Matt Ponatoski leads Cincinnati Moeller to big rivalry win

Moeller QB Matt Ponatoski (7) runs the ball during their football game against St. Xavier Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (© Tony Tribble for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The Cutter Boley era appears to be off and running for the Kentucky football program. But recruiting never stops in college football. Perhaps the next starting quarterback in Lexington is making quite the splash during his senior season.

Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller quarterback Matt Ponatoski won Mr. Football and Mr. Baseball in the Buckeye State as a junior before committing to play both sports at Kentucky on July 6. After spending his summer playing baseball, Ponatoski has not missed a beat on the football field.

The four-star quarterback has led the Crusaders to a 4-1 start with wins over powerhouse programs in Kentucky (Louisville Trinity), Tennessee (Nashville CPA), and Cincinnati Princeton. Ponatoski led the Crusaders to another big win on Friday night a big rivalry victory over Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier.

Matt Ponatoski drops a fade ball from the opposite hash into a bucket to give Moeller a 14-7 lead.

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— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) September 19, 2025

Moeller rolled to a 30-13 victory behind a 16-of-26 for 136 yards and one passing touchdown performance from Matt Ponatoski. The defense ruled the day for the Crusaders but the Kentucky quarterback commit controlled the game and kept Moeller in good situations. The top-250 recruit showed ball placement, accuracy, velocity, and play extension during the big win for the Crusaders in a matchup between two top-three teams in Ohio.

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The Crusaders are a legit state title contender in 2025. Matt Ponatoski is a major reason why. The senior quarterback has completed 92-of-136 (67.6%) passes for 1,000 yards (7.3 yards per attempt) with 13 touchdowns and one interception. Kentucky’s latest quarterback recruiting win certainly looks the part.

Cincinnati Moeller vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Game Thread (KSBoard)

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