Prediction: Archbishop Moeller (Ohio) drops just one game this fall

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in a few short weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way to over to the Buckeye State and take a closer look at one of Ohio’s top teams in Archbishop Moeller. The Crusaders came up just short of winning a OHSAA state championship last season, but do return Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, quarterback Matt Ponatoski to the team. Can Moeller get back to the big game and win it all this fall?

Player Spotlight: QB Matt Ponatoski

You’d be hell-bent to find someone out of the state of Ohio that had the kind of 2024 season Ponatoski had for Archbishop Moeller. The Kentucky commitment ended last season completing 282 of 406 passes (69 percent) for 3,456 yards, 57 touchdowns and just a mere three picks. Now returning for his senior season, Ponatoski’s goal is to lead the Crusaders back to the Division 1 state championship game and this time bring the title home to Cincinnati.

Others to watch: OL Kalel Johnson, TE Sam Hamilton, TE Cooper McCutchan, DL Christian Harris, OT Patrick O’Brien, RB Benjamin Yuudai

Season Prediction: 9-1

The Crusaders were on the precipice of winning it all last season because of the kind of team they had. Oh yeah, and having a player the caliber of Ponatoski helps as well. Looking at the kind of year the offense was having, it was difficult to see anyone slowing Archbishop Moeller down besides themselves. We look at this 2025 slate of games and see just the one loss to Mount Carmel (Ill.), but besides that, the Crusaders should be able to make a serious run back to the state title game. This time around, we see Moeller upending Olentagy Liberty for all the marbles and the Crusdares hoisting the championship belt when it’s all said and done.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 23 – Princeton (Ohio) Vikings – W
Nice and easy out of the gates as the Crusaders win big, 42-14.

Aug. 30 – at Mount Carmel (Ill.) Caravan – L
Archbishop Moeller drops the second game of the season against Illinois power Mount Carmel in a 34-28 decision. Is it the only loss of the season?

Sept. 5 – Trinity (Ky.) Shamrocks – W
The Crusaders bounce back at home versus the top team out of Kentucky in a rout of the Shamrocks.

Sept. 12 – at Christ Presbyterian Academy (Tenn.) Lions – W
Week 4 and fourth team from a different state and this time it’s Tennessee. Moeller displays their high-powered offense in a 42-20 win.

Sept. 19 – St. Xavier (Ohio) Bombers – W
Last year’s meeting was a 45-37 win for the Crusaders and they roll again in this season’s edition.

Sept. 26 – LaSalle (Ohio) Lancers – W
Four straight wins and counting as Moeller cruises to a big victory here.

Oct. 3 – Elder (Ohio) Panthers – W
Crusaders start off fast and never look back in this blowout win.

Oct. 10 – St. Ignatius (Ohio) Wildcats – W
Moeller looks sharp ahead of a big matchup against St. Edward.

Oct. 18 – at St. Edward (Ohio) Eagles – W
The Crusaders-Eagles matchup might be the hottest ticket in town, with Moeller narrowly edging out St. Edward, 28-20.

Oct. 25 – Muskegon (Mich.) Big Reds – W
Ponatoski and crew close out the regular season with a 44-14 rout of the Big Reds.