Three reasons Moeller football could be a state championship contender in 2024

In Bert Bathiany's first season as the head coach of Archbishop Moeller High School football, he led the Crusaders to a 10-5 record and a Greater Catholic League-South title.

Moeller hasn't won a state championship since going back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. This year, with multiple stars on defense and a veteran offense, there's a chance they could end that drought.

Here are three reasons Moeller could make a run at the state championship in 2024.

1. Moeller football defense is Havoc Mob

When Moeller runs 11 vs. 11 in practice, a defensive coach or player shouts one word at least once per play: "havoc."

The Moeller defense calls itself the "Havoc Mob." In practice, the defense is constantly running a side game where players are awarded points for havoc-causing plays: interceptions, tackles for loss, ball punch-outs and the like. When the defense forces a turnover, someone grabs a hoop on the sideline and the turnover-causer slams his best dunk. The unit plays fast and loose and appears to be having fun, but that doesn't mean they don't take their jobs seriously.

Micah Rice, a senior three-star safety committed to playing football at Louisville, said that the best way for them to cause havoc is for each player to do his job. The veteran players on the defense lead the way and hold the younger players accountable.

The unit lost a lot of top contributors from last season. Cornerback Karson Hobbs, who had 12 passes defended and two interceptions last season, is now at Notre Dame. Last year's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, Kyler Paul and Jewett Hayes, are at Dayton and Virgina respectively to play college ball. Safety Drew Robinson will play at UC this season.Still, the players in the building believe that the team has more than enough depth to replace its graduated stars. Jewett Hayes's brother, Jonah, a 6-foot-6 edge rusher committed to play at Northwestern, said that even if people don't know some of the new faces on their defense, they will soon.

"We just show up on Friday and cause havoc for the other team's offense," senior defensive lineman Thomas Gerke said.

2. Moeller football will have continuity on offense in 2024

According to Bathiany, the team effectively returns 10 of 11 starters on offense. Of course, star running back Jordan Marshall graduated and will play for the University of Michigan this season.

The coach said the team played eight different offensive linemen last year because his philosophy is that if a player is good enough and he puts in the work necessary to play, he'll see the field. Six of those eight players are returning this season, so even though Moeller's official starting left tackle graduated, Bathiany feels like he returns five starters.

The Crusaders have two Division I tight ends, Cooper McCutchan and Sam Hamilton. McCutchan is ranked the nation's 31st-best tight end in the class of 2026, and he already has offers from UC, Pittsburgh and Texas A&M. Hamilton is ranked the class of '26's 35th best tight end, and he's already pulled in an offer from Kentucky.

Moeller's top three pass-catchers from last season are back. Receiver Roman Mason, who tied for the GCL lead in receiving touchdowns with nine last season, is back. Matthew Fogler returns after catching 28 balls for 460 yards in 2023. So does Jovan Love, who led the conference in receiving yards with 941 and also caught nine touchdowns.

"The important goal is always to win every game and eventually a state championship," Love said. "For me, I want to lead the state in receiving yards."

3. Moeller QB Matt Ponatoski had a stellar sophomore campaign

Moeller's star quarterback Matt Ponatoski returns after a stellar sophomore campaign.

In his first varsity season, the 6-2 signal caller with offers from Cincinnati, Purdue and Vanderbilt lit the field on fire. He broke a school record with 3,334 passing yards on a 61% completion rate. He had 29 touchdowns to nine interceptions.

It will be interesting to see how Ponatoski deals with the loss of his running mate Marshall, who certainly kept defenses honest with nearly 120 yards per game and 17 touchdowns in 2023.

"When you get your starting QB back, things just run a little smoother right from the start," Bathiany said.

Who does Moeller football play in 2024?

Aug. 23 ‒ at Princeton

Aug. 30 ‒ at Bishop Dwenger (Ind.)

Sept. 6 ‒ vs. East Central (Ind.)

Sept. 14 ‒ vs. Benedictine (at Ironton High School)

Sept. 20 ‒ at St. Xavier

Sept. 27 ‒ at La Salle

Oct. 4 ‒ vs. Elder (at Nippert Stadium)

Oct. 12 ‒ at St. Ignatius

Oct. 19 ‒ vs. St. Edward (at West Clermont)

Oct. 26 ‒ at Muskegon (Michigan)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Three reasons Moeller football could be a state championship contender in 2024