PRZOH Team Previews: Archbishop Moeller

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July is here, and that brings us to team preview season! Throughout the entire month of July and into early August, I will be releasing team previews to prepare everyone for the upcoming season and highlight key players to watch. Articles will be published daily, so be sure to check back to see if your favorite program is featured! In this article, we will highlight the 2024 D1 state runner-up Archbishop Moeller Fighting Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Bert Bathiany (24-7)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (14-2)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archbishop Moeller is one of the most prestigious programs in all of Ohio football. Last season, they put on a dominating campaign. In a regular season that saw them score 39.2 points per game, they entered the playoffs with a 9-1 record and a state championship in sight. Mallard Creed (NC) was the only team that could best the Fighting Crusaders, beating Moeller 21-14 in overtime in a midseason classic. In the playoffs, it would take their regional final opponent and rival, St. Xavier, to play a nail-biter. After a 28-23 win and a dominant second-half defensive performance, Moeller would stand across from Centerville to play for a state championship. Moeller broke down the state semi-final wall they have hit in recent years and defeated Centerville 49-10 in a statement game. Unfortunately for Moeller, Olentangy Liberty was on a hot streak of its own. Liberty controlled their way to a 28-14 victory in the D1 state championship game at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton. 2024 was a successful season for Moeller, who saw themselves one game short of their first state title since 2013.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moeller looks to strike for the D1 state championship yet again, bringing back a great core. They will look to put up a lot of points again, as they should be able to produce a high-octane passing offense. The trenches should be a heavy strong suit for this 2025 Moeller program. With the depth Moeller looks to bring alongside the defensive line, they could have the best pass rush in the state with both freshness on the line, but overall depth of talent and potential. In their loss to Olentangy Liberty, they were dominated on the line of scrimmage, but that will not be a recurring problem for the Fighting Crusaders in 2025. Overall, Archbishop Moeller might be the most talented team in all of Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Jovan Love (Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Jonah Hayes (Northwestern)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Thomas Gerke (Bucknell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Matthew Fogler (Colgate)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL William Adkins (Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Marty Adkins (Hanover)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Mateo Armenta (Thomas More)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Chuck Powell III (Tennessee)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1084960"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d110e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ponatoski is the reigning Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year in both football and baseball, and recently committed to Kentucky. Ponatoski is advanced in his progressions and has exceptional ball velocity. A national riser lately, Ponatoski holds high regard in our state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1602663"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d11c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Patrick broke through early to earn offensive line snaps at Moeller. He's well-balanced in his talent as a run blocker and pass blocker. O'Brien had a great camp season over the 2025 offseason, and I expect O'Brien to continue his list of offers throughout his junior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1285635"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d120b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kalel is coming over from Taft and will look to make an impact for Moeller. Kalel has impressed over the offseason, picking up several offers from prospect camps. He's massive and will add size to an already great offensive line. He is disciplined with his hands and strikes well. His frame makes it difficult to get around him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1163019"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d1179"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper will be one of the main targets in the offense during his senior campaign. He moves very well and can get out of his release quickly. He can efficiently run routes on several levels of the field and can do so from out wide and on the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1163020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d1250"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hamilton is a perfect combination of a tight end. He can block very well and can block in several ways. He's a disciplined blocker and ferocious in his blocks. He works well in the short passing game. He gets out of his release well and is great after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171404"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d12da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christian recently committed to Wake Forest and will look to have another great season with Moeller. He's an excellent run stopper who can get off blocks quickly and fill his gap. He's quick for his size and can get in the backfield quickly as a pass rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686ccf47d1295"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Middleton could blossom into a top 10 defensive back prospect by season's end. Marino can play a variety of coverages well and excels in man coverage. He has great recognition of route patterns, and his hips can flip well to cover ground. With his prowess as a defender and a special-teams player, I expect to see Middleton rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 EDGE Jonathan Fisher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 WR/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1692949' first='Dean' last='Schnitzler']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 EDGE Carter Matthews</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 RB <a href="https://x.com/greylo_coach">[player_tooltip player_id='1851051' first='Greylo' last='Coach']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1706451' first='Julian' last='Dwyer']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='238492' first='Conner' last='Cuozzo']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1313982' first='Charlie' last='Nelson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1151763' first='Caleb' last='Coe']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB Tyler Josleyn</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1667615' first='Kobe' last='Rucker']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/23 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– Princeton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/30 (Sat.)</strong> – Ironton Gridiron Classic vs Mt. Carmel (IL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong>&nbsp;– Trinity (KY)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/12</strong>&nbsp;– at Christ Presbyterian Academy (TN)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong>&nbsp;– St. Xavier</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/26</strong>&nbsp;– La Salle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/3</strong>&nbsp;– at Elder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong>&nbsp;– St. Ignatius</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/18 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– at St. Edward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/25 (Sat.)</strong>&nbsp;– Muskegon (MI)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->