), Nick Hodge ~Moe~. Artez Phoenix (Arken), Steve Pruitt (Oak Hrns), Hasheem Rasheed (Wooowarl. Unemen - Sieve Adams (Anderson), David Alspach (Sl Xavier), Matt Bauer (Elder), Kevin Hansel (Harrison), Billy Held (La Salle), Brad Johnson (Falrlleld), Bin lapthom (Colerain), Greg Uttle (Colerain), Erron Martin (Princeton), Chris McBeth (Harrison), Jim McCabe~oeler), Steve Putt (Winton Woods), Craig Reed (Hamilton), Chris Ruehl (St. Xavier), rad =~ller), Aaron Simms (Oak liills), Chris Tumer (Fairtield), Mike Waller inton s. • Klckers - Chay Comlort (Princeton), Lul<e Hamltton (Western Hills),; Tim Kraus (Coleraif11, Jason Money (Falrfoeld), Mike Schaeffer (Amelia), Andy Stamp (Lakota).

Defense Unemeb - l:Ouls Arnold (Withrow), Debron Betts (Withrow), Todd Bonds (We stem Hins), Jason Dunn (Winton Woods), Doug Helmkraler (Harrison), Chris Heywood (Anderson~ Brian Fitzpatrick (Moeller). TiJuan Lumpkin (Fairfield), Matt Paul (La Saia), Josh Pevton~nllrther (Sl Xavier), Joe Schmitt (Oak HUis), Wollgang Scholz (MoeHer), Nate Snow (Woodward), Jeremy Strack (Anderson). Unebackers - Mike Brotherton (Harrison), Bral Habenstrait (Colerain), Matt Hortne (Winton Woods), pan Hounct>e! Jarvis Johnson (Western Hills), Rick Mattingly (Princeton), Qalna Mon~ w,oe ler), Antwan Moore (Woodward), Darryl Mu!tins (Hamnton), Mike Naprer {Wmtoniillas), Lamont Smith (Lakota), Jimmy Weeks

IU'Y,J

(Sycamora). Defensive backs -Rick Bemecker (La Salle), Andre eon· Moeller), Jay Devine (Glen Este), Bart Gels (Anderson), Mike Guslch (St. XaVIer , amle arns (Middletown), Charles Jackson (Woodward), Brandon Lemmons (Colerain), Patrick Lasha (Wrlhrow), lan Willman (Harrison). Punters - Tim Albers (Anderson), Chay e:Omf6i1 (Princeton), Saan Evans (Winton Woods), Charlie Gourley (Western Hills), ~ustof! (Moellet);·

.Huston gets !kick start from family Moeller place kicker got assist from his mom, dad, sister BY DAVE SCHUTTE ./ Enquirer contributor I ~~If f .3 In the truest sense, Brian Huston's success as a kicker 1 at Moeller has been a family effort. . Unable to find friends willing to practice during the heat of the summer, Huston solicited the help of his father (Dan), mother (Kathy) and older sister (Tricia). I "Dad held while my mom and my sister retrieved the footballs," said Huston, who was named the Associat~. · Press Division I All-State place kicker of the yean · • • "My dream has always been to play for Notre Dame-.J,... The only way to get ®t;icecl was to have a great seaso,n. · • ., That's why I kicked four nighfs ~a'\ · ; week during.the off-season." • · : In 12 games this season, Hus· . ton's statistics are outstanding: · · 45 of 46 conversion attempts and 13 of 20 field goals, good for 84 points. In three seasons, he has . ~,~ ~ ~ .. ·~~-' missed only two conversions in 84 '. •; attempts. •. ~ ~-~ ... Until Huston missed a conver.. ·...;· --· sion against Princeton in the Divi"The only sion I playoff game at Nippert Sta> ·~~--. ~ '• •......r } . way to get dium, he had hit 71 straight. .. '"'.; ...... ' ·.~.. , noticed was · Practicing at home, Huston had ' · to have a only three or four footballs, so he .I great couldn't kick much if someone .· . season." didn't retrieve the balls. . "I stood over the hill behind the - Bnan Huston goalpost and threw the ball to Tricia, who threw it to Dan/' Kathy Huston said. "It was . _... ·sort of an assembly-line operation." At one point during the practice sessions, Kathy .' ·. Huston was the holder, taking over for her husband .. 1 whose finger was broken when kicked by Brian on an attempt. 1 "I'd much rather fetch the balls than hold," Kathy 1 Huston said. Huston will be key for the Crusaders Saturday when they meet Hilliard in the Division I state semifinals at ·..... Dayton's Welcome Stadium. The winner advances to the •' -'·,;· ···'.. -_ • • ;>JDec: 11 championship in Canton. ' Before enrolling at Moeller, Huston played soccer for ~;:?...·.·- . ··,-· . .. ; ~ . , ~·· •'v several select teams in Milford, but the desire to play . football for Notre Dame led the 17-year-old Montgomery • Tile Cincinnati Enquirer/Tony , · resident to change sports. Moeller's Brian Huston, above, hopes to take his kicking talents to South (Please see HUS}ON, Page DS) Bend to help Notre Dame's Fighting _Irish.

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Moeller coach Steve Klonne, who guided the Crusaders to their first state championship game since 1989, is The Post's Division I coach of the year. He took a team that posted a 7-3 record last season and coached it to 10 straight regular-season victories and the mythical city championship: Then the Crusaders won three straight playoff gams to climb to a No.-6 ranking nationally by USA Today before they lost in the Division I championship game. to consensus national champion Cleveland S~. !gna~ius. . .

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MOeller-HiQhlc:tll'd$-Work--O'n.·matthub .' ' . l . . ' .

By Rich~rd Skin.ner Post contrrbutor

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, reached for comment ·!donday. · · ·

, The Moeller-Highlands football matchup still hasn't been finalized according to Moeller coach Steve Klonne, even though Highlands coach Tom Duffy had said last week a decision on the game would be reached by yesterday. , Klonne said from what he has heard, Duffy wants the game, but ·the final decision rests elsewhere. "The principal ;Steve Klonne over there has to approve it I guess and from what I. understand some people in the community want them to schedule us and some· don't," Klonne said. · . . _ . • . Neither Duffy,· nor anyone in llighlands administration could be

1 Moeller has won the most high · school football champi9nships in Ohio history (seven) and Highlands is tied for the most state ti· tles in Kentucky history (12), including one this past year ,in Class AAA, which is akin to Division II in Ohio. " . i "The thing I don't understand is, why doesn't anyone want to play us?,': Klonne asked. "We're not the same team we ' were back in the early 1980s. It's not like we've gone 14~0 six straight years. We were 6-4 two years ago and 7-3 last year." · : hr. Moeller does schedule High· lands it will make two northern Kentucky teams on the Crusaders' schedule. They also will play at Covington Catholic, which won last year's matchup 22-17 at Galbreath Field. __ - - --· - - --- I•

Left, Tony Walker shows textbook tackling form against Mark Ruddy of St. Ignatius. Top, Moeller defensive lineman Keith Vanderckhova attempts to get In on a tackle during first half action of the Crusaders' GCL championship clinching 24-3 win over Roger Bacon. Middle, coach Pat Orloff talks with canter Jerry Jlvoln on the sidelines. Below, Sean Flynn makes a diving attempt to help a teammate a tackle. (Linda Fish photos]

Ohio may vote to bar non-public schools from tournamentS

There is a movement to bar Catholic and private schools in Ohio from participating in the state football, basketball, baseball and volleyball tournaments. Manchester High School in Northeastern Ohio is circulating petitions to school principals throughout the state in an attemptto eliminate non-public schools from tournaments that are contested in four or more divisions. Clair Muscaro, Ohio High School Athletic. Association commissioner, acknowledged the petitions. Muscaro said they must be signed by five principals ~r?m each of six districts, and a mmunum of 75 principals, before a referendum would be called.Âˇ Then the 815 member principals would vote. , A referendum is likely, but pas, . . sage is another m~tter. Âˇ .''This is upsettmg to me, Cm-.

Dave Schutte

cinnati Country Day principal Mike Cronk said. "My hunch is that these people are more concerned with the parochial schools than private institutions like us." . It's an old issue: As non-public schools win more state titles, public schools complain more loudly that non-public schools have an advantage in being able to recruit. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati prohibits students from attending schools outside their district, but it is expected soon to adopt op~n enrollment. "We'd be out of business if we didn't recruit. But we recruit students, not athletes," Cronk said. "Most of our kids start in grade school. You can't tell me we know a kid will be a good athlete when they get to high school." A few states have separate associations - and separate tournaments - for public and non-public schools. Before that became reality in Ohio, the issue would surely wind up in court.

Reluctant catcher Howard Beatty, a 16-yeai--old junior at Withrow, knew something was up when baseball coach Tom Chambers requested a meeting last month prior to the start of practice. When the hour-long get-together broke up, Chambers . was the only one smiling. Âˇ

Chambers asked Beatty, a third baseman, to try his hand at catching. "I told Mr. Chambers that catching was the only position I've never played," Beatty said. "He convinced me to give it a try." "Howard's father played for me years ago and he was also a catcher," Chambers said. "We didn't have a catcher and I knew that Howard has the potential to do it." But learning the position hasn't been easy. "I tend to duck when the batter swings at the ball," Beatty said. "Also, my mask slips to the side wheri I throw to s~cond base." First games are Monday.

High school sports face split Vote may separate public, private BY DAVE SCHUTTE and TIM PENNINGTON Enquirer contributors

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Most local high schools appear to be against a controversial referendum to exclude Ohio Catholic and private schools from football; basketball and other state tournaments. But· a strong pro vote is expected from the·rest of the state and may be enough to pass it. "The people in Youngstown, Akron, Cleveland and Warren will probably vote for its passage," said Clair Muscaro, Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner. Muscaro was in town Tuesday to brief area principals on the referendum. That probably would lead to a total split between public and nonpublic schools in sports. "I understand that if it passes, the Ohio Catholic Conference (made up of 115 schools) will establish. its own separate association," said Brother Gene Mayer, Roger Bacon athletic director. "We would all have to leave the OHSAA." The referendum would ·exclude Catholic and private schools from state tournaments in football, boys and girls basketball, volleyball and baseball. Principals of the 851 OHSAAmember schools will vote between Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. A simple majority is needed for passage. The vote will be .announced Oct. 15 . . In an unprecedented move, the

(Please see PREPS, Page E6)

Preps: Result due .Oct. .15 1/~"'f'f.J ·

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE E~

OHSAA Board of Control has gone on record against the referendum. Muscaro strongly reiayed that sentiment at Tuesday's meeting and others around the state. The general reaction Tuesday seemed against the referendum. Ron Harmon, president of the North College Hill School Board,. said: "We're in a strong Catholic district, but our relations are better than ever with these scliools. We don't need something like this. If they're doing something right, we should look at it." Winton Woods Athletic Director Charlie Fredrick added: "I am personally against it. We need a true champion in every sport and this would water it down." Fairfield principal Erick Cook, while noncommittal, said: "I strongly feel the state needs to carefully look at boundaries. Everyone needs to play on a level playing field, with rules being· the same for all athletes." The referendum was proposed by Marco C. Burnette, superintendent of the Akron Manchester Local Schools. He argued that nonpublic schools have an advantage in attracting athletes. "Inequities have developed because the rules are different for enrollment in public and non-public school," Burnette said in a handout at Tuesday's meeting. "Public schools are· restricted by geogruphic boundaries while non-publie schools may recruit from a much more expansive area."

Burnette pointed out that only two public schools in the last 13 years have won the Division I football championship. On the other hand, public schools have won seven of the last 10 Division I boys basketball titles. In Northeast Ohio, there is strong sentiment for passage. · . "You _have to understand that St. Ignatius has dominated Division I fQotball the past five years,!' Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Dick Zunt said. "People in Cleveland and Akron are sick of it." Newark Catholic, a Division V school 40 miles east of Columbus, ~s w~n sev~n state football champ10nships smce 1978, matching . Moeller's record number. Jeff Higley, sports editor of the (VeU!ark Advocate, says resentment ts htgh. Only one school in Licking County will play Newark Catholic. "Everyone talks against Newark Catholic," Higley said. "Many of the schools in this area plan. to vote for the separation in the playoffs." At Tuesday's meeting, the Ohio Football and Ohio Basketball C:o.ache~ associations stated opposttion to the referendum. "We'd have a hard time filling ,our schedules without the Catholic schools," said Sonny Tudor, Oak Hills assistant principal and athletic director. ·"We usually have some of our biggest gates (attendance) when we played the Catholic schools and it would hurt us finan~ dally without them on the schedule." ·

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Not separate; thus, far from equal Marco Burnette will not go quietly. If his initiative fails to separate Ohio's high school tournament into public and private playoffs, there is always Plan B. "If I can't get this passed," Burnette said, "the next petition will be to move all the non-public schools up two divisions. You're never going to have equity until you have apples playing apples." What exists now, Burnette believes, is too often pineapples against pears. Parochial schools, often operating without well-defined districts, have so dominated the state high school tournaments that some Ohio public schools are now hard-pressed to perceive a level playing field. Burnette, superintendent of schools for Manchester, expects his referendum to be defeated when the Ohio High School Athletic Association announces the vote on Oct. 15. Yet he has already succeeded in focusing attention on the fairness concerns of membership. It is, at least, a start. "Anyone who tells you that it's equitable right now, they're pulling your leg," said Jim France, Manchester High School's principal and football coach. "Not when Division IV teams can beat Massillon."

Set up stricter boundaries

'De facto' all-star teams Âˇ France was referring to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary's 1991 upset victory over Paul Brown's alma mater. St. Vincent-St. Mary's was actually a Division III school (199-295 boys enrolled) at the time of the game, but France's point is still worth pondering. Turning the tables for a moment, can anyone imagine a public school the size of Little Miami beating Moeller? If not, maybe the system deserves some scrutiny. Even if matters are only slightly out of whack, why not attempt to adjust them? The football squad Cleveland St. Ignatius suited up for last year's Division I state championship game was comparable to that of a small college team, maybe better. The school's success has been well-deserved and hard-earned, but its circumstances have little in common with the public schools with which it competes. "Public schools are restricted by their geographical boundaries while non-public schools may re-' cruit from a much more expansive area," Burnette argues. "This in essence establishes de facto all-star teams for the non-public schools "It's like the Cleveland Browns drawing from Cleveland while the Dallas Cowboys can recruit from the rest of the United' States." Establishing separate public and private playoffs is an extreme step - a similar referendum received only 16% of the vote in i978but there ought to be an attractive compromise available somewhere.

. If private schools are to draw fr?m several public school distncts, perhaps they should be expected t? compete at a higher level than thetr enrollment requires. Per~aps private schools could recogruz~ more rigid boundaries for. at~etlc eligibility. Moeller Athlet:c Dtre~to~ Bar:r Borman points ou t~! Cl!lctnnatl is the only one of O?io s stx Catholic diocese that retams geographic boundaries S~rely this accounts for the la~k of dtssent heard locally. (~st we forget, perhaps the public schools could better enforce the legal guardian loophole that enables athletes to claim addresses they don't occupy.) OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro says he expects Burnette's referendum to receive ll_lore support than the 1978 verswn, but declines to say what perce~~~~ migh.t prompt change. ere gomg to have to wait an.d se~ wha~.th~ results are," he satd ~nday. If 1t looks like there's a maJor concern, certainly we have to tak~ a look at it. But I don't have a mag1c number." . Maybe the magic number is tb!s: Out of 814 schools in the Ohio High School Athletic Association 6.97 are public. They all want th~ir p1ece of the pie.

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l!l iJI~!I •• ~g._e_r_e_a_co_n__*~\r!

The Spartans begin the 1983' season hoping to improve on last 1 ,year's 4-6 record. If home field~ )advantage means anything, they I ;might pull it off. Bacon plays 1 ,seven of its 10 games at home, in-\ ,eluding the first four. i . "We feel that this is going to be i Ia much-improved team," says/ 1coach Rich Fuchs, who returns for· jhis sixth season. "We have· 17i 1players returning who started ai' jleast two games." l The Spartans return one of the !·.city's best receivers ln senior Jo. e lHice (6-1, 175). Hice caught 3 \passes In 1982, averaging over Ul Jyards per catch. The quarterback lwtll be senior Rob Burkhart (5-ll,i 1155). Senior Rob Farwick (5-9, 150)i Its the top running back. TheJ !Offensive line should be expert-\ ~meed with seniors.Tlm Back (5-11,! 205), Tom Barnes (5-9, 180) and\ Terry Folzenlogen (6-2, 275). Linebackers Randy Brown (6..2, 1~5), Mike Moeller (5-10, 187) apd •· Tom Hoffman (5-10, 172) wlll pe the keys to the defense. · 1

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Edwards, Silbersack honored Four also chosen for LaRosa Hall BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer Contributor

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Tina Silbersack and Marc Edwards two athletes who didn't think 'they had a chance to win, were named The Buddy LaRosa High School Athletes of the Year Thursday night. Bob Miller, Frank Monterosso, Joe Barbieri and Tony Hunter were inducted into the Buddy LaRosa Hall of Fame, bringing the number of inductees to 109 since the hail's inception in 1975. "I heard a lot about the award, but I didn't think about winning it," Silbersack, a St. Ursula graduate, said. "I've won many honors, but this ranks at the top." During four years at McNicholas and St. Ursula, Silbersack was undefeated in the 100 butterfly. She was the first to win four consecutive state swimming championships in the same event. Silbersack, a freshman swimmer at Tennessee, was chosen over Holly Porter (Wyoming), Carrie Groth (Ursuline), Dana Morningstar (Mount Healthy), Tonya Kirk (Aiken) and Maureen Egan (St. Henry). Like Silbersack, Ed,wards thought the competition was too strong to be chosen. "It's a real honor just to be associated with this class of athl~>tes," Edwards said.

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Moeller athletes commit r(~o'/'13

. Edwards, who rushed for more than 4,000 yards at Norwood, w~s named Mr. Ohio in football this season. Keith Gregor (Lakota), Willie Wineberg (Fairfield), Ty Douthard (La Salle), Jelani Brandon (Lloyd) and Beau Parry (Cincinnati Coun.· try Day) were the other finalists. "My football coach Oim Ba~~~ told me I had a chance to wm, Edwards said. "But when I saw Keith Gregor (now a UC forward) and Jelani Brandon (signed to play minor-league baseball) on the list, I · doubted I would be picked." Probably the most subdued inductee into the Hall of Fame was Bob Miller, a former standout as an athlete at Bellevue and coach at Bellevue and Newport. "There are so many other worthy athletes who haven't made it~" Miller said. "That's why th1s award is so special to me." Hunter holds Moeller's scoring record'.Ior-···receiverS:" He played football at Notre Dame and for the Bu~falo Bills._ A standout basketball and baseball player at St. Berna~d, Mont~r osso averaged 34.2 pomts dun?g the 1973-74 season, and set a c1ty record with a 70-point game that season. Barbieri attended Woodward between 1937 and 1941, earning 11 varsity letters in football baseball and basketball. The induction ceremonies will be aired on WKRC (Ch. 12) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Mark Abell, a 6-2, 210-pound linebacker, heads a list of 10 Moeller football players commiting to college this week. He'll attend Dartmouth College. · Thomas More landed four Crusaders: Chris Kenton, a 6-2, 215-pound tight end; Willie Rodriguez, ·a 5-11, 190-pound defensive ·end, Rob Hudson, a 6-2, 170-pound defensive b~ck and Mike Stofko, a 6-2, 200-pound offens1ve guard. .. . J.B. Lind, a 6-4, 260-pound tackle, will play for St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind.; while Kevin Wiwi, a 6-2, 240-pound tackle will attend Dayton. Matt Redding, a 6-1, 235-pound center, will play at Ohio Northern. Rounding out the list are Denny Marinich, a 5-11, 170-pound defensive back who will att~nd Cornell, and defensive tackle (6-0, 215) M1ke Horan who will play at John Carroll.

WLW BROADCASTS 2 GAMES Radio . station WLW-AM (700) will broadcast two Division I football playoff games Saturday from Nippert Stadium. The station will carry the 1' p.m. Moeller-Centerville game and the 7 p.m. St. XavierPrinceton game.

Moeller-Highlands series seems sure BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer Contributor

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Moeller and Highlands, winners of the most state football championships in Cincinnati and NorthP.rn Kentucky, have tentatively agreed to begin a two-year series next season. If the deal goes through, the Crusaders, seven-time Division I Ohio champions, will play the Bluebirds, 12-time Kentucky champions, Sept. 3 in Fort i Thomas. "We're looking at the financial aspects of the game," said Tom Duffy, Highlands athletic director and football coach. It would be Moeller's first game in Northern Kentucky and would guarantee a sellout. Âˇ "People have been asking me

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People have been asking me for years why we don't play any Cincinnati schools.' ' - Highlands athletic director/football coach Tom Duffy

for years why we don't play any Cincinnati schools," Duffy said. "One of the main reasons is that we're locked into seven 3A games and three non-conference games." If the contract is signed, Highlands would drop Campbell County from its schedule for the first time in memory. Campbell County is one of the three non-Division 3A schools on the Bluebirds' schedule. Campbell County coach Mark

Goetz was taken by surprise. "This is the first I've heard about this," he said. "HighlandsCC has been a hard-nosed rivalry in the Northern Kentucky area. The Highlands game was well-attended and probably our biggest money maker. People in the community will miss this game if this turns out to be true." Moeller co-athletic director Dick Beerman said he was hopeful Highlands superintendent Dr. Fred Williams will approve the

Major schools shun Moeller, 'X' talent BY DAVE SCHUTTE

you look at our guys, they were all Enquirer Contributor /1.3 around 225 pounds which isn't big Since surfacing as a football enough for the Division I schools." The consensus of the recruiters power in the early 1960s, Moeller's highly touted program has was that St. X had good athletes been in the forefront in the signing Âˇ who played well together but none who were major college material. of its athletes by major colleges. Norwood fullback Marc EdAs many as 20 Crusaders have wards signed with Notre Dame. "I signed in a single season. Last year, 13 Moeller players signed waited a long time for today," with major colleges, including Eric Edwards said. "It was the most Wendt (Michigan), Max Langen- important decision of my life and kamp (Ohio State) and Scott Carl- one that I don't regret." Many people felt Edwards berg (Purdue). But Wednesday, none of the couldn't cut it a Notre Dame, more than 40 Cincinnati area play- which disturbed him. "People told me I'd made a ers who signed national lefters on the first day of the signing period mistake because I'll sit on the for football were from Moeller. bench at Notre Dame," Edwards said. "I now have something to That's rare. "I had a lot of questions going prove to them and to myself. If I into the season about having any don't play, it's my fault for not Division I players," Moeller coach working hard enough." La Salle, Anderson and Western Steve Klonne said. "Scholarships for football are down and it's get- Hill led with four signes each. ting tougher and tougher." Hamilton's only signee, center Klonne pointed out that schools are allowed 88 players on scholar- Brian Nicely, is headed for Purdue. ship this season down, from 95 last "The recruiters told me that Brian was the best in Ohio," Hamilton year. Next season it drops to 85. Another surprise was at St. Xa- coach Ed Mignery said. "Brian did vier. No player from the Bombers' it all for us." Division I state runner-up team The University of Cincinnati signed with a major college. landed three locals, including runLike Klonne, St. X coach Steve ning back Ron Brown (MiddleRasso wasn't surprised. town), center Zachary Sweeney "It was a combination of a lack (Princeton) and defensive tackle of size and height," Rasso said. "If Jim Gibson (La Salle).

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games. Moeller, which lost to Covington Catholic last year, needs an opponent for its 1993 opener. "Tom (Duffy) told me he doesn't think there's much standing in the way," said Beerman. Duffy said a final decision is expected Monday. While the game is important financially to Highlands, it's important to Moeller in the playoff points a victory would generate. In Kentucky, only divisional games count toward the playoffs. In Ohio, computer points determine the playoff teams. Since Highlands usually wins eight to 10 games, a win would be a points bonanza for Moeller. In 1994, Highlands would play Moeller at Galbreath Field.

NFL FIRST-~N~,D!AFT PICKS lu; rJ

Team

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2. Seattle 3. Phoenix 4. NY Jets

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Alabama

6. Tampa Bay 7. Chicago 8. New Orleans 9. Atlanta 10. LA Rams 11. Denver 12. LA Raiders 13. Houston 14. Cleveland 15. Green Bay 16. Indianapolis 17. Washington 18. Phoenix 19. Philadelphia 20. New Orleans 21. Minnesota 22. San Diego 23. Pittsburgh 24. Philadelphia 25. Miami 26. San Fran. 27. San Fran. 28. Buffalo 29. Green Bay

Eric Curry DE Curtis Conway WR Willie Roaf OT Lincoln Kennedy OT Jerome Bettis RB Dan Williams DE Patripk Bates DB Brad Hopkins OG Steve Everitt OC Wayne Simmons LB Sean Dawkins WR Tom Carter DB Ernest Dye OT Lester Holmes OT lrv Smith TE Robert Smith RB Darrien Gordon DB Deon Figures DB Leonard Renfro DE O.J. McDuffie WR Dana Stubblefield DT Todd Kelly DE Thomas Smith DB George Teague DB

Alabama Southern Cal Louisiana Tech Washington St. Notre Dame Toledo Texas A&M Illinois Michigan Clemson Florida Notre Dame South Carolina Jackson State Notre Dame Ohio State Stanford Colorado Colorado Penn St. Kansas Tennessee North Carolina Alabama

Moeller-Highlands series seems sure BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer Contributor

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Moeller and Highlands, winners of the most state football championships in Cincinnati and NorthP.rn Kentucky, have tentatively agreed to begin a two-year series next season. If the deal goes through, the Crusaders, seven-time Division I Ohio champions, will play the Bluebirds, 12-time Kentucky champions, Sept. 3 in Fort ÂˇThomas. "We're looking at the financial aspects of the game," said Tom Duffy, Highlands athletic director and football coach. It would be Moeller's first game in Northern Kentucky and would guarantee a sellout. Âˇ "People have been asking me

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People have been asking me for years why we don't play any Cincinnati schools.' ' -

Highlands athletic director/football coach Tom Duffy

Major schools shun Moeller, 'X' talent BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer Contributor

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Since surfacing as a football power in the early 1960s, Moelier's highly touted program has been in the forefront in the signing of its athletes by major colleges. As many as 20 Crusaders have signed in a single season. Last year, 13 Moeller players signed with major colleges, including Eric Wendt (Michigan), Max Langenkamp (Ohio State) and Scott Carlberg (Purdue). But Wednesday, none of the more than 40 Cincinnati area players who signed national lefters on the first day of the signing period for football were from Moeller. That's rare. . "I had a lot of questions going into the season about having any Division I players," Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. "Scholarships for football are down and it's getting tougher and tougher." Klonne pointed out that schools are allowed 88 players on scholarship this season down, from 95 last year. Next season it drops to 85. Another surprise was at St. Xavier. No player from the Bombers' Division I state runner-up team signed with a major college. Like Klonne, St. X coach Steve Rasso wasn't surprised. "It was a combination of a lack of size and height," Rasso said. "If

you look at our guys, they were all around 225 pounds which isn't big enough for the Division I schools." The consensus of the recruiters was that St. X had good athletes who played well together but none who were major college material. Norwood fullback Marc Edwards signed with Notre Dame. "I waited a long time for today," Edwards said. "It was the most important decision of my life and one that I don't regret." Many people felt Edwards couldn't cut it a Notre Dame, which disturbed him. "People told me I'd made a mistake because I'll sit on the bench at Notre Dame," Edwards said. "I now have something to prove to them and to myself. If I don't play, it's my fault for not working hard enough." La Salle, Anderson and Western Hill led with four signes each. Hamilton's only signee, center Brian Nicely, is headed for Purdue. "The recruiters told me that Brian was the best in Ohio," Hamilton coach Ed Mignery said. "Brian did it all for us." The University of Cincinnati landed three locals, including running back Ron Brown (Middletown), center Zachary Sweeney (Princeton) and defensive tackle Jim Gibson (La Salle).

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Faust speaks with fondness of the team that started it all By Joe Minster Press Contributor

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He was busy welcoming recruits at Akron University, but Gerry Faust's thoughts last Saturday definitely were directed to Massillon, where Moeller's Crusaders were playing Cleveland St. Ignatius for the Ohio Division I prep football title. "I couldn't be there, but I'm looking for a good game," said Faust, the man who masterminded Moeller to 172 victories, two ties and just 17 losses in 18 years from 1963 to 1980. "Yes, I know St. Ignatius is considered the No. 1 team in the nation and will be favor'ed, but I also know the type of football that's played in southwest Ohio, so you can't count Moeller out," added Faust, current Akron football coach. Faust coached no fewer than seven undefeated and untied Crusader clubs, in 1965 ( 1 0-0), 1969 (10-0), 1975 (12-0), 1976 (12-0), 1977 (12-0), 1979 (12-0) and 1980 (13-0). And six more of his teams lost just once, in 1963, the first year for football at Moeller, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1978. Like St. Ignatius, which has won five of the last six years

Gerry Faust

(1988, 1989, 1991, 1992 and 1993), Moeller captured five out of six Ohio championships from 1975 through 1980, missing the playoffs only in 1978. "All of our Ohio titles have special memories for me," Faust said, "but perhaps the most memorable was the first one in 1975, when we beat Lakewood St. Edwards, 14-12, in the finals." Âˇ "We were the underdogs is almost every game in 197 5 and we came from behind to win seven different times in posting a

12-0 record. "Then, in 1976, our kids expected to win and they always seemed to find a way to win because we went 12-0 for the second straight year." In that unforgettable five year stretch from 1975 through part of 1981, Moeller won an incredible 72 out of 73 games, a string interrupted by a 1978 loss to Princeton. Âˇ Gifted athletes and excellent coaches have combined to make Moeller the power it was under Gerry Faust and continues to be under Steve Klonne, the present Crusader coach. . "They've established a winning tradition at Moeller, where their young men are willing to pay the price in the form of hard work to win football games," Faust pointed out. How much longer does he intend to be on the coaching lines? "As long as they'll have me," Faust said without the slightest hesitation. "I enjoy being around young people and hope to be coaching for many more years. "But as long as I'm in or around the game, I'll never forget my many years at Moeller High."

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-wedding-or game? Dad Charts path for both. Jim Hodge had a dilemma. His son, Nick, was playing for Moeller in the state championship football game on the same day of son Joe's wedding. He came up with a solution: ~ He chartered an airplane and I flew to Canton to watch Moeller . play St. Ignatius. i Hodge and his group arrived 1 back at Lunken Airport about 6 . , p.m. and made it to the church for the 6:30p.m. service. In addition to Jim Hodge and sons Nick, Steve and Chris, another special guest made the trip. Father Mike Leshney of All Saints Church, also an ardent Moeller supporter, decided to attend the game although he was ~cheduled to preside over the servIce. The group flew to the Canton Airport on Saturday morning, arriving in time for the game that ' lasted until about 3:30 p.m. Nick Hodge, a starting defensive back for the Crusaders, showered after the game and was met at the stadium gate for the 20-mile trip to Canton Airport. Joe's wife-to-be, Jean Bauman, gave him the go-ahead to attend the game, but he declined. "I needed Jane to feel safe and ~ ~verythlng to go right," 路

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JJ-)..t.- f3 Joe said. Joe Hodge played for Moeller in 1987 and '88 but the Crusaders failed to make the playoffs. Bauman's brother, Eric, was a starting offensive lineman for the 1985 state championship Moeller team. Despite the confusion and late arrival of the family along with Fr. Leshney, the wedding went off without a hitch. Bauman, the daughter of Loveland football coach Larry Bauman, admitted to being nervous but never felt 路there would be a problem. "This whole thing wouldn't have come up if the game was played as scheduled on Dec. 4," Joe Hodge said. "I'm glad dad was ' in a position to charter the plane so : he could attend both events." The Division I state championship game was delayed a week after Westerville North threatened legal action agamst the Ohio High School Athletic Association for playing with ineligible players.

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CLEVELAND, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1993

0fTERRY WILLIAM HAF

St. Ignatius High School coach Chuck Kyle gets a ride from his players and hoists the state Division I football championship trophy after the Wildcats defeated Cincinnati Moeller, 38-20, yesterday at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon. The state title was the thir' straight for St. Ignatius and its fifth in six years. The victory also guarantees that the Wildcats will keep their No. 1 national ranking b~ USA Today. Details In Sports

Can~-· Moeller·

beat the pain. [Injured Crusaders go for state ti !By DA'IE SCHUTTE . !r.

(JCnQutrer contribute~ . . j Weakened by m1un7s to two :~ey players, Moeller s pro~d 'defensive unit will tackle tts '··most strategic target of the ' season today. "We're out to prove that our l·J(iefense is not about ~dividuals .put about players making great '1>lays," linebacker Dan Hounchell said. "We plan to play abOve our heads and with more intensity." . , Today at Paul Brown Stadturn in. Massillon, the undefeated Crusaders tate on twotime defending Division I state champion and No. 1-ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius (13-0) for the big school football state title. On. a 41-game winn_ing streak and ranked No. 1 nation· ally by USil Today! ~he Wildcats will be after thetr fif~h Division I title in the past SIX years. St. Ignatius also won in 1988, '89, '91 and '92. Moeller will be after an un-

p~ec~ented eighth state.cha~p10nship, the last commg m 1985. The Crusaders have played St. Ignatius once, in the 1989 fmals, 34-28. A team that relied on fense en route to 13 ... v.I'""''"·W tive victories, Moeller Wolfgang Scholz and linE~bac:ker Troy Tuck to u•J"'.."'" state semifmals on against Hillard. Tuck with the help of a cast to protect a fractured arm, hopes to play. If not, . Haskins a 5-11, 202 senior, ~ replace him at linebacker. jeff Fye, a 5-11, 165pound senior, will take over at defensive end for Scholz. "These players will have to step in and do the job," Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. "Other people have stepped_ in all year and it's even more unportant now." Moeller's task against a high powered Wildcat offense will be (PI MOELLER ease see Page ns)

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The Cincinnati Enqu rer/Steve Rosenberg

Moeller defenders Jermaine Vlonk (40), Andy Shafer {48) and Drew IVueller {right) celebrate after stopping Princetcn on a fourth-down play late n the game that prese~ved the Crusaders' victory.

ikings: Too little, too late First-half problems too much to overcome BY RAY SCHAEFER ' Enqt:irer contributor

Frinceton's playoff run cane up ; six inches and 40 seconds short. A dive play by tailback Da:rell Deck came up short, and Moeller . held on for an 18-15 nailbiter Sat. urdz.y at Nippert Stadium. ' Vikings coach Fat Mancuso said he didn't have many options besides giving the bc.ll to Deck. "We ran out of timeouts. We couldn't do anything else." Princeton's offense was simply non-existent in the first half: ""' Except for G:uy Croley's 63yad intercepticn return w::h 10:03 left in the first quarter, the Vikings moved thP. ball no farther than their own 37. ""' In fh·e poss,~ssions, only once did Princeton run mere than four plays in a series. IJ1- Moeller defensive end Andy Bailey recovered a fumble when Deck fumbled a pitch from quarter1 ! bac:( Jeremy Teal:. j . ,_ Princeton !:ad mly 24 yards · total offe!·:;~'. 'rif! 17 ef that or: the

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""' The Vo.hlngs were 0-for-4 on the Crusaders an 18-7 lead. third-down c.Jnversions. From then on, Princeton's deThe situation was just as bad fense shut down Moeller for the when Princeton was on defense. rest of t~e game. Keller and EdThe Moelle:- fr:::>nt of Gabe Tinch- wards gained only 24 more yards er, A.'1dy Beimesche, Scot Good- in the second half. Manct:so said the Vikings relied hart, Brad Scheffer and Jim McCabe spent as much time in oh their defense all year for most Princeton's secondary as the line- of their scoring, and a defensive backers and defensive backs. Cru- play resulted in their last TD. A pass from Mike Green to sader runnirg backs Mike Keller and Derrick Edwards combined for Keller bounced into the arms of Chris Gillam, who took the inter~· 133 yards. Moeller averaged 5.6 yards per .ception 41 yards for a score. A carry in the first half, while Prince- Teal>to-xeggie Mills conversion made the score 18-15. ton oanage:l only 1.7 per rush. After the game, Mancuso said For the game, Princeton managed just 104 yards while giving up Moe1ler is 6e team to beat. "They might win it all," he said. 211. ''You jus~ try 1o execute better EXPENSIVE WIN: Moeller's and play better and do the things win will be an expensive one. you were :Jracticing on for two Two rows of seats in the Moelweeks and :1oping to get done," ler cheering section behind the Mancuso said. Crusader bench caved in from "B:tsically, they just came out. Moeller fans stomping on them. they blocked, they did pretty John Hamel, assistant sports ingood," said C:efensive end Jermaine formation director at the UniversiBroach. "They just ran up, played ty of Cincinnati, said Moeller will how they had to play." be charged for repairs. "Obviously Things didn't 1mprove much to the damage happened in the Moelstart the th:rd quarter, as Moeller l.er cheering section," he said. defensive 'nck Andre Collins "I've never seen stands damaged picked off c.. Te1ll pass and re- ;:l a foo:b<ill gaMe." The co!:'t is turned it 48 ya:d~. for a TD to give undetennin~d.

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·Moeller: Offense shifts gears CONTINUED ~ FROM PAGE Dl The strategy may have worked, pass down the middle to Brian but the V~king offense was stopped Balsly for the TD and a 7-0 lead an inch short of a first down on the : "On the TD pass, we sent out. a Moeller 30, giving the ball to the flanker, tight end ~nd Brian," Crusaders. Klonne said. "Someone missed an .Mo~ents la~er •. th~ game assignment and he .was wide open. turned m Moell~r s drrectt.on w~en The next time we tried it, they a .~usto~ punt mto the wmd hit a , . Vtking player and was recovered wer~ all over him . . b· Moeller's Jim Holtel at the Aided by a stro~g wmd, Moel~er P~inceton 39 . ~oo~ a 10-~ lead With 3:34 rem~mMoeller took advantage, driving mg m the frrst quarter when Bnan to the 7 with Huston booting a I H'!ston booted a 49-yard field goal, 24-yard field goal for a 13-7 lead tYl:ng a school record. with 8:4 7 remaining. Princeton's offense got untrackAn interception by Moeller's ed in the second quarter when the Chris Brisben at the Princeton 40 Vikings had the wind in their favor. set up the final TD, a 1-yard run by · Following a quick kick by Der- Green with 4:28 left. . rick Edwards that went out of The final statistics tell the stoi bounds on the V\kin,g 35, Princeton ry. ~qua~erback Jeremy Teall connect~oeller man~ged 152 yards ed wtth Darrell Deck for the TD to rushmg, 74 by Mike Keller and 52 cut the deficit to 10-7 at halftime. by Balsly, and 85 passing on 7 of "We didn't want Moeller to 12 by Green. · have the ball and the wind to start The Crusaders defense held the the third period," Mancuso said. VikiiJ.gS to a tota1 of .11 3 yar ds, 22 "That's why We decided to take rushmg and 91 passtng. "0ur game P1an was 1ousy, " the wind advantage at the start of the second half." .Klonne said. "I thought We could

run wide on them using an unbalanced line but I was wrong. We then went back to straight formations and it worked much better." Cr~sader offensi:re lineman Andy Betmesche credtted the change in offensive strategy as the key. "Princeton's defense took away th t ·d " h 'd "W · t e ou SI ~· . e_ sat . e NS star~ed gomg mS1de on thei?, and that s what worked the best. Green, who completed 7 of 12 p~sses for 85 yards, didn't feel the wmd was a factor. "It didn't bother me throwing the ball," Green said. "We knew what we had to do and we stuck to our game plan after we found out we couldn't run wide on them." Despite the setback, Princeton will qualify for the Division I playoffs joining Moeller St. Xavier and' Centerville. ' Moener--·---------·-la o 3 Princeton _____________ 1 o M·Balsly 10 pass from Green ( Hust911 kick) M·Huston 49 field goal

P·Oeck 35 pass from Teall (Comf11rt klckl M-Huston 24 field goal M-Green 1 run <Huston klckl Records: Princeton 9-1. Moeller 1(1.0.

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lev EDDIE DWYER /;2.- JJ. ~ 7J PlAIN DEALER REPORTER

MASSILLON:

As the snow swirled across PauF Brown Tiger Stadium yesterday,! Scott Mutryn stood proud and tall. Mutryn, St. Ignatius' all-state: 1 quarterback, reflected on his finaH high school game with the same 1 calm and collectiveness that he' brings to his position. { "Truly, I have to credit coach Kyle (Wildcats head coach Chuck Kyle) and coach Restifo (offensive coordinator Nick Restifo) for.. teaching me how to be a winner," Mutryn said moments after he helped engineer a 38-20 victory over Cincinnati Moeller in the Division I state championship football game. And winners are what Mutryn and his teammates will be remembered as. Turning back seven-time state champion Moeller, the Wildcats wrapped up their third straight big-school state title and fifth in six seasons. The No. 1-ranked team in The Plain Dealer's sevencounty coverage area, St. Ignatius completed its season at 14-0, extended its winning streak to 34 and clinched its second national · championship in five years. "The total focus and credit for this has to go to these kids," said Kyle, who has a 110-19-1 record in 11 seasons at his alma mater. "There was tremendous pressure placed on them early, being ranked No. 1 in the country (by USA Today) in August. "To have to battle that albatross all season and be able to keep their poise the way they did says some-. thing about the character of these young men." Poise, character and talent. All three were evident on the game's opening drive as the Wildcats marched 80 yards in five plays. Mutryn, who is part of a senior class that went undefeated on the freshmen, junior-varsity and varsity levels, connected with junior flanker Darin Kershner on a SEE CATS/15·C

, Page 15-C.

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T.J. Donovan (11), Matt Schindler, right, Darin Kersh.1er and the team mascot celebrate in the end zone after Kershner's touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of St. Ignatius' 38-20 state title victory over Cincinnati Moeller.

Wildcat olavers react to their title.

Moeller coach savs beHer team won. Stories

. Ignatius too much for 229 yards. Dave La- 1994 and 1995 with the Crusaders caught five for 104 yards and making the trip north next ~eason. Keller six for 82 yards. Overall, St. Ignatius racked up The Associated Press coitributyards rushing and 222 passing ed to this report. Moeller rushed for 119 yards Moeller 3 I 7 7-20 S!.lgnalius 7 • 10 7-38 , assed for 229. !-Kerschner 27 pass from Mutryn (Paez tick) M-Hustor. 27 FG tryn, the all-state quarter- · completed 11 of 20 passes for yards and three TD's. St. Ignatius and Moeller will during the regular season in

M-Huston 10 FG 1-Hadd!ld 23 pass from Mufryn (Paez kict) 1-Mu!ryn 14 run (Paez kick) 1-Paez 22 FG . 1-Haddad 52 run (Pacz kick) M-Lapham 21 pass from Green (Huston tick) 1-Kersdtner 29 pass from Mufryn (Paczllck) M-Keller 20 run (Huston kick) •

Crusaders' fans brave the cold Snow can't stop Moeller faithfui BY TIM PENNINGTON Enquirer contributor

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MASSILLON, Ohio - Saturday's "Battle of Ohio" football game didn't involve any teams named Bengals or· Browns. Instead, the mass of blue and yellow belonged to the teams from Moeller and Cleveland St. Ignatius high schools playing in the Division I state championship. But more than a state title was on the line. St. Ignatius came into the game undefeated and the toprated team in the nation in the USA Today poll. Moeller was ranked No. 6 and also unbeaten. In all likelihood, the national high school football championship was at stake, with St. Ignatius coming away a 38-20 winner before 15,400 fans. · · More than 7, 000 fans from Cincinnati drove the five hours to Canton, braving the sub-freezing temperatures and a driving snow storm to sit on the cold steel bleachers for three hours at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium on the campus of Massillon Washington High School. Grills were cooking outside the stadium in the parking lot, as many

tailgate parties were in full swing even before the team buses carrying the players arrived at the stadium. Chris Kent, a 1993 Moeller graduate now playing football for Thomas More College, drove up Friday night with his friends Todd Naumann and Tim McClatchey after stopping in at the Moeller pep rally that afternoon. They spent the night at a friend's house Friday before bundling up and heading for the stadium yesterday morning. "I've been to all the games this year, and I wouldn't have missed this one for the world," Kent said. "The pep rally really got everyone fired up. People were waiting in line to get in the gym." The Moeller team stayed at the Red Roof Inn in Canton on Friday night, while many of their fans stayed at the Holiday Inn across the street. The faithful were ready to rumble at daybreak Saturday, even though the game didn't start until1 p.m. "There were some people who got here at the stadium at 9 a.m.," said Joan Houston, whose daughter Tina is a cheerleader for Moeller. '-'We're all kind of goofy to sit out here in the cold, but this is what

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Moeller's Derrick Edwards can't hold on to a pass Saturday as he is hit by St. Ignatius' Geoff Panteck. it's all about." The game had all the tradition of a Bengals-Browns ~atchup. In the 23-year history of the largeschool championship game, either Moeller or St. Ignatius had won the title 12 times. Moeller has won the title seven times alone. St. Ignatius crure into the game as two-time defending champions. "Moeller has had national ::hampionship teams before, and this St. Ignatius team ranks right up there with the best of those Moeller teams," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. "I can't be disappoirted in our kids. This team we play~ 1 was as good as it gets."

Sometimes heart isn't enough12_,:l-'l3 MASSILLON, Ohio - Dancing through t~e end zone, their trophy held aloft m triumph the St Ignatius football te~ took the long, lingering, let-it-snow route to the showers Saturday afternoon. State championships are supposed to be savored and the Wildcat~ have not gro~ weary of the routme even after winning five of the last six and three of them in succession. Their 38-20 conquest of the Moeller Crusaders in Ohio's Division I final was short on drama Yet the euphoria was fresh. ' So, too, was the anguish of the other side. _"I just couldn't believe it " M?ell~r defensive end Andy Bailey s~9/ I thought we were going to wm."

Wha(might have been Long after his teammates had left the field for the warmth and sa~ctuary of their dressing room, Bailey stood bare-headed in the swirling snow and watched the winners cavort in the opposite corn7r of Paul Brown Tiger Stadtum. He stood there, peering through the snowflakes, drawn to the St. Ignatius celebration like a starving man to a smorgasbord. Then Bailey rejoined his crestfallen comrades. Some of his teammates were in tears and Moeller co~ch Steve Klo~e made the rounds of his players with a gentle reminder: "You've got nothing to be ashamed of " Bailey's frustration took ~ different form. He sat down on a black wooden bench in the dressing room and pounded a can of soda pop wordlessly against its surface. "I honestly thought we were g?ing to win," he said, rephrasing htmselfonly slightly. "I wasn't too concerned about where they were ran~~d (St. Ignatius has been No. 1 nat10nally in USA Today). I watched five films of them and I thought we could beat them I think we'd play better if we had another chance."

If there were doubts in Bailey's mind, there were none on his lips. The senior lineman is listed at 17 5 pounds, and admits. to being closer to 165, and on this day he had been matched much of the afternoon against St. Ignatius' .330-pound tackle, Eric Gohlstin. Held his own, too, he said. The Crusaders' chief frustration Saturday was that they were able to go toe-to-toe with a much larger opponent, only to fall apart at the fingers. Running back Matt Keller fumbled into the end zone two yards from a touchdown on the next-to-last play of the first quarter. Defensive back Andre Collins dropped two potential ;;, interceptions in a span of six ... defensive snaps in the second Âˇ quarter. Quarterback Mike Green was intercepted twice in the second half. "I think we were capable of beating them," said Moeller defensive back Ron Adkins, who seized two interceptions. "But they just executed well."

St. Ignatius does it all On a day whose conditions urged conservatism, St. Ignatius performed with 70â€˘ precision. The Wildcats averaged better than 20 yards per pass completion, and 5.6 per running attempt. If St. Ignatius' huge offensive line did not wear Moeller down, as some had anticipated, it certainly prevented any sustained pass rush. Had St. Ignatius quarterback Scott Mutryn waited any longer for some of his receivers to break free, he might have been arrested for loitering. Running back Eric Haddad, who scored two of the Wildcats' touchdowns, finished with 141 yards rushing and 82 yards receiving. Moeller made 320 yar~s of total offense, but too many mistakes to keep up. "We'd like to play it over," Ron Adkins said. "Obviously, right now, it's really disappointing. But we just have ~o'accept the fact that we were beat by the No. 1 team in the cou9tfY. They just happen to be in 91H' state."

One

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tough Tuck

Moeller LB won't miss game

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BY DAVE SCHUTTE ,Enquirer contributor

! Troy Tuck, Moeller's senior 'linebacker, wasn't about to sit 'out today's state championship 路game against Cleveland St. Ignatius. "I've played football for 11 years and never missed a game," Tuck said. "This is the biggest game of my life and there was no way I was going to miss it." 路路 Last Saturday in the state semifmals against Hillard, Tuck, the Crusaders' leading tackler, suffered a fracture of the radius bone in the left arm in what appeared to be a season-ending injury. Doctors fitted Tuck with a soft cast this week to protect the injury, which should enable

Moeller linebacker Troy Tuck

the 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior to play in certain situations against St. Ignatius. "Skip Warren, a local referee, came to school and checked the cast 9ut," Tuck said. "He feels it will be acceptable to the officials who do the game." Wolfgang Scholz, Moeller's standout defensive end who suffered a dislocated shoulder, wasn't as lucky as Tuck and will not be ready to play. It probably won't take Tuck much time to try out the cast due to the anticipated physical nature of the game. "I probably won't play on passing downs," Tuck said. "I won't know how the arm is until I get in that first hard hit. Then I'll know."

Moeller eyes title By Bob Queenan Post staff reporter

BRUCE CRIPPEN!The Cincinnati Post

Moeller's Andy Biemeche prepar~~ for , the state championship game.

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Steve Klonne will not give.any fiery speeches today. . The Moeller High School football coach says his Crusaders know exactly what they have to do to beat Cleveland St. Ignatius, ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. "I won't have to say much and there will be no big pep talk," said Klonne, whose team is ranked 6th nationally. "At this point, our kids will be ready to play and they'll know what they . are playing for." Moeller 03路0) will play St. Ignatius 03-0) for the Ohio Division I high school footbail cham~ionship at 1 p.m. in Mas, Please see MOELLER, 6C

Can·. Moeller beat the pain?

Injured Crusaders go for state title precedented eighth state.cha~ pionship, the last commg m ' Enquirer contributor ~ 3 1985. Tl~e Crusaders have Weakened by injuries to two played St. Ignatius once, losing key players, Moeller's pro~d in the 1989 finals, 34-28. defensive unit will tackle tts A team that relied on demost strategic target of the fense en route to· 13 consecuseason today. tive victories, Moeller lost end "We're out to prove that our Wolfgang Scholz and linebacker defense is not about individuals Troy Tuck to injuries in the but about players making great state semifinals on Saturday plays," linebacker Dan Houn- against Hillard. chell said. "We plan to play Tuck, with the help of a soft above our heads and with more cast to protect a fractured left intensity." arm, hopes to play. H not, Jason Today at Paul Brown Stadi- Haskins a 5-11, 202 pound um in Massillon, the unde- senior, ~ll replace him at linefeated Crusaders take on two- backer. Jeff Fye, a 5-11, 165time defending Division I state pound senior, will take over at champion and No. 1-ranked· defensive end for Scholz. Cleveland St. Ignatius (13-Q) "These players will have to for the big school football state step in .an~ do the job,'~ M~eller title. . . coach Steve Klonne satd. Ot.hOn a 41-game wtnmng er people have stepped. in all streak and ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Today, the year and it's even more unporWildcats will be after their fifth task against a _high Division I title in the past six powered Wildcat offense will be years. St. Ignatius also won in (Please see MOELLER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE Dl 1988, '89; '91 and '92. . Page D5) tough. Moeller will be after an unLed by all-state performers Scott Mutryn (quarterback), Eric Haddad (tailback), Eric Gohlstin (tackle) and Mike Buzin (tackle), the Wildcats have · averaged 38 . points and 425 yards offense. "The Mutryn kid is the best quarterback I've seen in a long time/' Klonne said. "They also have a nice offensive line. All the linemen are about 6-5 or 6-6 and are very ·athletic." St. Ignatius is a team that prefers running the ball behind Had- · dad. He's a 6-2, 208-pound tailback who scored 31 touchdowns while rushing for 1,765 yards. But the Wildcats are also an outstanding passing team, with Mutryn completing 91 of 165 passes for 1,517 yards and 17 touchdowns. Dave Pieschalski is the Wildcats' leading receiver, but Matt Schindler and T.J. Donovan are also threats. The biggest task facing the . Moeller defense will be handling the big and talented line that has been the key to the Wildcats' domiBY DA'IE SCHUTTE

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Moeller: Going -C'. •1 h ~1 0 r 8t state t1t e nation. No matter how well Moeller:s defense plays, if the offense : doesn't come up with a big game, it · will make little difference. The Crusaders' sometimes inconsistent offense will be put to the test by a Wildcat defense that . allows an average of 165 yards and eight points a game. .· "Moeller appears to be a team that favors running the ball," St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle said .. "They don't seem to throw as· much as in past years but (Mike). Green has hit some big passes." : Kyle had nothing but good to· say about the Crusaders' offensive line. "Their line is technically sound, the blocking schemes are good and · the linemen are relentless," he said. "This gives the running backs the ability to make the cuts." A crowd of 15,000 is expected in the 20,000-seat stadium. The game will be broadcast by WTSJ (1050 AM) and WLWA (550 AM). WTSJ's pregame show is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m., and WLWA's at 12:45. .

Moeller 'good ole days' inspiring Crusaders ·look with awe at champion team of 1977 BY TIM PENNINGTON

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Enquirer contributor

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Tony Jones

Moeller.players draw inspiration from the defensively strong 1977 Moeller team that included linebacker coach Bob Crable, above. He went on to star at Notre Dame and with the NFL Jets.

You won't flnd too many players on the Moeller football defensive unit idolizing modem-day Pro Bowlers. They have their own set of heroes some of whom played when most of the Moeller players weren't even born. "We look back at films of the Moeller defensive from 1977, and we are just in awe," said linebacker Dan Hounchell. "There were some great players back then.' Defensive back Andre Collins agreed. He and his cohorts watch the old game films for more than just nostalgic purposes. . "We actually get inspired watching those guys play," Collins said. "Before big games, like Princeton for example, we would haul out the movies and watch them. It would fire us up." ~·"

And the Crusaders will definitely need to be flred up Saturday, when they play the No. 1 team in the nation according to USA Today. Moeller plays St. Ignatius from Cleveland at 1 p.m. at Massilon Paul Brown Stadium for the Division I state championship. St. Ignatius is the two-time defending champion. The 1977 Moeller team is considered by many to be the best the school has produced. The team won a state title and was crowned the mythical national champion during the height of the Moeller Mystique. The 1977 defensive unit registered seven shutouts and allowed just 22 points the entire season. The defense scored 28 points on its own that year. The players have to look no farther than the practice field for reminders . Defensive backs coach Tim Schira and linebacker coach Bob Crable played on the 1977 team, which also recorded six shutouts the season before. Bill Long, angther former

member of the team, is a coach for the Crusaders' reserve team. Even the team's doctor, Mike Rohlfs, is a "70s player." "It's always nice to have a bit of history around like those guys," said defensive coordinator Bob Tull. "When I played at Notre Dame, Moose Krause was the athletic director, and he played for Knute Rockne. We were kind of in awe of him, too." The players say the coaches remind them often about the good old days. "They are constantly telling us that we should be like the '70s players," Hounchell said. "They'll always say things like, 'back in the 70s, we did this or that.' It's kind of funny, but you have to stand up and listen because of what they accomplished." The 70s players, Schira said, epitomized , . teamwork and aggressiveness. "I think the biggest compliinei1t\thatc!l<>R and I give a player is to tell him h~ play~lllf a 70s player," Schira said. "The' idds get excited over that.'' " ~

-Kicker may give Moeller edge St. X' s Rasso analyzes Crusaders, St. Ignatius By Bob Queenan Post staff reporter

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The Ohio Division I state championship could come down to the kicking game, says a high school coach who knows the Moeller Cru· saders and St. Ignatius Wildcats well. "Moeller may have an ace in the hole," said St. Xavier coach Steve Rasso. "If it comes down to a kicking game and Moeller needs a field goal late, Brian Huston will win it for them." Moeller and St. Ignatius will play at 1 p.m. Saturday at Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon. Rasso's Bombers lost to St. Ignatius,-.24-14, in last year's final and his team plays Greater

Catholic League rival Moeller each year. Here's how Rasso sizes up St. Ignatius: • They have won four of th~ last five years and have the championship game experience. • They don't have to travel as far, can sleep in their own homes the night before. • They have the size, experience and a strong line in front of a good running back (Eric Had· dad) and a great quarterback in Scott Mutryn. Rasso says the Crusaders have these advantages: • Speed. "St. Ignatius has not faced the speed that Moeller has. They have faced quick teams but not as quick as Moeller." • Mike Green is an excellent quarterback, says Rasso. "And Matt Keller is an excellent running back." • "Their strength is in their defense and ~t's great," said Rasso.

1\11oeller _hopes to conjure Post staff report

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hey Will summon the ghosts of championship seasons past at Moeller High School today. As Saturday's state championship game looms, students, players and staff are deter- · mined to recapture the winning spirit that led them to seven state titles in the 1970s. A dazzle of fluorescent lights, fog and fireworks will ignite today at a pep rally, where a narrator will talk about the school's past fame. "He realizes at the end of the skit that the mystique is in the students," said Principal Dan Ledford. "It takes all of us to win, not just the team and coaches." Inside linebacker Troy Tuck says he'll play Saturday in Ohio's biggest high school football game of the year - despite a fracture in his left arm. "We know about the 1970s. We can't forget about it," he said. The team dreams of those glory years under famed coach

Gerry Faust. The Crusade:rs were a powerhouse, winning seven championships, including the last one in .1985 under cUrrent coach Steve Klonne. The team's last shot at the title was in 1989, but it lost. Their nemesis - No. 1-ranked St. Ignatius High School of Cleveland - is the same foe they face at 1 p.m. Saturday in Massillon. "Going 14 and 0 and winning state - we've been dreaming about it since our freshman year," said s~nior class president and starting offensive guard Scott Goodheart, of the 48 seniors on Moeller's team. Goodheart was selling Tshirts Thursday bearing the logo "State Make It Eight." The proceeds benefit the senior class. "To know you are the best, that's what you work for," he said. ·~We're a real close team. We're good friends because we all play together as a team." In the school's bookstore, operator Sharon Broussard said anything with football on it is a hot item. But she said football

is just one facet of the school's ability to achieve success. "What's coming out of Moeller is the fact that these kids are smart academically. They're not just good at football. That's the best part of it," she said. "We'll let St. Igriatius make all the noise. We're confident they're beatable," Tuck said. "This is a crucial game. It puts us back on the map. We gotta show them we're still ar()und." Tickets to Saturday's game are sold out in Massillon and at St. Ignatius. At 8 a.m. Thursday at Moeller, two Massillon, Ohio, residents showed up to buy 13 tickets at Moeller, Tim Kohl and Don Heflin drove four hours to the school in Sycamore Township because all tickets available in Massillon were gone. "We're nuts," said Kohl, 30, who headed back right away on the return trip. "But we just want to see two good ball teams play. Both teams are rated the highest in the country. I've got a lot of respect for them."

a winning spirit

Moeller Principal Dan Ledford relaxed the scho 0 1• ·d . BRUCE CRIPPENfThe cincinnati Po! s ress code to perm1t students !O sport special T-shirts;

Moeller built for speed By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

Moeller football coach Steve Klonne decided after last season t~at his de~ense needed to improve one attnbute considerably if his Crusaders were to have any chance of reachmg the playoffs this season: speed. so, in the off-season, he devised a plan to move several players from offense to defense in hopes of improving the speed. . The moves have certainly worked, as the Crusaders are unbeaten heading in~o th~s Saturday's Division I regional champw_nship game against Princeton at 8 p.m. at Nippert Stadium. · . . Through 11 games, the defense is allowing an average 11.5 points per game, has held all but two opponents to 14 points or less and five opponents to eight points or less. It's also allowing an average 88.7 yar~ per game rushing, 96.2 yards per game passmg and has 32 takeaways. "We thought we had enough on ?ffense, but that if we were going to accomplish anyPlease see MOELLER, 38

MELVIN GAIER!The Cincinnati Past

Senior linebacker Troy Tuck leads Moeller in tackles and fumble recoveries.

Moeller

worries me a little, because if we can get past Princeton, I'm sure we'll be facing some ·extremely From Page 18 large offensive lines," Klonne thing it would lJe our defense said. that would carry us in the tough The linebacking corps of sesledding," Klonne said. nior Troy Tuck (5-11, 200), the "We decided to move as many team's leading tackler who has of our better athletes as we ail.so recovered a team-high five could to defense and make sure fumbles, senior Dan Hounchell we had guys on that side of the (5-11, 195), senior Adam Shafer (6·0, 185) and junior Jermaine ball who could run." . Among· the moves were Monk (6-3, 210) is almost as big switching senior Wolfgang as the line. · Collins is among the biggest Scholz from fullback to defensive end; moving senior Andre defenders at 6-3 198. He's joined Collins from tailback to defen- in the secondary by Allen and sive back and moving senior senior free safety Ron Adkins Mark Allen from backup quar- (6-2, 184), who has a team-high terback to defensive back. The five interceptions. Chris Brisben year before, Klonne . moved also plays in the secondary on guard Brian Fitzpatrick from passing downs. guard to defensive tackle. «The front eight is so hard to · Scholz still logs occasional run against, because they're all time at fullback and started on about similar in size, they're all both offense and defense in the · quick and they all can run," said season-opener against Covington Elder coach Tom Grippa, whose Catholic, because o.f an injury to team suffered seven quarterback fullback Derrick Edwards. sacks and rushed for just 69 Speed is the ·essential ingredi- yards, 67 of which came on one ent for Moeller's defensive suc- play late in the fourth quarter, in cess, because it is a relatively a 4&-13 loss in week nine. small unit as a whole. The four In the 20-7 regular-season win linemen- Fitzpatrick (6-1, 210), OVflr Princeton two weeks ago, Scholz (6-0, 205); senior tackle Moelle:r held the Vikings to just Tony Keller (6-3, 200) and senior 18 yards rushing, the lowest total end Andy Bailey (6-2, 180) anyone connected with average just 198 pounds. · Princeton football can remem"That's the one thing that ber.

N'0.1 : Moeller foe puts ranking on line By Bob Queenan Post staff reporter

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leveland St. Ignatius has more at stake than a Division I state football championship when it plays the Moeller Crusaders at 1 p.m. Saturday in Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon. 'On the line for the Wildcats: • Their No. 1 ranking in the nation by USAToday. , • Their No.1 state ranking. • Their 33-game win streak. • Their third consecutive state title and fifth in six years. ."I have to give our kids credit when it comes to that No. 1 ranking in the nation," said coach Chuck Kyle. "We have lived with that since August and it is a distraction.

"But I told them, 'Settle down, relax and play the way you can,' and they have been able to live with it," he said. Kyle, an English teacher, has a record of 109-19·1 in his 11 seasons as coach at St. Ignatius. The Wildcats' talent has caused considerable jealousy among Kyle's coaching contemporaries in northern Ohio, who recently engineered an unsuccessful Ohio High School Athletic Association referendum that would have created separate playoffs for public and parochial schools. "We are much like St. Xavier in Cincinnati," said Kyle. "Yes, we can take any student from anywhere in the area, but we have very high academic standards, an entrance exam and a high tuition. "We routinely have to tell a young man, 'You'~e behind academically, go

see the tutors.' They don't practice or play when that happens." Kyle says the Wildcats' first state ti· tle in 1988 had the most impact on the school's football success. "We had never even made the playoffs and we went down and beat Princeton for the title," said Kyle. "Before that, no Cleveland team had ever won the big-school crown. "We have a tremendous CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) program here in Cleveland, and once we won, kids all over the city could see it was possible. Kids just want to go where they have a chance to win and achieve." Talented players make it possible for Kyle to run a sophisticated offense. "We run from multiple formations and balance our passing with our running, depending on conditions,'' said Kyle.

The Wildcats operate behind five of· fensive linemen and a tight end who average 6 feet 3, 241 pounds. The top lineman is 6·5, 310-pound senior left tackle Eric Gohlstin. Senior tailback Eric Haddad has run for more than 1,700 yards and 31 touch· downs this season. The quarterback is Scott Mutryn, who led St. Ignatius to its second state title last year with a victory over St. Xavier. He has completed 53 percent of his passes this season for 1,460 yards and 19 touchdowns. Mutryn is the great-nephew of Chet Mutryn, one of the greatest football players in Xavier University history. Defensively, the Wildcats are led by senior middle linebacker Mike LoPresti and a line that averages 6-3JA and 226 pounds.

Prep football poll

Moellerrolls on Next stop: Battle for state championship i :l- :f'.... q_J

MATIKELLER Moeller (" j -73 football 1 A junior tailback, he scored four TO's and rushed for 180 yards on eight carries in victory over Elder.

Sports, C 1

• Moeller (9·0) has locked up one spot and will be the top-rated team with a victory Friday over Princeton (9-0).

The 1993 top. 20 national high ·school football teams as selected by scholastic sports expert Doug Huff and a national panel of 35 prep sportswriters with record through Dec. 5:

NATIONAL

1. Cleveland St. lgnatius .................... 13-0 2. Pittsburgh North Hills .................... 14-0 3. Bradenton, Fla., Southeast ........... 13-0 4. Rialto, Calif., Eisenhower .............. 13-0 5. Dunwoody, Ga ............................... 13-0 6. Durham, N.C., Northern ................ 14-0 7. Concord, Calif., De LaSalle ........... 13-0 8. MOELLER ........... - . .................. 13-0 9. Miami Southridge .......................... 13-0 10. Pine Bluff, Ark ................................ 14-0 11. Converse, Texas, Judson .......... 12-0-2 12. Jefferson City, Mo ......................... 13-0 13. Bloomington, Ind., ~outh ............... 14-0 14. Fresno, Calif., Clov1s West.. .......... 13-0 15. Dublin, Va., Pulaski County ........... 13-0 16. River Ridge, La., John Curtis ........ 13-0 17. Batesville, Miss., South Panola ..... 15-0 18. Chicago Marian Catholic ............... 14-0 19. Apopka, Fla ................................... 13-0 ?O. Lincoln County, Tenn .................... 13-0

Injuries cloud Moeller optimism By Terry Jenkins / Post contributor

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Moeller coach Steve Klonne lias mixed emotions about his team's climb to the Division I state championship game against the nation's No. 1-rank.ed Cleveland St. Ignatius. On one hand, Klonne is obviously happy to have his team back in the state championship game for the first time in four years. The 1 p.m. kickoff SatSteve urday at MassilKionne 1 on • s P au 1 Brown Stadium will open a :.::ematch of the 1989 titlE! game, when the Crusaders lost to· St. Ignatius, 34-28, at Ohio State University. · But major injuries to linebacker Troy Tuck and defensive end Wolfgang Scholz in Saturday's 27-7 semifinal victory over Hilliard create severe concerns for Klonne's hopes against a powerful St. Ignatius offensive team. "It was a great win for our kids, but at a big price," Klonne said. "Troy and Wolfgang will definitely not play next week, and our other inside linebacker, Dan Hounchell, also suffered a slight shoulder separation. We will be short-handed, but we have some very good players on our defensive unit who will have

Football playoff results DIVISION I Saturday-s state semifinals

Saturday's state final • Versailles t 6, Huron 6.

DIVISION V Friday's state final • Steubenville Catholic 17, Uberty Center 14.

KENTUCKY State finals • CLASS AAAA, Saturday's result Louisville Mate 29, Shelby County 7 • CLASS AAA, Friday's result Covington Catholic 28, Lincoln County 13. • CLASS AA, Friday's result Mayfield 13, Prestonsburg 12. • CLASS A," Friday's result BeechwOOd. 13, Bardstown 12.

to step in and do the job." St. Ignatius reached the championship game for the third consecutive season .with a 34-0 victory over Stow Walsh Jesuit. St. Ignatius will be going for its third straight championship with a 13-0 record and a 41-game winning streak. The Wildcats feature first team, all-state running back Eric Haddad, who scored five touchdowns and rushed for 132 yards in the Stow Walsh Jesuit game. Haddad will run behind a huge offensive line led by 6foot-5, 315-pound all-state selection Eric Gohlstin. St. Ignatius' Scott Mutryn (6-4, 200 pounds), a second team all-state pick, could be the best quarterback the Crusaders have ever faced, say Moeller coaches. "I think St. Ignatius is even better than their last two

teams," Klonne said. "They don't have as many top Division I players this season, but neither do we. That's not an indication of how strong they are. They are so powerful and dominating. They are an impressive team from the films we've seen." Moeller reached the championship game by containing Hil· liard do-it-all quarterback Steve Baird, who entered the game having rushed for 1,300 yards and passed for 1,400 yards. Moeller's defense did not allow Baird to break loose all afternoon. Offensively, quarterback Mike Green was able to solve an aggressive, blitzing Hilliard defense to complete 5 of 6 passes for 109 yards. All five passes proved to be key completions, his last completion sealing the victory when he hooked up with running back Matt Keller for a 3-yard scoring toss.

All-state kicker Brian Huston also had a good day, connec~ing on field goals of 19 and 36 yards, giving him a school-record 15 field goals for the season. Moeller and St. Ignatius have combined for 11 big-school championships in the previous 21 years of the tournament.

SITE SWITCHED - Saturday's Division I cha1ppionship game has been switched to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon because heavy rains caused a deterioration in the grass field at Canton's Fawcett Stadium. DIVISION II - St. Marys Memorial beat Uniontown Lake, 21-0, for the Roughriders' second consecutive Division II state championship. Quarterback Tony Hirschfeld made the most of five passes, completing three for 78 yards, in· cluding two· for touchdowns to Luke Kleinhenz. The title was the third in four years for the Roughriders (13-0). DIVISION IV- Drew Stall scored two touchdowns and blocked a punt for a safety as Versailles (12-1) captured its second Division IV state championship in the last four years with a 16·6 victory over Huron. HILLIARD MOELLER

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M-Huston 19 field goal M-Edwards 18 run (Huston klcl<) M-Graen 1 run (Huston kick) H-Maddan 44 run (Green kicl<) • M-Keller 3 pass from Green (Huston kicl<) M-Huston 36 field goat RECORDS: MOeller 13-0, Hilliard 11-2

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Moeller faces tough test in St. I BY DAVE SCHUTTE The Cincinnati Enquirer

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The thrill of Saturday's victory over Hilliard in the Division I state semifinals wore off quickly for Steve Klonne and the Moeller football coaching staff. They watched films on Sunday of Cleveland St. Ignatius, the Crusaders' opponent Saturday in the Division I state championship game in Massillon. St. I is ranked No. 1 in the ·nation by USA Today. Moeller's staff is convinced that's about right. What they saw irt the films was a Wildcat team that is- balanced offensively, averaging 40 points a game, while the defense has allowed only seven points in three playoff games. "For as big as they are, what's amazing is how athletic they look," Klonne said. "What can I say? They're one of the best teams I've seen in years." Moeller goes into the final hurt.'ng. Linebacker Troy Tuck and end ·.I'olfgang Scholz both suffered sea-

St. Ignatius · Regular season (1 0-0) Akron Buchtel.. ............................. 39-6 Strongsville................................... 26-7 Cleveland Heights ......................... 41-0 Toledo St. Francis ........................ 24-3 Youngstown Boardman ................ 21-0 Mentor.......................................... 41-7 Clev. Villa Angela-St. Joseph ....... 55-6 Lakewood St. Edward ...... 35-34 (30T) Parma Padua Franciscan ........... 46-13 Parma Heights Holy Name ......... 46-26 Playoffs (3·0) Strongsville ................................... 35-0 Euclid ........................ ,. .................. 42-7 Stow Walsh Jesuit.. ...................... 34-0

son-ending injuries against Hilliard. "We're not going up with a full deck, and that bothers me,'' Klonne said. "Some of our other people will have to step up. They've done it all year and they'll have to do it again." . Tuck was the Crusaders' leading tackler, while Scholz was one of the most inspiritational players on a defense that has carried MoeUer throughout the current campaign . St. I is led by Scott Mutryn, an

all-state quarterback. "Mutryn is a big-time player," Klonne said. "He's being recruited by all the big schools. He's the best quarterback I've seen in years." Mike Buzin, a 6-4, 243-pound end named Associated Press Defensive Player of the year, is the main cog in the defense. St. Ignatius has dominated Division I football the past five seasons, winning back-to-hack titles in 1988 and '89 and 1991 and '92. Coached 'by Chuck Kyle, the Wildcats have compiled a 108-19-1 record during the past 11 seasons.

Moeller seeks 8th· state title, national prize. By AI Salvato

Post staff reportar

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The Christmas spirit must wait a week at Moeller High School, where football spirit is brimming today. The Moeller Crusaders could claim a record eighth state football championships Saturday. And a national title may await them, if they beat powerful St. Ignatius of Cleveland - tie nation's No. 1-ranked high school team. The Crusaders - now 13-0 after stomping Hil· liard High School27-7 Saturday- head to Massil· lon this weekend for Saturday's Division I state title game at Paul Brown Stadium. Moeller's theme for the game - "State, Make It Eight" - had senior wide receiver Nick Hodge soaring today. He said he's confident that Moeller will play the role of giant killer against the powerful St. Ignatius squad. · St. Ignatius is 13-0 this year, lias won two straight state championships and is on a 41-game winning streak. "We could be the national champions after Sat. urday," Hodge said. "I'm ready because this is my last game at Moeller." Moeller is an all-male Catholic school in Ken· wood. Hundreds more Moeller fans, family mem· bers and football-crazed alumni also plan to make the four-hour trek. Many of them, says principal Dan Ledford, will sport Moeller's new state championship game T-shirt that v.:en,t on sale today at school. Ledford dropped the school's dress code to allow students to wear the T-shirts. The school's basketball team this season is rated No. 1 in the city. Last year, Moeller won state titles in baseball and lacrosse. Academics are equally impressive, Ledford said. "We have three times as many academic schol· arships as athletic scholarships," Ledford said. "When you have that, it makes you feel you can beat a St. Ignatius."

Moeller ·beats up Hilliard BY Dft,.VE SCHUTTE j J_- 6, Enquirer contributor

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DAYTON, Ohio - Steve Baird, Hilliard's oeller's defense was standout quarterback, stood outside the Wildcat locker room at Welcome Stadium, crying in his ... the q·uickest we've seen all mother's arms. season. They hit me high, Blood dripped from Baird's battered and swollen face as the remainder of the team low, from behind and the showered quickly and dressed for the long bus side." ride back to the northern Columbus area. : - Hilliard QB Steve Baird The scene summed· up Moeller's bruising 27-7 victory over Hilliard in a physical Division " ; I state semifmal game played in miserable national poll; shut' out Walsh Jesuit, 34'-0. 'St. weather. . ·" Ignatius brings a 13-0 record and 41-game Moeller advances to the state championship ~ · winning strea.k into the game against the 13-0 game, meeting two-time defending state .cham-.· Crusaders, USA. Today 's No. 6-ranked team. pion· Cleveland St. Ignatius next Saturday .at ·· · .. Some believ.e the winner of Saturday's game Massillon's Paul Brown Stadium. . -<will be·crowned ·usA Today's national champiSt. Ignatius, the No. 1 team in USA Today's .·,on, a title Moeller won five times during the

glory years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. "Moeller's defense was very quick, the quickest we've seen all season," Baird said. "They hit me high, low, from behind and the side. And, they hit awful hard." Baird was the target of a Moeller defense that has been the strength of the team throughout the season. Coming into the game, Baird, a 6-3, 190pound senior, had passed for 1,400 yards and rushed for 1,300, leading the Wildcats into the semifinals for the first time. Crusader quarterback Mike Green proved to be the key player for Moeller, completing five of six passes for 109 yards. ·

(Please see MOELLER, Page C7: ..,. Two Moeller starters to miss championship game with injuries, C7.

"Moeller did absolutely nothing that we didn't expect," Hilliard coach John John Sines said. "We didn't execute as well as we needed to and we'll have to accept the fact that we got beat by a better-team today." The final statistics were close. Moeller rushed for 149 yards and threw for 103 while Hilliard rushed for 176 ~nd picked up 71 through -the air. Matt Keller was the Crusaders' leading rusher, picking up 70 yards on 16 carries. Madden rushed for add d 65 1o4 a~ d Baird . e · T~s will be the second playoff meet~g between .Moeller and St. Ignatius. The Wildcats won the Division I ~tate championship in ' 1989, knocki?g off ~he Crusaders, 34-28, at Ohio Stadium. 0 ~ ~ tJ ~~'::'!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE CI/J.-d-;_13

"They blitzed on about every play, hoping to force us to throw the ball," Crusader coach Steve Klonne said. "Mike (Green) did a nice job for us under tough conditions and completed several key passes." Moeller's defense ~arne up with the key play early m the game when defensive back Ron Adkins intercepted a Baird. pa~s on the ~o~ller 37, returmng It to the Hilliard 6. . Thwarted by the fired-up Wildcat defense, the Crusaders were forced to settle for a 19-yard field goal by Brian Huston for a 3-0 lead .with 6:21left in the first period. Unable to handle the Hilliard blitz early in the game, Green finally solved it on Moeller's next series. The Crusaders drove 60 yards in six plays, with Derrick Edwards scoring on an 18-yard run The big . • • play m the senes was a 26-yard pass from Green to Dave Lapham • to the Wildcat 18.

M-Huston 19 fleld goo~ M-Edwards 1a run <Huston kick> M-Green 1 run (Huston run) H-Madden" run <Green kick> M-Keller 3 pass trom Green <Huston kick) M-Huston 36 fleld goal Records: Meeler 13-0, Hilliard 11-2.

PREP FOOTBALL

Moeller's "' injuries hit at bad time BY DAVE SCHUTTE E,nquirer contrib~tor I ~/Y/13 . One of the keys to Moeller's success during the undefeated 1993 football season has been a lack of serious injuries. , Although quarterback Mike Green and· receiver Dave Lapham suffered minor injuries, neither missed any action during the cam~ paign. , On Saturday against Hilliard in a physically played· game, that string of luck ended at a crucial time. •. Two key Crusader defensive players, linebacker Troy Tuck and defensive end Wolfgang Scholz, suffered season-ending injuries that could severely hamper Moelle.r's chances against Cleveland St. Ignatius in the Division I state cliampionship game on Saturday in. Massillon . .. Tuck, a 5-11 senior who led the Crusaders in tackles this season, sUffered a fractured forearm while tackling Wildcat quarterback Steve Baird. ~· In the fourth period, on a brok~n play, Scholz was blocked by a Wildcat lineman and was helped from the field with a dislocated shoulder. '· "Both Wolfgang and Troy won't play next week," Moeller coach Steve Klonne confirmed. "At this !point, we don't know who will step It's something the coaches will diScuss on Sunday." ~-It appears that Moeller's chance for victory rested with a healthy defensive unit, the same that came up with the big play game-aftergame. -;.,Without. a solid defensive unit, the powerful St. Ignatius team may ~~ too much for Moeller to handle.

The Cincinnati

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Moeller's Greg McHugh pulls in a 54-yard pass during Saturday's Division I semifinal game. McHugh's play advanced the ball to the 2-yard _line and set up a Moeller touchdown.

By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter }

:J. ...,.."/·~ 9

Hilliard quarterback Steve Baird has what opposing football coaches fear the most - unpredictability. He's so unpredictable that his coach, John Sines, said there are plenty of times when he doesn't even know what Baird is going to Klonne said he doesn't plan on do. · doing that. That's what makes Baird so "It's hard to do unless you're in tough to defense, said Moeller zone coverage and that's not what coach Steve Klonne, whose Cru- we do best," Klonne said. saders 02-0) face Hilliard 01-1) in· Hilliard allowed almost 300 the Division I state high school football semifinals at 1 p.m. today yards rushing against Mount Vernon, meaning the Crusaders at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. should be able to move the ball on Baird, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound se- the ground. The Crusaders tailnior, brings totals of nearly 1,300 backs senior Brian Balsy and yards passing and 1,400 yards rush- junior -Matt - have coming into the game. Most of his bined to rushKeller for 1,594 yards this rushing yardage comes off scram- season. bles, or on running plays ordinari· ly designed for running backs. Hilliard never had reached the "They use him on unconven- playoffs until this season, let alone tional running plays, like counters get to the semifinals, and has just and sweeps," said Klonne, "but the nine seniors out of 22 starters. thing you have to worry most "They're pretty wide-eyed about about is when he drops back to it all," Sines said. pass. If he finds a crack, he has Hilliard suffered its only loss to tailback speed and can turn a huge loss into a big play. You can de- Westerville North, 21-20. Westerfense the play perfectly in coverage ville North lost to Princeton, 13-12. and get good pressure on him and in the second game of the se?son. then he'll just take off." Moeller beat Princeton twice. In Hilliard's 27-19 regional championship victory over Mount Vernon two weeks ago, Baird, who is being recruited by Ohio State, ·, MELVIN GRIERfThe Clncinn. rushed for 135 yards on 16 carries oeller head football coach Steve Klonne gets in a few last words before today's state semifinal game with Hilliard and completed 10 of 17 passes for 165 yards. l 'J- ~"' r.J Many times, when a team faces a good scrambling quarterback, it will use a linebacker as a "spy," whose only responsibility is to follow the quarterback wherever he goes and try to contain him when he scrambles.

UNPREDICTABLE

Moeller opponent keeps everyone guessing

Moeller QB endures in pUfsuit of dream BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

12 .... J-t:/ 3

: Living the dream hasn't come easily for Mike Green, Moeller's 17-year-old senior quarterback. As a youngster attending All Saints grade school, Green was afforded the rare opportunity of walking the sideline during many Crusaders football games. , "When I was growing up, my best friend was Jamie Liebert," Green said. "His father GefO was a coach and Moeller's athletic director and he allow~d ~s to be on the field for the games. This iS when I started 'dreaming about playing for Moeller." Green is only two victories from realizing

HIGH SCHOOLS

lapsed near the

~~d zone. He was att~nded

• to by team physicians for about 15 mmutes

that dream. bef~re departing fo~ the school. . On Saturday at Dayton's Welcome Stadi. T?e do~tors srud I wa,~ suffermg_ fr~~ a um, the Crusaders take on Hilliard in a vrru_s infection and the flu, Green said. I m Division I state semifmal game, with the feeling ,'?uch better and the week off really winner advancing to the state championship helped. . in Canton. The flu ~asn't been Green's only physical While leading Moeller to 12 consecutive problem this season. victories, Green has suffered through sever"I have tendinitis in my right shoulder," al hardships. Green said. "The shoulder popped out durAt the conclusion of the Centerville play- .ing the Archbishop Carroll game but the off g~me at Nippert Stadi~ three weeks doc~ors popped it back in. ~here'~ a nerve ago, it appeared that Greens season and pulling on the muscle and at times, it bothers career was over. me." . During the wild celebration, Green colThe only cure is rest.

."It,~asn'.t bot~ered my throwing," Green said. At times it's sore, but I try not to think about it during practice or games." As a sophomore, Green was a standout for the Moeller reserve team! and last year he played backup on the varsity. Green's performance for Moeller this season reflects the hard work and dedication that the 6-4, 210-pound senior has put into football. In 12 victories, Green has completed 88 of 167 passes for 1,353 yards and 11 TDs. Despite the deceptive statistic of only 20 yards rushing on 50 carries Green is a threat to run the ball. Quarterback sacks are deducted from the rushing yardage.

Moeller defense faces big-play test Stopping Hilliard QB key for Crusaders . . : BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

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In the· 21-year history of the state high school football playoffs, no Columbus-area team has won the big school championship. Hilliard, a Columbus-suburb school; will be out to end that streak in the state semifinals today at 1 p.m. The Wildcats (11-1) take on seven-time Division I state champion Moeller (13-0) at Dayton's Welcome Stadium. A team with a high-powered offense and an outstanding quarterback, Hilliard may fmd the going tough against a Crusader defense that has been nearly flawless this season. "Moeller's defense looks awful strong against the run," Hilliard coach John Sines said. "Their speed also impresses me, and on film, it looks like they have 11

regular season, was picked off five balanced offensively." Moeller coach Steve Klonne, times in the playoffs. "We'll have to hurt Hilliard good athletes on the field." wh? attended Hilliard's game Sines is also concerned with his agamst Mount Vernon on Saturday through the air so they don't load own defense, a unit that has al- on a muddy field in Dublin, came the line to stop the run," Klonne lowed 168 points this season. away impressed with the Wildcats. said. "We also have to mix it up "There's no doubt in my mind "Offensively, Hilliard is a big- and Mike knows what has to be that our defense must play at a play team," Kl?nne said. "They done." much higher level if we hope to hav~ good skills at the wide Some good news for Moeller on receivers. But the quarterback is this front: Brian Balsly, the Crustay with Moeller," he said. "Their offense isn't fancy. the threat that scares me." saders' leading rusher with 806 They're basically a running team Klonne also noted that Hilliard yards, returns to the lineup for the with big, powerful kids on the has a big defensive line with ag- first time in three weeks. offensive line. It won't be an easy gressive linebackers. Adding to Hilliard's woes is the "They like to blitz a lot," artificial turf, a surface the task for our kids." The Crusaders' major assign- Klonne said. "Their secondary cov- Wildcats haven't played on in ment will be stopping Hilliard quar- ers the receivers real well." . years. terback Steve Baird, a 6-3, 190Controlling the ball will be "Getting the proper shoes may pound senior who does it all for the Moeller's main objective. be a problem," Sines noted. Wildcats. This season he has "The key for us is to keep their Moeller's last two games were thrown for 1300 yards and rushed big-play offense off the field," on the artificial turf at UC's Nipfor 1400. Klonne said. "We're looking to · pert Stadium. The Crusaders also "I'm not stupid enough to think improve on the control. Offensively practiced at Nippert twice this that we can only run against Moel- we haven't played well the past week in preparation for the game. ler," Sines said. "Teams that live two games." and die by the run or pass don't Quarterback Mike Green, inter- ..,. Stuebenville Catholic,.· win the big games. A team must be\, cepted only two times during the Wauseon win titles, 04

Those who can, teach Crable back on sidelines

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By Mark Schmetzer

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Press Contributor · Bob Cr~ble has played foot-

ball at the highest levels, but he's teaching the linebackers on this year's Moeller High School team the same techniques he learned and used to become an All-America linebacker on Crusader teams that won three consecutive Class AAA state championships. They may help Moeller return to that level for the first time since 1985. The Crusaders play Hilliard at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dayton's Welcome Stadium in the Division state semifinals. "A lot of the techniques Bob Crable I learned in high school carried me through college," Crable says. "I loved my coach at Notre Dame (George Kelly). He was an excellent coach, but I didn't learn a lot of technique. His approach was to get to the ball whichever way we felt most comfortable.

"Sometimes, as coaches, we can get too cute and out-coac~ ourselves. You can draw up the prettiest Xs and Os that you want, but if you don't execute, you can throw th~m out the window. I think our defensive line this ·year is the best we've had in a long time. They've taken up so much attention that the linebackers are free to make plays more than they've been in the past couple of years."

"One of the reasons I left Midland was we had some things we were going through with our family and I wanted to try to get my priorities straight," said Crable, who lives in Loveland with his wife, Lisa, and their three children: Amy, 10, Brian, 6, and Allison, 3. "We'd had some family crises, and it ma~·e me unde.rstand that, if I . Crable i:[i,n ~is. S_e_£Q~d rear orr wanted to leave a lasting mark the Moeller. coaching stafC1-fe on the world, I needed to start at worked under linebacker coach home with my kids and leave a Bill Straub last season, working mark with them in terms of spiriwith the outside guys while tuality. Straub·concentrated on the "That was one of the most inside 'backers. ' important things I learned under Crable, a 1978 Moeller graduate, certainly has the creden:.. (former Moeller head coach) tials. After a brilliant four-year Gerry Faust. If I can be 1/10th of career at Notre Dame, which the role model he was, I'll be happy." included two All-American years If. he can help Moeller enjoy and a year as co-captain of the Fighting Irish, Crable was the some of the success it grew used No.' 1 draft choice of the New to under Faust, he'll be happier. York Jets. He spent seve.n years with the Jets before knee injuries forced him to miss the entire 1988 season. He retired in February 1989. Crable, :.vho has a bachelor's degree in business, also has started two businesses, one he sold to The Midland Co. and another he's in the process of trying to sell to his brother-business partner, Rick. Bob went to work for Midland after selling his first business, but now he's coaching football and teaching religion part-time at Moeller while pur>uing a Master's degree in theol)gy at Athenaeum of Ohio in Mt. Washington. He hopes to ea~n that degree by mid-1996.

Moeller linemen make running game easy By Richard :Skinner Post staff reporter

Jj.

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Moeller junior running back Matt Keller most likely will play Division I football after his senior season. The same probably can't be said for many of the players who block for him. But they are without question the unsung heroes of Moeller's football team, which will play the consensus top-ranked team in the nation, Clevelend St. Ignatius, at 1 p.m. Saturday in Massillon for the Division I state championship. "Honestly, it's not that hard to run when you get the holes I get," Keller has said after Moeller victories. "Really, everyone gives me the credit, but those guys deserve it." "Those guys" are Moeller's offensive line of senior left tackle Andy Biemesche (6foot-3, 245); senior left guard Brad Scheffer (6-0, 202); senior center Jim McCabe (5-11, 202); senior right guard Scot Goodhart (6-1, 225); junior right tackle Gabe Tincher (6-4, 274) and junior fullback Derrick Edwards, who at 6-2, 230 pounds gives Moeller an offensive line--sized blocker in the backfield. The line has paved the way for 2,533 yards rushing - 867 by Keller and 821 by senim: tailback Brian Balsly - and a 4.8 yard average per carry f-or the 13-0 Crusaders. "Those guys deserve a lot of the credit for what we've done this season," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. "Offensive linemen never get any of the press that a running back

or quarterback gets, but their job is just as important if not more important." They've done it with little fanfare and few accolades, too. Biemesche was the only one selected Division I All-District first team by the Associated Press and no linemen made second team. Biemesche also was named Division I first team All-State. St. Ignati.us coach Chuck Kyle said he's already impressed with Moeller's line after watching them on film. "They're not overly big, but they have a Âˇ combination of good size and good quickness and the fullback does a great job as a lea:d blocker;" Kyle said. Âˇ Edwards, who has rushed for 512 yards on 93 carries, is such a devastating lead! blocker that he'll likely be recruited by colleges because of that skill. In a 49-13 win over Elder near the end of the regular season, Edwards consistently blocked Elder's blitz, turning what could have been big losses into huge gains. "He was a major r,eason the blitz didn't work like we thought it would," said Elder coach Tom Grippa after that game. Klonne said he knows Division I recruiters probably will bypass several linemen because of their size, but that doesn't diminish their effectiveness right now. "They're very good high school football players," he said. "That doesn't always translate into being a great college player, but all I know :is they've done a great job for us."'

GCL South £IV Q

AP names all-Ohio team i:7c ;sT

/l-/t/73

From staff and wire reports

Three Princeton High School players and two each from Moeller and Fairfield are among the first or second squads in the 1993 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio high school football team announced Monday. Among those selected for the first team on offense are Moeller teammates Andy Biemeshe ..ai:ld Brian Hustoll, ....FafrtielCf's Mark i'1aU and Princeton's Rick Scheiderer. The first team on defense includes Princeton's John Baker and LaSalle's Ryan Murphy. Dan Fricke of St. Xavier, Kevin Kidd of Colerain, and Pat

Pennington of Fairfield were selected to the second team on offense. Second-team defensive players included Princeton's Jermaine Broach, Winton Woods' Tony George and Western Hills' Rasche Sumpter. The Springfield South tandem of quarterback Chris Wallace and wide receiver Dee Miller became the first teammates ever to share the offensive player of the year award, while Cleveland St. Ignatius' Mike Buzin was tabbed defensive player of the year. Selections were recommended by a statewide panel of sports writers and broadcasters.

fL/t(f'J

Huston: Has 134 points CONTINUED FROM PAGE Dl

During practice, Huston has kicked a 58-yard field goal, but his longest in a game was 49 against Princeton, tying the school record. . Even more impressive is Huston's length on kickoffs. Over 60% go into the end zone for a touchback. Under high school rules, a ball kicked into the endzone on a kickoff is not returnable. He also punts, averaging 34.5 yards per kick. In order to strengthen the kicking leg, Huston worked on weights during the summer. "The distance comes from the leg speed and where your leg Jocks out," Huston said. "Coach (Tim) Waechter taught me the technique my freshman year and after four years it's now routine." In three years kicking for the varsity, Huston has accrued 134 points, tying him with Steve Givens for the lOth spot on the alltime scoring Jist. Huston's 134 points also broke the school record of 118 kicking points set by Hal Pisciotta, a 1985 · graduate. "I've heard from a few colleges," Huston said. "Schools are allowed to contact the recruits once a week by phone, but I've had no contact with Notre Dame or many big schools."

Moeller is No. 1, but you knew that. The question is, can Bobby Brannen score 500 points to break Byron Larkin's record, before he heads off to UC? Moeller won the GCL South for the first time in 23 years last season, then lost to Western Hills in the sectional tournament. The Crusaders look to go further this year. · La Salle is No. 2, but coach Dan Fleming says the Lancers aren't "hitting on all cylinders yet. "We put a lot of new stuff in, and the guys are thinking instead of playing." St. Xavier's Dick Berning says he "expects to be decent," but in terms of ~~ing ~league contender, 1t s wa1t and see. Elder takes a breather after a state championship year. In most leagues the Panthers might still be ranked No. 1, just out of respect, but this is the GCL South. Elder. 24-4 last year was 9-3 in league play. '

~: ri~~~ '.:;:;: ;:; _:;: :;~ :;:~: :; ; ;:; ;:; :;:; : .i~1

ll>-

1. Moeller

ll>- Coach: Carl Kremer (46-33). ll>- Last year's record: 16-6. ll>- Outlook: Back is Bobby Brannen, the 6-foot-8 center-forward headed to UC. He averaged 21 points and 11 rebo_unds per game last season, and IS a huge part of why Moeller is picked No. 1. There's more, though. Chris DeBow and Ron Wegmann both averaged eight points per game last season, and are returning. Brian Young, a transfer from Princeton,. will probably see a lot of action mMoeller's three-guard system. And coach Carl Kremer as usual, is still wailing on at ' least three football players. Name Pos HI Bobby Brannen ................. C·F 6-8 .Chris DeBow ..................... F-e 6-7 Ron Wegmann ......................G 6-4 Travis Smith ......................... G 6-0 ·· Bobby Ernstes ...................... C 6-6 Mike Green ........................... F 6-4 Chris Brlsben ........................ G 5-9 Brad Keating .................... G-F 6-2 Brian Young ...................... G·F 6-2 Scott Mffton .......................... G 5-10 ~~a~~ullen ........................... C 6-4

Steve~~;;·.~-~::~:::~::::::::.~:::::~ t~ ll>-

2. La Salle

WI Yr 225 12 210 12 200 12 150 12 · 210 12 220 12 160 12 180 11 180 11 160 11 210 11

m::

ll>- Coach: Dan Fleming (36-48). ll>- Last year's record: 11-11 ll>- Outlook: The Lancers · fi~ally have some experienced b;g men, and should be improved ove~ last year's .500 squad. J~mor T1m Berwanger is in the m;ddle at6-8, and 6-4 seniors Sam McConnell and Ryan·

12-/~/9.3

Murphy also are back. Point guard Bobby Kelley was an honorable mention Enquirer is the point guard. He can shoot, pass, and is a ~remendous foul shooter, closing mon the school record for career free-throw percentage. Name POS HI WI Yr Bobby Kelley ........................ G 6-1 145 12 Sam MCConneN ..................... F 6-4 155 12 Ryan Murphy ....................... C 6-4 210 12 Bill Rizzo .................................(; 5-10 145 12 Todd SmUey .......................... G 6-0 160 11 Tim Berwanger .................... c 6-8 235 11 Dave owens ......................... G 6-0 155 11 Keilh Belz.. ............................G 5-11 170 11 Steve Culman ........................F 6-3 185 11 Shawn Gronefeld .....:........... G 5-9 140 11 Rick Nadler ............................F 6-1 175 11 Todd Efkeman ......................F 6-2 185 11

ll>-

3. St. Xavier

ll>-. Coach: Dick Berning (540-284). ll>- Last year's recort!: 7-15. ll>- Outlook: The Bombers have had two straight losing seasons after 11 winning seasons. They got a late start last year, waiting for their football players to finish the state playoffs. It's a new year now Berning's 39th in coaching. 6-5 Sam Hammer returns at center. There isn't much other height but guard Andy Pearson and forward Fred Johnson are also returning starters. Name Pos ClvlsPohlman ...................... G Brian McMahon ...................G Andy Pearson ...................... G Kevin Higgins ........................ G Jeff McPeek ........................ G Pat Melford ........................... F Grant Johnson ...................... F Chip Penning .......................... F Lemar Marshal .................... F Sann Hannnner ....................... F Fred Johnson ........................ F Rich Boehmer ....................... c Cy Uible .................................. C Mark Schulte .................... C·F

ll>-

HI WI Yr 5·9 152 12 6-1 151 12 6-4 171 12 6·2 165 11 6-2 178 11 6-2 171 11 6-4 185 12 6-2 168 11 6-4 195 11 6-5 203 12 6-3 190 11 6-8 218 12 6-5 219 11 6-6 195 11

4. Elder

ll>- Coach: Joe Schoenfeld (37-12). ll>- Last year's record: 24-4. ll>- Outlook: Dan Delfendahl is the only returning starter from last year's state championship team. Andrew Schroer and Andrew Selle! also had significant playing time last year. Everyone else is inexperienced or new. Among the new players: football stars T.J. Hilvert and Ross Hambleton, both seniors. Coach Joe Schoenfeld isn't going so far as to call this a rebuilding year. But he says the Panthers will have to develop and mature in a hurry. Name Pos HI Andrew Schroer ...................F 6-3 Andrew SeDet .......................G 6-1 Ross Hambleton ................... F 6-1 T.J. Hffvert ............................ G 6-2 Dan Delfendahl ..................... F 6-5 Jason Fraley ...._ ................ G 5-8 Marc Johnson ...................... G 6-G Ike Kirch .................................F 6-3 Lance Sims ........................... G 5-10 Ryan Stallmeyer .................. F 6·2 .JoM Lammers .....................G 6-0 Chad Kamstra ...................... G 5-11 Tim Farrel ............................ c 6-4

WI Yr 175 12 180 12 185 12 200 12 175 11 145 11 160 11 200 11 150 11 205 11 170 10 145 10 190 10

Hounchell's grit inspires M.oeller l'f~_tt

BY TIM PENNINGTON Enquirer contributor

The first thing Dan Hounchell thought of as he lay writhing on the grass hwas all the 1 ff · hard h work and e ort he ad put m t at summer. The dozens of hours he had 'spent in the weight room were now ·a waste, he thought, as Moeller 'team doctors examined his knee 'and diagnosed the worst_ a torn 'anterior cruciate ligament · . · He had been b~ttl~ng ~eammate Troy Tuck for an ms1de linebacker 1 spot in the Moeller starting lineup when he ran down field on a kickoff during the Crusaders' second game of the year last season against Cleveland East. As he was making a block, out of nowhere a player rolled on Hounchell's leg, bending it awkwardly at the krlee and sending him sprawling to the ground.

"I knew I had messed it pretty bad, but I tried to get up anyway and the knee just gave out on me," Hounchell said. "I was just so mad'. I couldn't believe it was happening to me." Three weeks later doctors went in to fix the muscle and ligament damage. It wasn't a pretty sight, but they werf~ confident the knee

was repaired sufficiently. But then came the hardest part for Hounchell - the rehab, the pain, and the intense mental desire to get back on the football field and h't · WI'thout th'mking 1 someone agam , too much about hurting his knee. Suff_ice ~ 0 ~ay, Haunche~ pers~ vere~ m h1s flght.He regamed ~s startmg spot f?r the C~saders this seas?n an? will be calling the defens1ve Signals Saturday when Moeller plays Cleveland St. Ignatius in the Division I state champi-· onship in Massillon. Hounchell's road back is something heroes are made of, said Moeller linebacker coach Bob Crable. "Dan is just an incredible inspiration to anyone who has been through what he has been through," Crable said. "He made an amazing recovery to come back, and that just shows what kind of kid he is. He's incredible." ·

If anyone should know how tough it was for Hounchell it would be Crable. A star in his own right at Moeller in the late 1970s before heading to Notre Dame, Crable had his (Please see MOELLER, Porr-

T\AI'\

Moeller: LB never gave up hope CONTINUED FROM PAGE Dl

NFL career cut short by two knee injuries. He retired from the New York Jets in 1988 after suffering his second injury. Crable saw the mental anguish in Hounchell who could only stand by and . watch as the Crusaders went 7-3 last year. "I knew how Dan felt, because you have to sit there and think about how you could help your team and you just can't do anything about it," Crable said. "I think that's the toughest part of the whole process. Battling your emotions, and finding out what you can "' and cannot do .. Dan went through all of that, and I know it hurt." The grueling hours of rehab were aggravated by a large amount of scar tissue around the knee. For weeks Hounchell could not bend his}ifiee unless hi$\.therapists tied weights around his leg to forcibly

bend it, which brought on the pain. His hours of rehabilitation inspired his teammates so much that when the season ended a year ago, they voted Hounchell team captain for this season. "I think the kids just saw how hard Danny was working to get back with the team," said Moeller head coach Steve Klonne. "They know him as a leader, and they knew he would be back because he wasn't going to stop working until he was. He inspired the other players." While some athletes take from a year to 18 months to regain their form, Hounchell was running again by May. But he admits the hardest part was when he was feeling sorry for himself. "You go through an awful lot of depression, because you have to just sit and watch,"~Jlle said. "You get frustrated, but then there

comes a point where you say, 'I'll be damned if I let this get me dqwn.' And that's when you pop out of it and get to work." Crable said he was concerned that Hounchell would try to come back too soon from the injury. Crable also warned Hounchell about worrying about the knee once it was healed. "If you take the field worrying whether the knee is going to hold up on you, then you came back too early, or else you don't belong out there," Crable said. "He just needed to take his time.'' Klonne and Crable see no lapse in Hounchell's performance from before the injury. "He's just like he always was out there," Klonne said. "He. hasn't lost a step, , nor ha& h.e showed any diminished abilities.''

The Cincinnati Enc;uirer/Tany Jo

Dan Hounchell has returned from surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament to lea~ Moeller to the state title game

Six locals lan·d all-state honors Moell~r,

Princeton have two each

PREP SCENE

Wallace and Miller pushed the envelope of offensive statistics for batterymates. Wallace, a 6-foot-1, COLUMBUS, Ohio - Six Cin- 195-pound senior, completed 148 cinnati-area players landed first of 265 passes for 2,889 yards and team Division I All-Ohio selections 38 touchdowns. it was announced Monday by the His top target was Miller, a 6-2, Associated Press. 205-pound senior who caught 56 Cincinnati players included two . passes for 1,139; yards and 16 on defense and four on offense, and touchdowns. two each from Moeller and PrinceWallace passed for 525 yards in ton. · -----~ one game and finished his prep The honored players were: de- career with 81 to1!1chdown passes. fensive lineman Ryan Murphy (La Miller had 126 catches for his Salle), defensive back John Baker career for 2, 7 56 yards and 36 (Princeton), offensive linemen scores. Mark Piatt (Fairfield), Rick ScheiBuzin, a 6-4, 243-pound senior, derer (Princeton) and Andy Bie- he also starred as an offensive mes~MQ.cller), and kicker Brian · lineman. But he was known as a lfliStotiJf~1Q_~Iler). · cornerstone of unbeaten St. Igna. The Springfield South tandem tius' defense. of quarterback Chris Wallace and Buzin was credited with 69 wide receiver Dee Miller became tackles, 13 sacks, caused four fumthe first teammates ever to share bles, broke up five passes and the offensive player of the year caused the opposing quarterback award, while Cleveland St. Igna- to hurry a throw 14 other times. tius' defensive end Mike Buzin was Impressive stats, but even more selected ,defensive player of the impressive when you consider he year. played less than three quarters in /E'l-10..

t/:Jt~/'l.l .

The Associated Press

half of the Wildcats' games. He has already committed to attend Penn State. Hilliard's John Sines, who turned a 5-5 team into a 9-1 state playoff contender, was selected as the state coach of the year.

Big day for lVIoeller

1:;'/'tQ··:

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Moeller fans will be _ . hard-pressed to attend both of the Crusaders' big sports events next , Saturday. At 1 p.m., the Crusader football' team takes on the winner of the ; Hillard-Mount Vernon game in the' Division I state semifinals at Dayton's Welcome Stadium. 'I The winner advances to the :' state championship game Dec. 11 1 against the winner of the Walsh Jesuit-Cleveland St. Ignatius game: At 5 p.m., Moeller's highly ·~· rated basketball team, led by UC ' 1 signee Bobby Brannen, meets Christian Co. (Ky.) in the Kraft Taking it to the Hoop Classic at • UC's Shoemaker Center. , Tickets for the six-game evenh are $8 and are good for all games. 1 They're on sale at Ticketmaster, the participating schools and the Shoemaker Center box office. The' schedule: .. ·•

Moeller's mission: Contain Baird BY DAVE SCHUTTE Enquirer contributor

'r~r/tf.3

Steve Baird Hilliard High School's 'Mr. Ev~rything,' grew up reading about the mighty Moeller football program during the 1980s. "I've heard a lot about Moeller's program and everything has been good," Baird said Saturday night after the Columbus-area school knocked off Mount Vernon, 27-19, on a sloppy and nearly grass-free field at Dublin High School. "I look at playing Moeller as a ~hallen~e. Our defense did a great JOb t_omght, and I know eyeryone is loo~g forward to playmg Moeller. Baird, the Wildcats' 6-3, 190pound senior quarterback, will get a first-hand look at the Crusaders on S~tur,day at Welcome Stadium in Dayton in the Division I state semifinals. Moeller's biggest task will be stopping an elusive Baird, who has passed for 1,400 yards and rushed for more than 1,200 during the Wildcats' 11-1 season.

HIGH SCHOOLS A quarterback who appears improvise after Baird

fullback Dax Madden, a 5-8, 185pound senior who rushed for 954 yards. The Wildcat offensive line is big and quick off the ball, led by Troy Erb, a 6-4, 280-pound tackle. Others are Rocky Blauser (6-1, 220), Dion Jones (6-2, 210), Charlie Bentley (6-1, 225) and Dave Baird (6-1, 220). Defensively, the Wildcats appeared a little shaky, especially against the run, where Moeller excels. The Wildcats have allowed 168 points in 12 games - a 14-ooint

average. Mt. Vernon's projected all-state halfback Matt Buirley, a 6-3, 195pound senior, ran over, around and under the Wildcat defenders en route to a 252-yard game on 25 carries. The Wildcats lost, 21-20, to Westerville North, a team Prince-

ton beat, 14-13. It's Hilliard's first appearance in the playoffs. · Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the winner advancing to the state championship game in Canton on Saturday, Dec. 11, against the winner of the Walsh Jesuit-Cleveland St. Ignatius game.

Hounchell's grit inspires Moeller

17'(j3

BY TIM PENNINGTON Enquirer contributor

The first thing Dan Hounchell thought of as he lay writhing on ;the grass was all t~e hard work and effort he had put m that summer. ; The dozens of hours he had 'spent in the weight room were now a waste, he thought, as Moeller team doctors examined his knee 1 and diagnosed the worst - a torn anterior cruciate ligament. . He had been b~t~g ~eammate .Troy Tuck for an mside linebacker 1 spot in the Moeller starting lineup when he ran down field on a kickoff during the Crusaders' second game of the year last season against Cleveland East. As he was making a block, out of nowhere a player rolled on Hounchell's leg, bending it awkwardly at the kriee and sending him sprawling to the ground.

"I knew I had messed it pretty bad, but I tried to get up anyway and the knee just gave out on me," Hounchell said. "I was just so mad. I couldn't believe it was happening to me." Three weeks later doctors went in to fix the muscle and ligament damage. It wasn't a pretty sight, but they wert~ .confident the knee

was repaired sufficiently. But then came the hardest part for Hounchell - the rehab, the pain, and the intense mental desire to get back on the football field and hit someone again without thinking , too much about hurting his knee.

S~ce ~ 0 ~ay, Haunchel! pers~ vere~ m his fight. He regamed h~s startmg spot f?r the C~saders this seas?n an~ will be calling the defensive Signals Saturday when Moeller plays Cleveland St. Ignatius in the Division I state champi-· onship in Massillon. Hounchell's road back is something heroes are made of, said Moeller linebacker coach Bob Crable. "Dan is just an incredible inspiration to anyone who has been through what he has been through," Crable said. "He made an amazing recovery to come back, and that just shows what kind of kid he is. He's incredible."·

If anyone should know how tough it was for Hounchell it would be Crable. A star in his own right at Moeller in the late 1970s before heading to Notre Dame, Crable had his

(Please see MOELLER, P!!U"'f.n

T\.t\

Moeller: LB never ·gave up hope CONTINUED FROM PAGE Dl

NFL career cut short by two knee injuries. He retired from the New York Jets in 1988 after suffering his second injury. Crable saw the mental anguish in Hounchell who could only stand by· and : watch as the Crusaders went 7-3 last year. "I knew how Dan felt, because you have to sit there and think about how you could help your team and you just can't do anything about it," Crable said. "I think that's the toughest part of the whole process. Battling your emotions, and finding out what you can .. and cannot do~ Dan went through all of that, and I know it hurt." The grueling hours of rehab were aggravated by a large amount of scar tissue around the knee. For weeks Hounchell could not bend his.}~ee unless h!~ltherapists ~ied weights around his· leg to forcibly

comes a point where you say, 'I'll be damned if I Jet this get me down.' And that's when you pop out of ,it and get to work." Crable said he was concerned that Hounchell would try to come back too soon from the injury. Crable also warned Hounchell about worrying about the knee once it was healed. "If you take the field worrying whether the knee is going to hold up on you, then you came back too early, or else you don't belong out there," Crable said. "He just needed to take his time." Klonne and Crable see no lapse in Hounchell' s performance from before the injury. "He's just like he always was out there " Kionne said. "He. hasn't lost a step, ,por- has h.e . showed any diminished abilities."·

The Cincinnati Enc:;uirerfTony Jo

Dan Hounchell has returned from surgery on his anterior cruciate lig~ment to l~a~ Moeller to the state t1tle ~ame

Moeller's Crable continues By Bob Queenan Post staff reporter

Bob Crab~ Ex-NFL linebacker

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Notre Dame in 1982, Crable played at linebacker for seven seasons for the New York Jets (1982-88) before a second knee injury · forced his retirement.

Bob Crable is wrapping up his second year as linebackers coach of the Moeller High School football team in a fashion simHe shakes his head in amazement when ilar to the way he played for the Crusaders from 1975-77. he thinks about how he and the game have changed During those three seasons, Crable was part of 36 consecutive victories and three "I look at old films of me in high school state championships. and, because. of my lack of hustle in some Crable, 34, will be watching over his respect~: I couldn't play for me today," said charges from the sideline Saturday at 1 Crable. I really wouldn't have liked me as a coach." p.m. in Dayton's Welcome Stadium when Moeller (12-0) plays Hilliard <11-1) in the Today, Crable demands total mental and Division I state semifinals. physical effort in practices and games and After graduating from the University of he seldom is satisfied. '

•

tradition of w1nn1ng Whether coaching or teaching religion at Moeller Crable says the most gratifying aspect of his job comes when one of his pupils- be it starting linebackers Jermaine Monk, Troy Tuck or Dan Hounchel, or any student- gives maximum effort. "I look for that at all times," said Crable. "We have a base (4-3) defense, but we change things from week to week. It's very gratifying when any of my people gives it all mentally as well as physically and we fix whatever problems have occurred. That means we have had a great day." After injuries cut short his NFL career, Crable first devoted full-time attention to Crable Sportswear, a firm he started in

1985. The Midland Corp. bought that business in 1991 and Crable founded Crace Embroidery (sewing logos and letters on jerseys and other athletic clothing), which he is now trying to sell. It was after he joined Moeller head coach Steve Klonne's staff that Crable was forced to take a raw look at himself as a player.

"I got into coaching," said Crable, "because I wanted to have a positive effect on the behavior and the lives of these young men. One of the things we try to do at Moeller is bring in an atmosphere of Christian virtues."

REGIONAL CHAMPS - Moeller High. School captured the Division I regional championship Saturday night at Nippert Stadium with an 18-15 victory over Princeton. The win improved Moeller's record to 12-0 and set up a state semifinal game on Dec. 4 at Dayton's Welcome Stadium against the winner of the Hilliard-Mount Vernon game. In the top photo, Crusader linebacker Troy Tuck (left) and defensive back Andre Collins bring down Princeton runner Darrell Deck. In the bottom photo, Ron Goodhart and his son, Scot, celebrate the Moeller victory. (CT photos by Mike Williams)

REMATCH Vikings get second shot at undefeated Moeller By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

Princeton coach Pat Mancuso has a precedent he can rely on to get his team motivated for this Saturday night's rematch with Moeller in the Division I regional final. In 1983, when both teams were unbeaten, Moeller beat the Vikings, 28-21, in the regular season finale. A week later in the playoffs, Princeton beat the Crusaders, 28-21. This year, Moeller whipped Princeton, 20-7, in the regular season finale and now this Saturday the teams will play again at 8 p.m. at Nippert Stadium. ·Both teams advanced with victories Saturday at Nippert Stl:!.dium. Moeller (11-0) rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit to down previously unbeaten Centerville, 31-14, and Princeton U0-1} thumped St.

M. EDWARD LYONS/for The Cincinnati Post

Moeller running back Brian Balsly is tackled after a short gain Saturday against Centerville.

P,layoffs Fr~m Page 18

will play Versailles (10-1} in the Division IV regional championship at 7:30 at Clayton Northmont High School. Franklin (10-1) will play Piqua in the Division II regional championXavier, 42-3. ship game at 7:30 at Dayton "I'm sure it will come up Welcome Stadium. what we did in 1~83, because ·In Moeller's regular-season we went on to wm the state win over Princeton it held the championship that year," Vikings to just 18 yards rushing, Mancuso said. "It's not ~orne- as, low a rushing total as Mancuthing we'll constantly brmg so. can ever remember Princeton up, but I'm sure the pl~~~rs having in a game. will be made aware of 1t. '"The good The Moeller-Princet<;>n thing for us is game is one of four re~wnal we beat them, so championship games mvolv- we know that we ing area teams this :'feekend. can beat them, In Division III, Badm 00-1) but then again _which Saturday dropped ·I'm sure they Goshen, 34-14, behind Jason found out some McHugh's two touchdowns, adjustments one on offense and one on de- they need to fense- plays powerful Valley make this time Pat View at 7 p.m. Saturday at and I'm sure Mancuso Middletown Barnitz S~adium. they'll make them," said Moeller Valley View (11-0), w~ICh ad- coach Steve Klonne. vanced with a 24-13 wm over Klonne thinks Princeton may London, has outscored oppo- . have an emotional edge, too, nents 538-61 this season. since his team is coming off a Friday night, CAPE (9-2) i victory in which it rallied for 24 ·second-half points, and .because. Please see PLAYOFFS, ~B the playoffs carry added pressure. "I think it's tough to beat the same team twice, especially one as good as Princeton," Klonne said. "In the regular season, you can play a little looser, because we both were getting in the playoffs and getting another shot at it no matter what. This time, the loser goes home." In the win over Centerville, junior tailback Matt Keller took over for injured starter Brian Balsly and rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Klonne said the status of Balsly, who strained a tendon in his leg, is unknown. The same goes for quarterback Mike

Green, who collapsed after the game because he was suffering from the flu. Princeton used a strong defensive effort to drop St. Xavier. Senior defensive end Jermain Broach had two quarterback sacks and returned an interception 38 yards for Princeton's first touchdown. · Princeton's second touchdown came off its special teams when John Baker took a lateral from Mario Strayhorn on a punt return and ran the final 50 yards to complete a 58-yard scoring play. The touchdowns increased Princeton's total scoring on defense and special teams to 74 points this s!'lason.

MOELLER 31, CENTERVILLE.14 CENTERVILLE MOELLER

14 7

C-Cummins 28 run (Sorrels kick) C-Kiingler 51 pass from Kramer (Sorrels kick) M-Lapham 14 pass from Green (Huston kick) M-Keller 14 run (Huston kick) M-Keller 19 run (Huston kick) M-FG Huston 44 M-Keller 5 run (Huston kick) RECORDS: Moell~r 11-0, Centerville 10-1.

0 0 0-14 0 14 10-31

GET~ING

completing his· 25th season in coaching. He played football at St. Xavier High School and later graduated from Xavier University. After stints as an assistant football coach at Mt. Healthy, Elder and Turpin high schools, IGonne joined Faust's staff as a Moeller assistant in 1978. He says the game has changed considerably since he started as an assistant in 1969 at Mt. Healthy. -"Most boys wanted to play just to be part of. a winning tradition and a good program," srud Klonne. "That was especially true here By Bob Queenan / I 12 years ago. Today, there is more 'I' stuff Post staff reporter /2-( I ~93 more individual expectation to attain th~ next level. teve Klonne appears to have emerged fi. "It's a cliche, but there is no 'I' in 'team ' nally from the lengthy shadow cast by . 'Moeller' or 'Crusaders,' " said Klonne. "Thi~ . Gerry Faust. year, we have had to worry even less about that and it's the reason for our success." Klonne, 47, has Moeller High School's football team on the verge of its third DiviKlonne. says his most difficult job is sion I state championship since he took over teaching a player what his role is and -conthe program in 1982. vincing him to put that ahead of self interests.·. His Crusaders (12-0} play Hilliard (11-1} at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dayton's Welcome Sta_. ' His satisfaction is derived fro~- his team . dium in the semifinals of the Division I achieving its maximum performance, win or playoffs. lose. .. , . _- .. . ... ·. . .· . . Under Klonne, the Crusaders won the ti"You need to be' the same when lose as tle in Ohio's largest division in 1982 and 1985, and were runners-up in '89. His overall- when you win," said Klonne... record is 102-18 in 12 seasons. His off·the-field times with his family But Klonne has lacked the flair and fame wife Mary Ann; daughter Tricia, 8; and son of Faust, who in 18 seasons 0963-80> compiled a record of 174-17·2 with five state titles David, 5 - are his relaxing moments. Klonne's peers say he would have had before ascending to the head coaching job at even more success if not for the so-called Notre Dame. rule." A year after Moeller's 1982 While players and peers have recognized "Moeller state championship, the Archdiocese of Cin· cinnati passed an edict that said students at Klonne's coaching abilities~ he stili- remains all Cincinnati-area parochial schools except a relatively unassuming figure on the local St. Xavier - a private school that requires ~nd state sports scene. an entrance exam - live within specific dis· . "People underestimate Steve and it's un- trict boundaries.. fair, ·because he has to live with some The restriction is known as the "Moeller unbelieveable expectations in a league (Greater Catholic League) and a state which rule" because it prevented Moeller's football has much greater ·parity and balance than team from getting top players from all parts previous years," said St. Xavier High School of the region. I. football coach Steve Rasso. "And still he gets Klonne said the rule has cut down on his more out of his kids every single year." team's depth. Said Princeton football coach Pat Man·cu- ··so, who surpassed 300 career victories this - Yet, despite that setback and against a The Associated Press season but lost twice to Moeller: "I truly schedule that includes perennial powers don't think Steve has received the recogni- such as Cleveland St. Ignatius, Covington Klonne's conquests: Moeller coach :tion he deserves. That's a shame, too. Catholic, Erie (Pa.) and Massillon, Klonne Steve Klonne is seeking a third state title. "' "Steve has done more with the players he continues to win at Moeller. The Steve Klonne era gets than most people give him credit for," "The biggest thing about his teams is they. said Mancuso. "Remember, Moeller does_ not REGULAR PLAYOFF get as many of the athletes who go on to play don't make many _mistakes," said Rasso. - YEAR SEASON RECORD TITLES 1982 10- 0 Division I college ball as they once did." 3-0 State. national 1983 10- 0 0-1 None Klonne, who teaches accounting, comput1984 10- 0 0-1 er keyboarding -and a number of None 1985 9- 1 business-economics classes at Moeller, is 4-0 State 1986 7- 3 None None 1987 7- 3 None None 1988 9- 1 0-1 None 1989 8- 2 3-1 None 1990 9- 1 0-1 None 1991 6- 4 None None 1992 6- 3 None Norle

H~IS

DUE

Moeller's Klonne gains wider respect

1993

10- 0

2-0

TOTALS 102-18

12-5

Moeller faces rushing challenge Centerville likes to run By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

In its final two regular-season games, against Elder and Princeton, Moeller's defense held the teams to a combined 87 yards rushing, with 67 of those yards coming on one Elder rush at the end of Moeller's 49-13 victory. So why is Moeller coach Steve Klonne worried about stopping Centerville's rushing attack? Because the Elks have rushed for more than 3,000 yards on the season and run the triple option, which many coaches say is tough to prepare for in just one week. "We haven't seen a team like them all season," Klonne said. "They just line up three backs and come right at you." ' Centerville's rushing success has come behind a line that averages just 190 pounds and has only one starter - center Matt Weir- over 200 pounds. But the line makes up for it with quicknes~f and technique. "I haven't seen an offensive line that technically sound in a long time," Klonne said. "They don't overpower you, they just block you." Centerville coach Bob Gregg, who is in his 21st season, said he hopes the option will make it tough for Moeller. "I can't think of any team around that uses it as much as we do," Gregg said. "I'd say we use it 75 percent of the time. It's something we've always done. We decided a long time ago that since we always seem to have small linemen that we couldn't just blow people off the ball with our size." Âˇ

Halfback Jeremy Adkins leads Centerville's rushing attack with approximately 1,200 yards, followed by quarterback Scott Kramer (550 yards), halfback David George (500 yards) and fullback Martin Buckingham (300 yards). Kramer has also thrown for just more than 1,000 yards. "They're not a totally one-dimensional team and like to throw off the option, which makes it tough on everybody to stay with their responsibilities," Klonne said. While Klonne is impressed with Centerville, Gregg is equally impressed with the Crusaders, who outscored opponents by an average score of 34.2 to 11.3. Their closest game was a 27-17 win over St. Xavier, which lost to Centerville, 38-7. "They look to me like a lot of those Moeller teams in the '70s and '80s," Gregg said. "I don't see a weakness. They can run the ball, throw the ball, play great defense, have a great kicker (Brian Houston) and good special teams." Klonne said what has made the Moeller team so successful is that there isn't any one or two players who must have big games in order to win. "We just have a bunch of good players who are unselfish and have great chemistry," Klonne said. "Every game it seems like it's someone different stepping up to pull us through." Quarterback Mike Green has completed 83 of 141 passes for 1,207 yards, 10 touchdowns and has been intercepted just twice. Tailbacks Brian Balsly and Matt Keller have combined for 1,357 yards rushing. Linemen Andy Bailey, Brian Fitzpatrick and Tony Keller; linebacker Troy Tuck, and defensive back Andre Collins lead the defense.

BRUCE CRIPPENffhe Cincinnati Post

Moeller offensive line coach Pat Orloff works with linemen Gable Tincher, left, and Wolfgang Scholz, right, during practice Thursday.

Moeller vs. Centerville WHAT: Division I football playoffs. KICKOFF: 1 p.m. Saturday. SITE: Nippert Stadium. RECORDS: Moeller (1 0-0); Centerville (1 0-0). NOTEWORTHY: Each team has reached the state championship game once sine 1989 and both lost to St. Ignatius. Moeller lost in 1989 and Centerville lost in 1991 .. : . The teams have one common opponent: playoff qualifier St. Xavier. Centerville beat St. Xavier, 38-7, in its season opener, while Moeller beat the Bombers 27-17. STARTING LINEUPS: MOELLER Offense: SE Nick Hodge; LT Andy Beimesche; LG Brad Scheffer; C Jim McCabe; RG Scot Goodhart; RT Gabe Tincher; TE Dave Lapham; WB Tom Brisken; QB Mike Green; FB Derrick Edwards; TB Brian Balsly or Matt Keller; PK Brian Houston. Defense: DE Andy Baily; DT Brian Fitzpatrick; DT Tony Keller; DE Wolfgang Scholz; OLB Jermaine Monk; MLB Troy Tuck; OLB Dan Hounchell; CB Andre Collins; CB Chris Brisben; DB Ron Adkins; DB Mark Allen; P Brian Houston. CENTERVILLE Offense: SE Scott Campana or Scott Michaels; LT Brad Gurbek; LG Barett Schrader; C Matt Weir; RG Jim McGadrick; RT Jay Fullenkamp; TE Jason Klingler; QB Scott Kramer; FB Martin Buckingham; HB Jeremy Atkins; HB David George; PK Ryan Saul. Defense: DE Matt Baough; DT Ryan Braswell; DT Nick Baldridge; DE Dan Rahbahamel; OLB Seth Boyer; MLB Chad Brightner; OLB Luke Morton; CB Nick Bramel; CB Eric Cummings; SS Ryan Deppin; FS Scott Michaels; P Scott Michaels.

Nippert hosts Division I ·.doubleheader BY DAVE SCHUTTE / J-

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".Th~re ~~e. three Cincinnati teams playmg m DIVISion I, and UC was the best . . . available site," Dafler said. "If the fans The challenge has been Issued to Cmcm- support it we will play more playoff games nati area high school football fans. at uc in the future." . ~~er years of ignorin~ pl~as. to s~hedule Dafler pointed out that Nippert is also DIVISion I playoff ga~es •.n Cmcmnatl rath~r available the following two weeks and that than J?a~on, the Ohio .H•gh School ~thletlc it's a good possibility UC could host the Association responded m grand fashion Sun- regional championship and state semifinals day. on Nov. 20 and 27, respectively. The OHSAA announced that the UniverUC plays East Carolina Nov. 20 in its sity of ~incinnati's .35,000-seat Nip~e~t. Sta- final game of the season. But kickoff is at 1 dium w1ll be the s1te ·of the two DIVISion I p.m., freeing Nippert for the evening. . Oak Hills coach Bobby Klotz plans to playoff games on Saturday. Two 10~0 teams, Moeller and Center- ' attend both games now that they will be ville, collide at 1 p.m. St. Xavier (7-3) and · played locally. Princeton (9-1) take the spotlight in a 7 p.m. "It's a fabulous idea playing at Nippert," game. Klotz said. "Making people drive to Dayton Although Fred Dafler, assistant OHSAA every year to watch two Cincinnati teams commissioner, stopped short of saying that play was ridiculous. Nearly every year three the size of the crowd will determine future of the four teams are from this area. It's games at UC, he did point out that atten- about time the games are played here." dance is always a concern. During the early 1980s, the OHSAA Enquirer contributor

occasionally used Nippert Stadium for playoff games. In fact, the biggest crowd for a single playoff game was at UC. In 1980, a second-round matchup between Moeller and Princeton drew 27,000 . Two weeks later, 22,692 attended the state championship game between Massillon and Moeller. Nippert was last used for a playoff game in 1989 when Moeller and Princeton met before 21,000. The same two teams met in 1985, also at Nippert. "The OHSAA is fmally giving Cincinnati football recognition by playing the games locally," said St. Xavier coach Steve Rasso. Tickets for the Nippert doubleheader, as well as for playoff games involving other Cincinnati area teams, go on sale to the public Tuesday. Specific information is to be released today. CAPE starts on road, 87.

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

Moeller defensive back Ron Adkins (22) picks off a Jeremy Teall pass in the second quarter of Friday night's game at Princeton. Princeton's Arvie Jenkins (6) and Moel.ler's Chris Brisben (15) are others in the play. Moeller won .. 20-7, to capture tlile city championship.

Moeller defense leads way Crusaders stop Vikings for city title, 20-7 Seven ·area teams zero in on playoff spots Seven area teams, Moeller, Princeton, St. Xavier, Ross, Goshen, CAPE and Lockland, appeared to have qualified Friday night for the Ohio High School state football playoffs. One other team, Hamilton Badin, kept its hopes alive with a victory. A look:

but so did Ross.

Division III

Despite its loss to Ross, Goshen is in the playoffs. Hamilton Badin, with a 7-6 victory over Harrison, also stays alive. Kings had a chance, but the Knights needed Greenfield McClain, Mount Gillead and London all to lose. McClain's victory Division I Facing a must-win situation, St. over Cincinnati Country Day snufXavier pounded previously unde- fed out any hopes for Kings. feated Anderson, 31-7, for a Divi- Division IV, V sion I playoff berth. Defending Division IV state Moeller and Princeton had champion CAPE will defend its nailed down playoff berths prior to title. The Crusaders defeated Deer their meeting Friday night. Centerville downed Beaver- Park, 30-7, in the school's last-evcreek for the other Division I spot. er regular-season game. Lockland blanked Mariemont, 27-0, to make it in Division V, but Division II Ross defeated Goshen, 29-7, for CCD's hopes were dashed by its loss to Greenfield McClain. its first playoff berth. Playoff pairings will be anBut Roger Bacon needed a vicnounced Sunday. tory over Northwest and losses by - Dave Schutte Ross and Miami Trace. Bacon won

BY DAVE SCHUTTE

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f_3 HIGHLIGHTS None of Princeton's coaches, including Pat Mancuso, could reMoeller ................................ 20 member the Vikings offense ever Princeton............................. 7 being held to just 22 yards rushing Ross .................................... 29 in a game. Goshen'................................ 7 But it happened Friday night at St. Xavier ............................. 31 Viking Stadium where the Moeller Anderson .............................. 7 defense led the Crusaders past the CAPE ................................... 30 Vikirigs, 20-7, before a crowd of Deer Park ............................ 7 6,500. . .,. Details, 06 The victory gives the undefeated Crusaders the city championship and their first undefeated in the game and gave us good field season since 1984. ·position all night," Moeller coach "Any time we have to throw the Steve Klonne said. "The field posiball 24 times, we lose," Mancuso . tion was the telling tale." said. "And, you can't turn the ball The Crusaders took advantage over like we did against a good team and expect to win. We talked of a Viking fumble that was recovered by Brian Fitzpatrick on the about this all week to the kids." Two interceptions and a fumble Vikings' 20 in the first quarter. On· the ~nsuing play, Moeller recovery were monumental in the outcome as the Crusaders capital- quarterback Mike Green threw a izing for scores. (Please see MOELLER, "The defense absolutely kept us Page D6) Enquirer contributor

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

Moeller tailback Mark Keller (2) sheds atackle by Princeton's Philip Brooks (9). Keller's 16-yard run set up Moeller's second field goal.

MoeiJ~r: ln1 .

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CONTINUED FROM

Offense shifts gears

pass down the middle to Brian . Balsly for the TD and a 7-0 lead. "On the TD pass, we sent out a flanker, tight end and Brian," Klonne said. "Someone missed an assignment and he was wide open. The next time ·we tried it, they were all over him." Aided by a strong wind, Moeller took a 10-0 lead with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter when Brian Huston booted a 49-yard field goal, tying a school record. Princeton's offense got untracked in the second quarter when the Vikings had the wind in their favor. Following a quick kick by Derrick Edwards that went out of bounds on the Viking 35, Princeton . quarterback Jeremy Teall connected with Darrell Deck for the TD to cut the deficit to 10-7 at halftime. "We didn't want Moeller to have the ball and the wind to start the third period," Mancuso said. "That's why we decided to take the wind advantage· at the start of the second half."

The strategy may have worked, run wide on them using an unbalbut the Viking offense was stopped anced line but I was wrong. We an inch short of a first down on the then went back to straight formaMoeller 30, giving the ball to the tions and it worked much better." Crusaders. · Crusader offensive lineman AnMoments later, the game dy Beimesche credited the change turned in Moeller's direction when in offensive strategy as the key. a Huston punt into the wind hit a "Princeton's defense took away Viking player and was recovered · the outside," he said. "We just by Moeller's Jim Holte! at the started going inside ·on them and Princeton 39. Moeller took advantage, driving that's what worked the best." Green, who completed 7 of 12 to the 7 with Huston booting a 24-yard field goal for a 13-7 lead passes for 85 yards, didn't feel the 'wind was a factor. with 8:4 7 remaining. An interception by Moeller's "It didn't bother me' throwing Chris Brisben at the Princeton 40 the ball," Green said. "We knew set up the final TD, a 1-yard run by what we had to do and we stuck to Green with 4:28 left. our game plan after we found out The final statistics tell the sto- we couldn't run wide on them." ry . Despite the setback, Pdnceton Moeller managed 152 yards . will qualify for the Division I playrushing, 74 by Mike Keller and 52 offs, joining Moeller, St. Xavier by Balsly, and 85 passing on 7 of and Centerville. 12 by Green. Moeller..................-·-···········-·-·-················10 0 3 7-20 The Crusaders defense held the Princeton..............................--..................... 0 7 0 0- 7 M·Balsly 20 pass from Green (Huston kick) Vikings to a total of 113 yards, 22 M·Huston 49 field goal P·Deck 35 pass from Teali (Comfort kick) rushing and 91 passing. M·Huston 24 field goal "Our game plan was lousy," M·Green 1 run (Huston kick) Klonne said. "I thought we could Records: Princeton 9·1, Moeller 10·0.

Crusaders liye up to No. 1 ranking By Richard Skinner Post staff reporter

There were many games this high school football se.ason that Princeton won because of its defense and kicking game. So it was ironic that Moeller beat the Vikings, 20-7, Friday night thanks in large part to its defense and kicking game. The Crusaders 00-0) held Princeton (9-1) to just 18 yards rushing and 109 yards total offense and kicker Brian Huston drilled two field goals, including tying a school record with a 49-yarder, in earning the mythical city championship before an estimated 7,000 spectators at Princeton. Moeller is ranked No. 1 in The Post's Division I poll of area teams. Princeton is ranked No. 2. "Not to put our offense down, but our defense really won this game for us," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. "We made a lot of mistakes and had too many turnovers and penalties on offense, but our defense hung in there all night for us." A stiff wind from the west also proved to be huge factor. It aided Huston on his 49-yard field goal, but made punting and passing into it an adventure. "It was the same for. both. teams .. but yes, it did cut down on some. of the things you could do when you were going into the wind," said Princeton coach Pat Mancuso. All the points scored in the game came with the wind. "The wind didn't effect us running the ball," Mancuso said. "Moeller just stopped us. It was that simple." . · ' The Moeller defense ·was so dominating against the run that Princeton's lo;ngest rush was only five yards. The Vikings were averaging 179 yards per game rushing. Moeller took a 10-7 lead into halftime, but Princeton had a chance with the wind in the third quarter to .take the lead. The Crusaders, though, held Princeton on fourth down-and-one at the Moeller 30-yard line when running back Darrel Deck was stopped for no gain with 7:35 left in the quarter. Then later in the quarter; Huston punted into the wind from the Moeller 41. His 17yard punt, which was held up considerably. by the wind, bounced off tb.e turf and hit Princeton's Jermaine Broach. The ball was recovered by Moeller's Jim Holtel at the Princeton 39. Moeller then used up the remaining two minutes of the third quarter and 3:13 of the fourth quarter before Huston's 24-yard field goal made it 13-7. "I was trying to punt it out of bounds and keep it away from (John) Baker (who has returned two punts for touchdowns this season), but the wind kept it from going out of bounds and kept in play," Huston said of his punt. On the ·second play of the ensuing Princeton drive, J~;·emy Teall was intercepted at the Moeller 39 with 7:05 remaining.

Moeller then · marched for a clinching touchdown in seven plays, with quarterback Mike Green sneaking in from a yard out with4:28 left to make it 20-7. "We knew we had to do something in third quarter because we had the wind," Mancuso said. Said Klonne: "Our offense had its problems, but when we had to put together a drive, we were able to do that. That's the mark of a great team." Moeller completely dominated the first quarter and took a 10-0 lead behind a 20-yard touchdown pass from Green to wide· open tailback Brian Balsly and Huston's 49-yard field goal. The touchdown pass to ·Balsly, which came one play after ·Teall fumbled an option pitch that Moeller's Brian Fitzpatrick recovered, was a play Klonne said was put in just this week. Balsly had shifted from his tailback spot to a wing position on the left side and ran a pattern straight down the middle of the field totally uncovered. · "We had a flanker, a tight end and Balsly on that side," Klonne said. "Everyone jumped off to cover (Dave) Lapham (the tight end and Moeller's leading receiver entering the game with 35 receptions) and that left Brian open.'~

The· Crusaders also held Princeton to just one yard total offense in the the quarter and didn't allow the Vikings further than its 27 in five possessions. But Moeller· couldn't take advantage of starting two other drives in the quarter at the Princeton 48 and Princeton 42, and squandered another good opportunity on its first drive of the second quarter when it started at the Princeton 37. That drive ended on a Balasly fumble that Princeton's Chris Gilliam recovered at the Princeton 25. The Vikings cut it to 10-7 with 5:21 left in the first half when T~all connected with a wideopen Deck at the Moeller 20 and Deck took it the rest of the way to complete a 35-yard touchdown pass. Both teams qualified for the Division I playoffs, which likely will be played next Saturday at Nippert Stadium. Pairings, sites and times will be released Sunday when the final Harbin ratings will be released by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. MOELlER PRINCETON

M-Balsley 20 pass from Green (Huston kick) M-FG Huston 49 ; P-Deck 35 pass from Teall (Comfort kicl<) M-FG Huston 24 , M-Green 1 run (Huston kick) RECORDS: Moeller 10·0. Princeton 9-1.

1D-20 o- 7

Measuring up to: a legend Ignatius'. n1n compares to Moeller's dofuinance 1, '1

Ignatius in 1983, downplays the notion that he is some kind of savior of the Wild· Although Massillon dominated Ohio cats' program. · football in the era when polls determined . "I thought we were pretty good in the the state champion, Cincinnati Moeller is . '60s, when . we had Brian Dowling," he the yardstick against which st. Ignatius 1s said. "St. Edward was the dominant school measured in winning championships on in the '70s, but it's not like we were ever the field. · really bad." Gerry Faust created the football pro· St: Ignatius, like all Cleveland Catholic gram at Moeller in 1960 and coached there schools, can draw from a student pool until leaving for Notre Dame in 1981. In throughout Cuyahoga County and even his last six seasons at Moeller, he won five outside it. hig-school state championships- a mark "Nobody wants to believe this, but we St. Ignatius seeks to equal this season. v.rere a district school at Moeller," said Faust coached five of Moeller's seven state Faust. "We had 13 parishes we could draw champions. from. We had a great mixture - blue-colIt is a remarkable· record in as emotional lar, farm areas, lower-middle, middle-, and a game as high school football. "If a kid upper-middle class. The minorities we had breaks up with his girlfriend on Wednes- essentially came from the middle class." day, you don't know what you're getting While Faust may have drawn primarily, on Friday," said St. Ignatius coach Chuck from those parishes, the record does not Kyle. substantiate his argument. The Cincinnati . Currently the University of Akron hd. d"d · · coach, Faust recently discussed the s!'mila- .arc wcese 1 not mstitute geographical boundaries until1983. · rities and differences between the Marianist school near the Cincinnati suburbs and "That was put in after Gerry left, bethe Jesuit institution on the near West cause of the success he had," said St. Igna· tius Athletic Director Dale Gabor. Side of Cleveland. "I think it's easier to begin. a program, · While non-Catholics attended and as I did at Moeller, than to bring one back, played for both schools, religious training as Kyle has done at Ignatius," said Faust. . was mandatory at both. . "When you start a program, you can create "I used to hear that we made players your players' own habits. When you take make the sign of the cross," said Faust. one over, there are some bad habits you "That is totally untrue. But I firmly behave to break." lieve that religion is where you get your . Kyle, who became the head coach at St. moral values and your e~hics in life. And By BILL LIVINGSTON

PLAIN DEALER REPORTER

I -

oL -

q 11

when you take a· kid to a religious ceremony, like Beneqiction or Mass, you can never turn around and cheat with him." "In the "1988 playoffs, we were playing Toledo Whitmer in Toledo," said Kyle. "We normally have Mass before every game. But this game: was at 1 o'clock. We thought about just having a prayer before the garrie, but the players were insistent. So we all' got up for Mass at 6:30. "Now, I'm sure you might think, 'Well, they were 12-0. : The players probably weren't changing their socks or underwear then, either.' "But at St. Ignatius, we like to say we prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for each game; Later in life, if they include prayer as a way of facing a challenge, that's not so bad, is it?" . Moeller turned out more Division I-A college players than St. Ignatius. But both schools were so successful that they fought an odd. backlash among college coaches. "I know I faced this at Moeller. I know a lot of Division I coaches think the same thing about Ignatius," Faust said. "They think players from those schools come to them as finished products. They think they have achieved the maximum of their potential, by discipline, coaching, and technique. I had to sell some coaches on a few of my best players." "Just from a standpoint of physical maturity, I don't know how you could think a high school player has reached his paten-

Gerry Faust won five big-school championships in his final six seasons at Cincinnati Moeller, a mark St. Ignatius is trying to equal this year..

h\,

~. " tial," said Kyle. "We think that (college) Will., 路'路 coaches like our players, because they At the big-school level, nobody in this have shown a willingness to make the 路 state has ever done that as well as Moeller 路 . ,.commitment, because they know how to and St. Ignatius.

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

From left, Derrick Dale, Nate Stroup and Bill Kramer in their Moeller game faces.

Fans feel spirit of The Game BY SMITA MADAN PAUL The Cincinnati Enquirer

tt/t;/f.3

SHARONVILLE- Leah Huffine and her friends claimed they came to see the Friday night game between undefeated Moeller and Princeton high schools. But any discussion of the huge rivalry ~as lost in the squeals of the 13-year-old grrls. "We love Moeller guys!" they cried. The Moeller guys didn't disappoint th~m. No. 1 Moeller defeated No. 2 Pnnceton, 20-7, to claim the title of city champion. Both teams had 9-0 records going into the game. . Huffine, of Blue Ash, and her friends Karen Overdeck of Symmes Townshi~ and Vanessa Rand of Blue Ash, said the game was the hot topic at their school Sycamore Junior High. '

".Everyone thinks Princeton is going to kill Moeller, but we love Moeller," said Huffine, whose entire family goes to the school's games. Huffine's mother took her out of school Friday to attend Moeller's 90-minute pep rally, an elaborate affair with strobe lights, fog machines, skits and films. School spirit was no less fierce at Princeton. Jessica Klefas, 15, a Princeton sophomore, said students have been decorating the school's walls all week · ' screaming, "Beat Moeller!" More than 8,000 people attended the sold-out game at Princeton's·field. By Monday afternoon, Moeller's 600plus tickets were sold out and seats for Princeton sold out the ne~t day. Vinnie Edwards, 34, of Kenwood said she felt like a ticket scalper the past few days: Everyone called her house, begging for tickets. "Everybody wants tickets; my phone w~s like a ticket hot line last night," she sru.d. Her son, Derrick, 17, is a fullback for Moeller, and her nephew, Erron Martin, 18, is a defensive lineman for Princeton. Moeller students ·took a more businesslike ~pproach to the game, said teacher Mtke Ward, 26, of Norwood. "We are just going to come in and win another game," he said. "The kids are very matter-of-fact about it."

Football playoffs here Saturday The Cincinnati Enquirer

11/8/1.3

Cincinnati-area high school football fans are in for a treat: A Division I playoff doubleheader Saturday at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati"' s top-rated team, Moeller (10-0), plays the Dayton area's top-rated team, Centerville (10-0), at 1 p.m. Princeton (9-1) and St. Xavier (7-3)" meet at 7 p.m. The Ohio High School Athletic Association last chose Nippert as a playoff site in 1989.

KICK SCORING

Holbert, Harrison ................................23 Pruitt, Oak Hills ...................................23 Stacy, Roger Bacon ...........................23 Rogers, New Miami ............................22 Louise, Williamsburg .....................•....21 Sandusky, Taylor ...............................21 Lewis, Batavia ....................................21 Martin, Turpin .....................................21 Bechtol, Amelia ..................................21 Pringle, Middletown ...........................20 Gladden, CAPE ..................................20 Schibi, Norwood .................................20 Helvey, Monroe ..................................20 Scherzinger, Western Brown ............. 20 PUNT RETURNS

PAT

Huston, Moeller .., _.........................39 Kraus, Colerain ....................................33 Fricke, St. Xavier ..................................26 Francis, Monroe ................................... 23 Hare, Badin ..........................................28 Comfort, Princeton ...............................29 Stamp, Lakota ............................. ..... 25 C. McKinney, Country Day ...................32 Poggi, Kings .........................................20 Money, Fairtield ....................................21 Bonin>, Country Day .............................27 INDIVIDUAL SCORING

10 6 7 6 4 3 3 0 4 3 1

69 51 47 41 40 38 34 32 32 30 30

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0

140 128 120 120 106 102 100 96 94 90 88 86

0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0

78 78 70 70 70 70 69 88 68 88 68 68

Name, school

TD PAT

Name, school

Lamb, Uttie Miami .........................23 Kidd, Colerain ...............................21 Barkley, Country Day ....................20 Pennington, Fairtieid .....................20 Houston, Ross .............................. 17 Cobb, Norwood ............................. 15 Andreadis,Anderson .................... 16 . Nichols, Batavia ............................14 Hare, Badin .....................................9 Hall, Walnut Hills ........................... 11 Rayborn, Milford ........................... 14 Pence, Mason ............................... 14 BaXnard, Lockland ........................ 13 Keler, Moeller ....... 13 Samuels, Lakota ........................... 13 Rogers, New Miami ...................... 11 Schibl, Norwood ........................... 10 Ventura, Madeira .......................... 10 B. Wilschevick, Lockland ..............11 Huston, Moeller ..~ ...................0 Hamner, Hamilton ......................... 11 Hambleton, Eider .......................... 11 Hart, New Miami ........................... 11 Johnson, Walnut Hills ................... 11 Anderson, CAPE .............:............. 11 INDIVIDUAL RUSHING

=. . . . . . . . .

Name, school

1 2 0 0 2 6 2 6 28 24 2 1 1 0 0 2 5 5 2 39 1 1 1 1 1

ATT. YDS. AVG.

BarklelJCountryDay ......................... 178 Lamb, "ttieMiami .............................. 199 Andreadis, Anderson ......................... 176 Kidd, Colerain ..................................... 174 Pannlnglon, Fairtield ..........................250 Houston, Ross ................................... 186 Ventura, Madeira ................................ 167 Cobb, Norwood ..................................218 Rayborn, Milford ................................ 186 Pence, Mason ....................................207 Baynard, Lockland ............................. 126 Rogers, New Mlaml ............................ 147 Platter, Deer Park ............................... 165 Nichols, Batavia ................................. 116 KiiJens, Purcell Marian ....................... 164 Hamilton, Indian Hill ...........................147 Fanche,, Kings ................................... 155 Samuels, Lakota ................................ 147 ~re~~diJurpin .................................... 133 m1t , estern Brown .......................113 Stinson, Taylor ................................... 179 Mercer, Madeira ................................. 167 Scott, Middletown .............................. 128 Mathews, Princeton ........................... 142 Balsiy, Moeller .................................... 113 Hamner, Hamlilon .............................. 142 Smith, Lakota ..........•.......................... 154 Williams, Northwest ........................... 131 Lewis, Reading ................................... 133 Williams, Roger Bacon .......................141 INDIVIDUAL PASSING Name, school

o so

1938 10.9 1776 8.9 1556 8.8 1507 8.7 1494 6.0 1315 7.1 1299 7.8 1242 5.7 1160 6.2 1067 5.3 1040 8.3 1026 7.0 1000 6.0 962 8.3 931 5.7 928 6.3 882 5.7 868 5.9 867 6.5 840 7.4 829 4.6 824 4.9 781 6.1 771 5.4 744 6.6 742 5.2 737 4.8 711 5.4 711 5.2 711 5.0

COMP. ATT. YDS.

McHan~,

Walnut Hills ............... 121 Hilvert, lder .............................. 119 Hall, Harrison ................-............. 131 1

~rw,r;en~~\~~t~~~a~ii"":::::::::: ~!

Green, Moeller .......-.. ............. .72 Peters, western Brown ............... 60 Cannon, Mt. Healthy ....................74 Burdine, Kings .............................69 Erwin, Norwood ...........................62 Ratliff, Monroe .............................43

228 1977 2441816 232 1760

m1~~

130 1132 120 1086 178 1046 133 1035 129 941 94 882

TO 13 17 21

9 16 11 12 9 14

~~;i~g~~~~~~ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~ 1~~ :~ ~

Teall, Princeton ...........................50 92 Seizer, McNicholas .....................77 157 Ahrens, Roger Bacon ..................51 111 Hensley, Northwest .....................61 138 . INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING

824 801 799 979

8 4 5 2

NO.

YDS.

Hall, Walnut Hiils ..............................55 Hambleton. Eider ...............................54 Gregovich, Williamsburg ....................47

1417 805 527

11 11 5

~~~~~~~:is~.. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::1~ ~~

~:~~i~~~~c.~a.ia.s.::::::::::::::::::::::::~ ~~

Neme, school• ',

~phamKMoeller

....._.., ................35

515

Monl~omery, Mt. HeaHhy .................. 25 J. Me inney, Lockland .......................24 Monday, Lockland ..............................24

430 499 304

5 7 1

NO.

AVG,

Baker, Princeton ......................................... 13 George, Winton Woods ................................8 Paganelli, Colerain ......................................16 Anderson, CAPE .........................................22 Martin, Turpin ..............................................! 0 Hinkel, Badin ...............................................13 Rogers, New Miami ......................................8 Gregovlch, Williamsburg ............................... 8 Williams, Loveland ...................................... 13 Helvey, Monroe ...........................................13 Keller, Moeller ···"""""································12 Ritter, St. Xavier ............................................8 KICKOFF RETURNS

27.0

Name, school

20.6

NO.

AVG. 27.8 27.4 26.8 26.3 25.4 25.2 25.2 24.9 24.4 24.3 23.9

Hart, Naw Miami .........................................! 0 Freund, Turpin ............................................10

~1'~a~~~rH~~~~i ..::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::: 1~ 1 ~~~~ai~i:~ei~~-:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .~

Scudder, N. College Hill .............................. 15

r~~~~;-~~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::J

Chesser, Milford ......................................... 10 INDIVIDUAL PUNTING

AVG. 44.0 42.0 41.4 40.2 39.0 37.2 37.0 36.6 36.5 36.3

Kraus, Colerain ...........................................20 Howe, Norwood .......................................... 19

~:::;: ~:~~~~b~r~..::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~J

Riley, Walnut Hills .......................................22 Evans, Winton Woods .................................24 Hill, Northwest .............................................30

OPP. 106 146 129 145

21.6 21.3 21.0 21.0 21.0 20.8

NO.

~~~:.~~~~?na&ro;;;~·::::::::::::::::::::::::J~

87 124 158 202 145 230

22.5

Gallimore, Batavia ....................................... 24

Neme, school

OPP.

19.7 17.6 14.8 13.6 12.8 12.4 12.4 12.4 11.0 11.0

Andreadis, Andarson .................................. 14 Williams, Loveland ...................................... !! Denton, North College Hili ........................... 12 J. McKinney, Lockland ..................................8 Platter, Deer Park ....................................... 10

Wi,?t~sM~~~~~~s·:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 1~

GREATEA CATHOLIC LEAGUE North Division l if. ,2 Conference Overeil w L w L PTS. School 'ROller Bacon .................4 1 6 3 154 Bad1n ..............................4 1 8 I 245 Purcell Marian ............... .4 1 5 4 131 Cham. -Julienne .............. 2 3 4 5 133 Alter ................................! 4 3 6 139 5 1 8 105 McNicholas ..................... South Division Conference Overell w L w L PTS. School 'Moeller ......:=......... ..4 0 9 0 322 Elder ...............................2 2 7 2 222 St. Xavler ........................2 2 6 3 211 La Saile ...........................2 2 4 5 149

163 350 539 313 261 306 319 379 260 232 356 340 300 307

INTERCEPTIONS 6-McHugh, Badin; Hardy, Western Brown; Johnson, Loveland; Sumpter, Western Hills 5-Knight, Fairtield; James, Fairtield; Fratianne, Coun· try Day; Jackson, Woodward; Rasheed, Woodward; Ge1s, Anderson; Gus1ch, St. Xavier 4-Rabin, Lakota; Smiddy, Norwood; Kirzner, Country Day;_ Stacy, Roger Bacon; Moore, Kings; Martin, Turpin; Buttons, Winton Woods; Payne, Northwest FUMBLE RECOVERIES ~:;fe~k~n~a~~rcell Marian; Carter, Williamsburg; Galli· 4-:-Scott, Milford; Cobb, Norwood; Wisman, Norwood; Chasteen, Ross; Morris, Reading; Bucheij, Badin; McAllister, Lockland; Powell, Lockland; Amend, Roger Bacon; Lang, Madeira; Metz, Madeira; Sowers, Mon· roe; Heflin, Monroe; Ballard, Colerain; Lemmons, Colerain; Schorsch, Western Hills; Weisman. Western Hills; Weeks, Williamsburg; Buttons, Winton Woods; Bosch, Northwest OFFENSIVE AVERAGE Lockland.................................................. .".. 402.8 Colerain ..............................................................388.2 Winton Woods........ ......... 381.0

~~~!~~~,;·:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: : : ::::::: ::::: :::::::::~~~:~

Norwood ...................... .352.0 Moeller········-········ ...................................... 351.1 Country Day................................. ...... 349.0 Williamsburg ................................ .... 336.0 Little Miami ............ .. 334.0 New Miami ......·.......................... ...... 326.7 Taylor .................................................................324.0 DEFENSIVE AVERAGE Loveland ....................... .119.2 Colerain.......................... ....... 121.6 Woodward...................... ...................... 135.7 CAPE .................................................................141.0 Goshen........ .......... 162.0 Fairtield .......... ............. 166.2 Anderson ........................................................... 169.0 Country Day.............................. ................... 169.0

Matt Keller

Jl:ff1J

'week MATT KELLER Keller, a junior tailback for Moeller, rushed for 140 yards and four touchdowns on eight carries in a 49-13 win at Elder Friday night.

Keller had 108 yards and three touchdowns on six carries in the game's first half. The 6-foot, 185-pound speedster has 13 touchdowns this season: nine rushing, two on pass receptions, one on a kickoff return and one on a punt return.

FOOTBALL STATISTICS £'(~ tt(tP(tl!J ..,. Scoring G Pos. TD.PAFG Tot 10 RB 27 4 0 166 10 RB 25 0 0 150 10 RB 24 2 0 146 10 RB 2J 2 0 140 10 RB 22 0 0 132 8 TB 22 0 0 132 10 TB 21 2 0 130 10 TB 17 12 0 114 10 TB 18 0 0 108 9 TB 16 7 0 110 10 WR 13 28 0 106 10 FB 17 0 0 102 Andreadis, Anderso ...... 10 TB 16 4 0 100 9 RB 14 6 0 96 Nichols, Batavia .............. Samuels, Lakota........... . 10 RB 15 0 0 90 Nelson, Taft .................... . 10 RB 15 0 0 90 Rayburn, Milford ........... . 10 RB 14 4 0 88 Pence, Mason............... .. 10 TB 14 2 0 86 Baynard, Lockland........ 10 RB 14 2 0 86 Straight, Blanches......... . 10 HB 14 2 0 84 Rogers, New Miami ...... . 10 RB 13 4 0 82 B. Wilschevick, Lo .......... 10 QB 13 4 0 82 Holmes. Llyod ................ . 11 RB 12 2 0 82 Anderson, CAPE............ 10 RB 13 2 0 80 Keller, MoeNer ............. 10 RB 13 0 0 78 Pipes, Wyoming ............. 10 RB 13 0 0 78 Huston, Moeller ....~... . 10 PK - 41 12 77 Marcer, Maderht ......... . 10 FB 12 4 0 76 Hart, New Miami .......... . 10 RB 12 4 0 76 HarrYTler, Hamilton.......• 10 RB 12 2 0 74 Johnson, Walnut. ........... . 10 RB 12 2 0 74 Hambleton, Eider ........... 10 SE 12 1 0 74 Bechtel, Elder ................. 10 TB 12 1 0 74 Stinson, Taylor .............•. 10 TB 10 9 2 73 Lewis, Reading.............. . 10 RB 12 0 0 72 Schibi, Norwood............. 10 TE 10 12 0 72 Ritter, 51 Xavier............ . 10 RB 12 0 0 72 Hardy, West Brown ...... 10 SE 12 0 0 72 9 TB 11 4 0 70 Holland, Seo................... . Ventura, Maderia......... . 10 TB 10 5 0 70 J. Hendrix, CAPE .......... . 10 QB 10 6 3 69 Smith, west Brown ...... . 10 TB 11 0 0 66 Farris, Harrison.............. 10 RB 11 0 0 66 White, Lima..................... 10 RB 10 0 0 66 Balsly, Moeller ....~.... . 10 TB 11 0 0 66 7 RB 10 2 0 62 Klllens, Purcell................ 620 2 62 Mallscheck,Reading ..... 10WR Hickey, Deer Park ........ . 8 RB 10 2 0 62 Exeler, Llyod................... 11 TE 10 0 0 62 Peters, Kings................. . 10 RB 10 2 0 62 9 RB 10 0 0 60 Ingram, wesl Hi ............ . Bohlen, Mariemont.. ..... . 10 WR 10 0 0 60 Johnson, Loveland ........ . 10 QB 10 0 0 60 Denton, NCH................... . 9 RB 10 0 0 60

Player, School Stigall, Talwanda ........... . PeMinglon, Ffleld......... . Lamb, Lillie Miami ........ Kidd, Colerain .................. Barkley, CCD.................. Monk, Franklin............... Houston, Ross................. Cobb, Norwood ............. . Martini, East Cent........ . Trevino, Belh·Tate ....... . Hall, Walnut Hills ............ . Hart, East Centra......... .

..,. Rushing Player, School All. Yards Avg. Barkley, Ceo .................................200 2067 10.6 Lamb, Lillie Miami ....................... 218 1943 8.9 Stigall, Talawanda ......................... 193 1824 9.4 Martini, East Central ................... 173 1780 10.3 Kidd, Colerain ................................. 198 1650 8.3 Pennington, Fairfield ....................270 1630 6.0 Andreadis, Anderson ................... 189 1570 8.3 Houston, Ross ................................ 217 1569 7.2 Nelson, Taft .................................... 149 1559 10.4 Cobb. Norwood ..............................242 1387 5.8 Ventura, Maderia ......................... 178 1367 7.7 Trevino, Bethel-Tale ....................206 1336 6.4 Rayborn, Milford ........................... 199 1260 6.3 Monk, Franklin .............................. 142 1253 8.8 Platter, Deer Park ........................ 198 1193 6.0 Pence, Mason ................................230 1173 5.1 Rogers, New Miami ..................... 167 1136 6.8 Hamilton, Indian Hi! ...................... 172 1117 6.5 Baynard, Lockland ....................... 150 1158 7.7 Hart,Eas1Cenlral ........................ 114 1129 9.9 Fancher, Kings ............................... 177 1052 5.9 Mercer, Maderia .......................... 196 1030 5.2 Straight, Blanchester ...................228 1107 4.9 Samuels, Lakota ........................... 170 1017 5.9 Smith, Landmark Christian ......... 109 1005 9.2 Nichols, Batavia ............................. 118 968 8.2 Orr, Mariemont ............................. 172 963 5.6 Freund, Turpin ............................... 153 950 6.2 Killens, PurceH ............................... 164 931 5.7 Holmes, Liyod ................................ 155 910 5.5 Stinson, Taylor ...............................202 902 4.5 Smith, West Brown ...................... 127 889 7.0 Johnson, Walnut Hills .................... 114 885 7.7 WiHiams, Roger Bacon ................. 167 853 5.1 Smith, Lakota ................................ 166 834 5.0 Ingram, Western Hills .................. 139 811 5.8 Lewis, Reading .............................. 156 808 5.2 Scott, Middletown ......................... 140 801 5.7 Hammer, Hamilton ....................... 159 800 5.0 Ball, West Brown .......................... 133 799 6.0 Balsly, Moeller ..........- ............... 125 796 6.4 Johnson, Loveland ........................ 126 782 6.2 Anderson, CAPE ........................... ! 06 777 7.3 Mathews, Princeton ..................... 142 771 5.4 While, Lima .................................... 130 761 5.8 Alexander, Colerain ....................... 72 755 10.5 Pipes, Wyoming ............................. 86 754 8.8 Clark, Landmark Christian .......... 65 751 11.5

..,. Passing Player, School All Camp McHenry, Walnut Hils ................. 245 131 Hilverl, Elder ..................................261 128 Hall, Harrison ................................. 249 138 Brewer, Williamsburg .................. 239 126 Downing, Hillsboro ........................ 197 109 Henderson, Lima ........................... 163 90 B. Wilschevick, Lockland ............ 163 95 Huey, East Central ....................... 143 90 Joh:1son, Talawanda ..................... 124

Lee, Llyod ....................................... 183 Green, Moeller ·············""'············142 Hensley, Northwest .................•... 163

87 79 72

Yds 2111 1929 1843 1594 1591 1457 1439 1435 1330 1275 1204 1180

cannon, MI. Healthy ..................... 203 Wulff, Franklin ............................... 155 C.Rieck,GienEste ........................ 168 Peters, West Brown .................... 134 Burdine, Kings .................•............. 141 Ridley, Taft ..................................... 135 Salzl, Reading ................................. 149 Black, Mariemont ......................... 140 Erwin, Norwood ...................•....... 141 Ratliff, Lemon Monroe ................. 99 Cohen, seo .........•......................•.. 129 Teal, Princeton ............................. 115 Stringer, Ross ................................ 156 5elzer, McNicholas ....................... 180 Glassme)•er, Turpin ..................... 112 Stewart, Oak HiUs ......................... 169 Weier, NCH .........................•.......... 102 Mcintyre, New Miami ................. 104 Ahrens, Roger Bacon ................... 111 J. Hendrix, CAPE .......................... 118 Pfiester, La Salle ........................... 158

84 82 62_ 65 . 73 64 59 . 70 67 46 72 57 63 85 44 69 44 50 51 55 73

1177 1157 1148 1133 1111 1099 1038 1025 1002 967 948 915 906

Yds 880 1480 601 651 613

Avg. 14.4 25.0 10.9 14.1 14.3 17.4 14.9 16.7 15.2 18.2 14.7 15.1 12.8 13.9 16.0 13.8 13.5 12.4 19.6 15.1 13.6 23.3 17.8 11.7 11.0 6.9 19.9 17.1 17.1 14.5 12.7 10.0 20.2 19.0 18.3 17.9 15.1 14.9 14.8 14.6 12.2 20.0 18.2 17.0 15.5 17.0 14.5 15.0 13.9 12.1

886

819 810 810 800 799 793 768

..,. Receiving Player, School No. Hambleton, Elder ........................... 61 Hall, Walnut Hills ............................. 59 Gregovich, WiNiamsburg .............. 55 Aregood, Franklin .......................... 46 Jones, Aiken ·······-··························· 43 Campbell, Harrison ........................ 42 Mills, Princeton ..........•................... 42

Bohlen, Mariemont ........................ 40 Getz. East Central ......................... 38 Exeter, Llyod ................................... 37 Lapham, Moeller··-·············· 35 Fisher, Lima .................................... 34 Moore, Kings .............................•... 33 Moehring, McNicholas .................. 32 Montgomery, MI. Healthy ........... 29 Holland, seo .................................... 29 Garmmel, SCD ................................ 29 Monday, Lockland ......................... 29 J. McKinney, Lockland ................. 27 Cloe, Harrison ................................. 27 Pringle, Middletown ...................... 27 Stacy, Roger Bacon ....................... 24 Martin, Turpin ................................ 24

Louisa, Williamsburg ..................... 24 McGinnis, HiHsboro ........................ 24 Holbert, Harrison ........................... 24 Maxwell, East Central .................. 23 Pruitt, Oak HiRs .............................. 23 Gladden, CAPE ............................... 23 Scherzinger, western Brown ...... 23 Bechtol, Amelia .............................. 23 Ford, Hillsboro ................................ 23 Jones, Talawanda .......................... 22 Captain, Hillsboro ........................... 22 Bridges, WiHiamsburg ................... 22 Jones, Lima ..................................... 22 Lewis, Batavia ................................ 22 Mapp, Taft ...................................... 22 Rogers, New Miami ...................... 22

Sandusky, Taylor ........................... 22 Weeks, Williamsburg .................... 22 Edwards, Norwood ....................... 21 Reilly, 51 Xavier .............................. 20 Schibi, Norwood .............................. 21 Carter, Taft ........•............................ 21 Murphy, Blanchester .................... 21 Helvey, Lemon Monroe ................ 21 Beatty, Hillsboro ............................ 20 Swift, PurceR ................................... 20 Paulinelii, La SaNe ........................... 21

729

624 667 579 674 515 513 424 429 464 400 392 359 528 409 368 559 428 280 262 165 458 405 393 333 280 236 445 429 402 393 332 327 325 321 269 417 365 360 325 306 306 293 279 267

..,. All-purpose yardage Player, SChool Stigall, Talawanda.......... Barkley, ceo.................. Nelson, Taft..................... Lamb, Little Miami........ Andreadls, Anderson.... Rogers, New Miami....... Hall, Walnut Hills............. Kldd, Colerain.................. Cobb, Norwood............... Monk, Franklin............... Houston. Ross................. Straight, Blanchester.... Stewart, CNE ..... ,............ Oark, Landmark Chris-

G Rsh Rec 10 1824 397 10 2067 110 10 1559 264 10 1943 49 10 1570 14 10 1136 325 10 26 1480 10 1650 11 10 1387 36 8 1253 200 10 1569 51 10 1107 161 10 85 356

tian ................................... .

10 751 213 581 1545 10 1367 56 104 1527 10 1193 89 194 1476

Ventura. Maderia .......... Platter, Deer Park ........ .

Ret 345 251 434 130 478 544 450 213 418 332 128 330 1114

Total 2566 2428 2257 2072 2062 2005 1956 1874 1841 1759 1748 1620 1555

..,. Kickoff returns Player, School No. Yds Avg. Standifer, Franklin ........................... 3 134 45.0 Stewart, CNE .................................. 21 819 39.0 Fulton, Wyoming .............................. 5 191 38.2 George, Winton Woods ................... 7 256 36.5 Barkley, ceo ................................................... 622036.4 Keller, Moeller .................................. 7 242 34.6. Mathews, Princeton ........................ 7 236 33.7 Walker, Lima .................................. 15 496 33.1 Oark, Landmark Christian .......... 18 581 32.3 Dillon, Wyoming ............................... 5 151 30.2 Hart, New Miami ........................... 10 294 24.9 Bohlen, Mariemont .......................... 9 265 29.4 Williams, Loveland ......................... 12 349 29.1 Cook, Little Miami ......................... 15 436 29.0 Mercer, Maderla ............................. 6 174 29.0 Be" Middletown ............................... 7 203 29.0 Nelson, Taft ..................................... 15 434 28.9 Nichols, Batavia ................................ 7 202 28.9 Andreadis, Anderson .................... 14 389 27.8 Denton, NCH ................................... 12 321 26.8 Baker, Princeton ............................ 14 374 26.7 Mapp, Taft ........................................ 6 160 26.6 While, Lima ....................................... 9 223 24.8 Platter, Deer Park ......................... 12 294 24.5

Rogers, Hamilton ........................... 18 Hal, Walnut Hills ............................. 13 Freund, Turpin ................................ 12 Rogers, New Miami ..................•.. 19 Monk, Franklin ............................... 14 Lewis, Batavia .................................. 8 Paulinelli, La Salle ........................... 10 K. While, McNicholas .................... 14 Feighery, Maderia .......................• 11 Lewis, Reading ................................. 9

Straight, Blanchester .................... 15 Sullies, Bethel-Tate ......................... 8 Wynn, Fairfield ................................. 9 Bridges, Williamsburg ................... 11 Fancher, Kings .................................. 9 Chesser, Milford ............................. 10 Dodson, Bethel·Tate ........................ 5

439 311 285 150 332 185 230 318 247 202 330 174 194 233 188 208 103

24.4 23.9 23.8 23.7 23.7 23.1 23.0 22.7 22.5 22.4 22.0 21.7 21.6 21.2 20.9 20.8 2D.6

..,. Kick scoring Player, School FG PAT Total 77 Huston, Moeller ·····-················ 12 41 Kruas, Colerain ................................. 7 37 58 54 Fricke, 51 Xavier···········-················· 8 30 Engel, Llyod ....................................... 5 34 49 Francis, Lemon Monroe ................. 6 29 47 Comfort, Princeton .......................... 3 30 39 Stamp, Lakota .................................. 3 28 37 36 Money, Fairfield·················-·--······· 3 27 Poggi, Kings ....................................... 4 23 35 C. McKinney, Lockland ................... 0 33 33 Hamilton. Western HiHs .................. 5 17 32 Bonini, ceo ........................................ 1 29 32 Betz. Loveland .................................. 1 28 31 31 Dahlmeier, Mariemont ................... 1 28 Bales, Franklin .................................. 4 24 30 Tymilz, Mason ................................. 4 18 30 Kaeser, Harrison .............................. 0 29 29 Rosser, Anderson ............................ 2 23 29 28 . Hal, Walnut Hills············-················· 0 28 Schlacter, Elder ................................ 2 22 28 27 Boeckmann, Ross ............................ 2 21

..,. Punting Player, School No. Yards Galimore, Batavia ......................... 29 1292 Relic, Landmark Christian .......... 19 818 Taylor, Ceo ..................................... 22 929 Kruas, Colerain ............................... 20 804 Dahlmeier, Mariemont ................. 29 1156 Brunner, West Brown ................... 29 1155 Rickard, Franklin ......•............•..... 19 748 carter, Wiliamsburg ..................... 35 1355 Eslerkamp, Wyoming .................. 24 927 Howe, Norwood .............................. 21 800 Henderson, Lima ............................ 17 645 Baker, Blanchester ........................ 31 1136 Bailey, Oak Hills .............................. 26 982 Evans, Winton Woods ................... 24 877 M. Hendrix, CAPE ......................... 22 794 Wiliams, Loveland ......................... 37 1324 Peace, Maderia ................................ 8 285 Falh, SCD ......................................... 39 1370 HiH, Northwest .........................•..... 35 1250 Gourley, Western Hins .................. 45 1584 Francis, Lemon Monroe ............... 27 952 Fricke, 51 Xavier ............................ 46 1620 Poggi, Kings ..................................... 21 737 Exeler. Llyod ................................... 18 625 Riley, Walnut Hills .......................... 24 840

..,. Fumble recoveries 6: Carter, Wiliamsburg 5: Weeks, WIIHamsburg; Gallimore, Batavia; Richter, Glen Esle; Dillon, Wyoming; Atkins, Pur· cell; Metz. Maderla; Heekln, SCD; McAlister, Lockland. 4: Speeg. Wiliamsburg; Heflin. Lemon Monroe; Sowers, Lemon Monroe; Mapp, Taft; Ollas· teen, Ross; Wolf, Landmark; Bullons, Winton Woods; Cobb, Norwood; Wisman, Norwood; Smith, Belhe~ Tale; Blackman, Glen Este; Morris, Reeding; Weisman. western Hills; Schor&ch, West•rn Hills; Scalf, MRford; Fitzharris, Fairfield; Brose, Milford; Bosch, Northwest; Sweeney, La Salle; Lang. Maderia; Amend, Roger Bacon; Balarcl. Colerain; Lemmons, Colerain; Powen, Lockland; Holmes, Llyod.

..,. Touchdown passes 21: Hal, Harrison 16: Henderson, Lima; McHenry, Walnut Hils; Peters, western Brown. 15: Brewer, Williamsburg; Ratliff, Lemon Monroe; C. Rieck, Glen Este; Lee, Lloyd. 13: Downing, Hillsboro; B. Wllschevlck, Lock· land; Huey, East Central. 12: cannon, MI. Healthy; Burdine, Kings . 11: Black, Mariemont; Johnson, Talawanda; Glassmeyer, Turpin; Cohen. SCD. 10: Green, Moeller; Plummer, Wyoming

.... Offensive average Avg. 44.6 43.1 42.2 40.2 39.8 39.8. 39.4 38.7 38.6 38.1 37.9 37.0 37.0 36.4 36.1 35.8 35.6 35.1 35.7 35.5 35.2 35.2 35.1 35.0 35.0

..,. Punt returns Player, School No. Yards Hardy, Western Brown .................. 7 206 Harris, Taft ....................................... 8 225 Tauber, Sycamore .......................... 6 164 Baker, Princeton ...........•............... 13 350. Stewart, CNE .................................. 12 295 Marks, Llyod .................................... s 518 George, Winton Woods ................... 7 165 Monday, Lo,kland ........................... 6 134 Herking, Turpin ................................ 4 81 Paganenl. Colerain .......................... 17 342 Smith, West Brown ......................... 8 155 Lewis, Batavia .................................. 7 123 Ander~on, CAPE ............................ 25 431 Stinson, Taylor .... :............................. 5 80 Holmes, Llyod ·................................. 10 155 Gregovich, WIRI~msburg ................ 9 138 Aregood, Franklin ............................ 8 135 Thompson, Lakota .......................... 7 105 Martin, Turpin ................................ 11 158 Grubbs, Harrison ............................. 6 85 Helvey, Lemon Monroe ................ 15 206 Hart, New Miami ............................. 7 93 Wiliams, Loveland ......................... 14 181 Andreadis, Anderson ...................... 7 89 Suttles, Bethel·Tale ......................... 9 115 Rogers, New Miami ..................•.... 8 93 Ritter, 51 Xavier ............................... 8 89 Keller, Moeller ................................ 12 132 Fulton, Wyoming .............................. 9 94 Bridges, Williamsburg ..................... 6 61

Western Hils; Plummer, Wyoming; Bene, New Richmond; Rabin, Lakota; Baker, Princeton; Moore, Kings; Goodpastor, Deer Park; Payne, Northwesr Bernecker, La Sale; Sutton, CNE; CUpp, Mason; Kirzenr, ceo

Avg_ 29.4 28.1 27.3 26.9 24.5 23.6 23.5 22.3 20.3 20.1 19.4 17.6 17.2 16.0 15.5 15.3 15.0 15.0 14.4 14.2 13.7 13.3 12.9 12.7 12.7 11.8 11.1 11.0 10.4 10.2

..,. Interceptions 9: Jason McHugh, Hamill on Badin. 8: Johnson, Loveland; Sumpter, Western Hils; 7: Harrington, East Central

6: Dodson, Bethei·Tale; Devine, Glen Esle; Hardy, Western Brown; Geis, Anderson; Murphy, Franklin 5: Smiddy, Norwood; Captain, Hillsboro; Sullies, Bethel-Tate; C.Jackson, Woodward; H. Rasheed, Woodward; Felts, New Richmond; Knight, Fairfield; James, Fairfield; Stacy, Roger

Bacon; Fratiane, CCD; Martin, Turpin; Gusich, St Xavier

4: Ridley, Taft; Buttons, Winton Woods; How· ard, Bethel-Tate; Miller, Batavia; Hettesheimer,

East Central .....................................................•.... 460.0 Lockland ···········-·-·················································· 388.8 Colerain .........................................................•........ 388.9 Taft .......................................................................... 388.0 Talawanda ·······························-············-·······•·····- 375.0 Winton Woods ......................................................... 371.1 Harrison .................................................................. 366.0 Anderson·················-······-····································· 351.0 Norwood ................................................................. 358.0 Williamsburg........................................................... 344.0 Lima senior.....................·-····································· 336.8 Moeller .................................................................... 339.1 ceo ................... :...................................................... 330.0 Lillie Miami ............................................................ 329.8 New Miami ............................................................. 329.1 Wyoming ................................................................ 328.0 Franklin ................•................................................. 318.0 Taylor ...................................................................... 314.7 Hillsboro .................................................................. 310.0 Maderia ................................................................... 3011.7 New Richmond ....................................................... 306.0 Ross .......................................................................... 306.0 Landmark Ch .......................................................... 301.4 Fairfield ................................................................... 300.5 Elder ....................................................................... 296.0 Deer Park .....................................•......................... 296.0 Llyod ........................................................................ 292.0 Bethe~ Tate.......•..................................................... 291.0 Kings ........................................................................ 286.9 CAPE ....................................................................... 285.0 Lemon Monroe ....................................................... 282.1 Loveland ................................................................. 281.4 Blanchester ..•....••.............................:...........••.• 278.7 Lakota ······························-····································· 278.1 Batavia .................................................................... 273.6 · Mariemont ......................................._................... 269.0 Princeton ................................................................ 263.1 Oak Hills ·······················-········································· 260.0 Turpin····················································-···-·········- 259.1 La Salle .................................................................... 252.5

..,. Defensive average Colerain ................................................................... 117.7 Loveland ·····-········-················································ 123.7 CAPE ....................................................................... 140. 0 Woodward ............................................................• 149 7 Fairfield .................................................................• 155.2 La Salle .................................................................... 16U Lloyd ........................................................................ 17l.O Moeller ...... ..................................................... 172.7 Elder ........................................................................ 179.0 ceo .......................................................................... 180.0 Anderson ................................................................ 182.0 Lemon Monroe.................•.................................... 186.8 Bethei·Tate .............................................................. 187.0 Roger Bacon ........................................................... 189 . 0 East Central ........................................................... 190.0 Princeton ................................................................ 190.8 Lockland .................................................................. 191.9 Ross .......................................................................... 201.0 Deer Park ............................................................... 202.0 Winton Woods ......................................................... 209.5 Madeira ................................................................... 213.3 Wyoming ................................................................. 213.6 Mason ...................................................................... 2185 51 X> .. ·er ................................................................. 220.D Ba!o; •...........•....................................................... 217.1 Norwood ................................................................. 218.0 Hillsboro .................................................................. 220.0 CNE .......................................................................... 226.0 Oak Hills ................................ :................................. 230.0 Taft .......................................................................... 232.0 Kings ........................................................................ 239.4 Turpin ...............................•.•............................ :..... 245.7 Blanchetser ............................................................ 246.0 Western Hills ...........................................•.............. 246.0 New Richmond ................•..................................... 249.0 Western Brown ..................................................... 250.0 Lima ......................................................................... 258.7

Moeller finishes at No.1 ..:.,

'Badin ranked first ~n Division 11-V poll Pos; staff report

o /fz

Moeller ended the season where it started in The Post's Division I high school football poll: ranked No. 1 in the city. The Crusaders solidified the top spot in their final two regular-season games, beating Elder, 49-13, and then knocking off Princeton, 20·7, in the regular-season finale Friday night at Princeton .. "It got down to the two big games everybody wanted to see, and I would say after those games we've earned the ranking," said Moeller coach Steve Klonne. Badin finished No. 1 in the Divisions II-V poll after beating Division I Harrison, 7-6, Friday night. The Rams, who were No.7 two weeks ago and No. 3last week, jumped over No. 2 CAPE. CAPE began the sea.Son ranked No. 1. Moeller outscored its opponents, 342-113, and its closest margin of victory was 10 points. Yet the Crusaders went unnoticed nationally until beating. Princeton and are now ranked No. 15 in the latest USA Today national poll. "We just kind of quietly went about our business," Klonne said. "We probably had some doubters until we beat Elder and Princeton." Moeller posted 6-4 and 7-3 records in 1991 and 1992, but Klonne said the reason for the Crusaders' success this season was because of a different hero every game. "We don't have really one big star or even stars, just a bunch of good players who at different times have each stepped up to propel us ahead," Klonne said. Moeller 00·0) opens the state playoffs at 1 p.m. Saturday against Centerville (10.0) at Nippert Stadium. Princeton, which also qualified for the playoffs, finished No. 2 in The Post poll. Colerain, which didn't qualify for the playoffs but finished the season on six-game winning streak, wound up No. 3. St. Xavier, which also qualified for the playoffs was No.4. The biggest drop in the final Division I rankings was Anderson falling from No. 3 to No. 6 after losing Friday to St. Xavier. In the Divisions II-V poll, Goshen was No. 1 last week, but was upset, 29-7, by Ross Friday and fell to No.5.· The poll was compiled by The Post sports staff with input from area coaches.

Moeller's Brian Balsly heads to end zone with 6-foot-4, 274-pound Gabe Tincher (77) providing an escort. Moeller (1 0-0) plays Centerville Saturday !n the state Division I playoffs at Nippert Stadium.

Final prep football polls · DIVISION I

.·

Last

1. Moeller .............................. 10 2. Princeton ............................ 9 3. ~olerain .............................. 8 4. St. Xavier ............................ 7 5. Elder ...................................8 6. Anderson ............................ 9 7. Fairfield ............................... 8 8. Lakota ................................. 6 9. Western Hills ...................... 6 10. Winton Woods .................... 6 OTHERS: Harrison.

0 1 2

1 2 4

5 6 3

School

2 1 2 4

10 NR

School

DIVISION 11-V

Last

1. Badin .................................... 9 1 3 2 2 2.CAPE ..................................8 3. Wyoming ............................. 9 1 4 4. Ross ................................... 8 2 8 5. Goshen ............................... 8 2 1 6. Loveland .............................8 2 5 7. Roger Bacon ········~····· ........ 7 3 6 8. Lockland ........................... 10 0 7 9. Norwood .............................8 2 9 10. Monroe .............................. 8 2 NR OTHERS: Batavia, Country Day, Hillsboro, Kings. Mariemont.

Moeller takes 'city championship' Moeller HighÂˇ School place-kicker Brian Huston leaps into the arms of teammate Todd Shafer after making a 49-yard field goal Friday night in a 20-7 victory over Princeton. Defense, kicking, and aÂˇ strong wind played

BRUCE CRIPPENrrhe Cincinnati Post

key roles in the battle of unbeaten teams for the mythical city championship. All points scored in the game - including the Moeller-record-tying 49-yarder- came with the wind. Please see story, Page 1C.

I/ .... j 6 -

Cf-.3

1 1

The Cincinnati Enquirer/Phaedra Singeli!

Running back Andre Collins broke for a hole durin~J Moeller's workout Tuesday afternoon. The Crusaders will meet Centerville at 1 p.m. Saturday at Nippert Stadium in a first-round Division I playoff game. '

Moeller: Glory dGtys back

" T

CONTINUED FROM PAGE Dl The :·new Moeller reality, Klonne admits, has brought him grief from some corners' of opposing coaches. "Their senior class has a lot of good the community not ready to let go of the athletes in it," said Elder coach Tom Grippa. glory days. "They went 10-0 in 1990, but I think this is "There are always going to be people like the best team they've had since their state that," said Klonne. "The way I look at it. is champs in 1985. They're really good." that I have to do what is humanly possible to "They have great chemistry, a lot of improve my weaknesses and my strengths. good overall talent offensively and defen- But I don't know that I believe success is .so sively, and they've made the plays when important or that I'm so vain that I'm going they've had to," said St. Xavier coach Steve to b.eat myself up over it. Success is imporRasso. tant, but we work hard at it within our Despite the praise, Klonne says many of -program, we do the right things in our the circumstances around the program have program,· and we handle ourselves in a changed in the past 15 years, resulting in a first-class way." different kind of Moeller program. Tha~ kind of approach, as much as anyThe size of classes fluctuates greatly, and thing, has earned Klonne and his team districting guidelines among the parochial respect in the community. schools have cut back on the number of Says Princeton's Mancuso: "I think prime athletes journeying to any one school. Steve's done a great job because he's taken "The geographical limitations have balanced out our league," said Klonne. "The what's been given to him ;md really turned it years of going 10-0 every year, winning the into a team. I would never compare Steve's league every year and going to the playoffs situation with what was there in the past, every year are gone. We know that, and maybe because he's not getting three or four All-Americans a year to work with. everybody else knows that. "I think he's done an outstanding job with "The Moeller tradition still means we'll be a good team, and I think that for a while what he has. He and his staff deserve the the Moeller mystique carried us, but I don't · credit for putting together a great high school football program." think that's the case anymore."

Moellerwa But '93 lacks big names BY CAREY HOFFMAN Enquirer Contributor

(t"/f.J

im Koegel. Bob Crable. Tony Hunter. Mark Brooks. Doug Williams. Mike Larkin. Steve Niehaus. Hiawatha Francisco. The Golden Era of Moeller football- 1973 through the early 1980s- was punctuated by Gerry Faust coaching big~time players who produced big-time success. For opponents, there was a 'Moeller mystique'. This year, the success has returned, minus the 0 superstar presence. That's made 1993 all the more ¥ sweet for Moeller coach Steve Klonne. Despite a l senior class that features only one Jt major-college prospectplacekicker Brian Huston- and despite coming off l consecutive 6-4 and

''N

matter

what hapmens the rest of the Way .t 's de'initely been one of the. nicest yearS I ,ve ha d ·n coaching." .~~e~f::~~~·forged

-Steve Klonne, who has a new brand of been coaching success this year. Moeller since 1982 ''Coaching this team has been a real pleasure. No matter what happens the rest of the way it's definitely been one of the nicest years IMOeill&' I've had in coaching," said Klonne, who has players who has stepped up this year for 1 0-0 Crusaders. coached Moeller since 1982. "It's something I'll e - & alwaysremember." Moeller is 10-0, the city champion, and a top contender for the state championship heading into · . · . • Saturday's 1 p.m. playoff game with Centerville at ' The Cincinnati Enquirer UC's Nippert Stadium. But does it resemble the Moeller's Crusaders, one of two undefeated Cincinnati old Moeller? area .teams, were the unanimous choice as The EnquirIn some ways it does. er's 1993 city football champions. "One thing that makes it a little different is thatFINAL POLL. The city championship is Moeller's fourth during the they have no superstar on either side of the ball, 10 years and 1.6th in the 31-year history of the last Pts but their chemistry this year is very program.. ' 1. Moeller (15) .... 150 well-balanced," said Princeton coach Pat Mancuso, 2. Princeton: ...... 135 Steve Klonne's Crusaders, ranked No. 2 in the Coach whose team lost to Moeller 20-7 last week in a 3. St. Xavier ....... 116 preseason poll, took over the top spot from Princeton battle for the city title. "But they're also more 4 . Elder ................ 87 after the second week and clinched the city title with a business-like; it seems. They are very methodical, 5.. Fairfield ............. 69 victory over' tne Vikings last Friday. just Iik~ the old teams. They go about doing well 6. Colerain ............ 67 Princeton, No. 1 in preseason, slipped to No. 2 . .what they have to do well." 7. Anderson ......... 60 . · St. Xavier, the defending city champion, finished with 8. CAPE ................ 45 Moeller has succeeded behind a 45-man senior four consecutive victories over tough opponents to take 9. Goshen ............ 19 class, the largest in the school's history. Every over third while Elder finished fourth, closely followed by 10. Lockland ........... 13 week, Klonne says, someone different has stepped Others: Western Hins 11, Ross 15, Fairfield. forward and made the necessary plays, and no one Wyoming 10, Roger Bacon. Lil'la 5, Lakota, Purcell Marian -4, l.a Salle 3, lLockland, Cincinnati's other undefeated squad and a ·has worried about who has gotten the credit. Norwood, Harrison, Badin 2, Lemon V school, finished 1Oth, while CAPE (Division Division Monroe 1. That approach has made an impression upon IV) and Goshen (Division III) also earned spots, finishing (Please see MOELLER, Page D4) eight and ninth.

Ig M-oe ---· - N0 . I