Monday, September 25, 2006

MOELLER @ LASALLE (GCL)

The Lancers come off a thrilling overtime defeat at the hands of the Elder Panthers, leaving them at 3-2 overall, and 0-1 in GCL play. This will be the GCL opener for Big Moe, and with the Henderson County game cancelled due to weather, is absolutely critical for not only league standings but Harbin points. LaSalle will be looking to rebound this week against the Crusaders, but I don't see it happening. Moeller has come a long way since week 1, and despite a mediocre 2-2 record appear to have once again joined the elite ranks of greater Cincinnati programs. This Friday's game will be the true test. If Moeller has improved as much as some of us think, they should beat a very good Lancer squad by 2-3 touchdowns. If they still have some work to do, the game will be closely contested, and either team could pull out a victory. The key for Moeller will be to stick with what has been working offensively. If we score some points, the defense will get us the win. Good luck to both squads for an injury free and cleanly played game. GCL games are always intense and exciting.

GO BIG MOE!

Monday, September 18, 2006

MOELLER @ HENDERSON COUNTY (KY)

In a rematch of last year's 47-7 stomping by the Crusaders, Big Moe travels to Henderson County, KY to take on the Colonels. This is the Fiftieth Anniversary Season for Henderson, and they've started strong at 4-1. I was frankly stunned last season, when an undefeated Colonel squad rolled into town and took the beating mentioned above. Perhaps playing at home, combined with the fiftieth anniversary season, will cause this game to be more competitive. Best of luck to both teams on a well played and injury free game!

Henderson results.

GO BIG MOE!

GCL Goes 0-3, Gains Respect

I attended both the Moeller Crusaders Vs Byrnes Rebels, and St. Xavier Bombers Vs Lakeland Dreadnaughts, and the gutsy effort put forth by all teams involved was an amazing thing to behold. Except for a few bad decisions and fundamental mistakes, the GCL was very close to going 2-1 against 3 of the top 5 teams in the nation. Congratulations to the Crusaders and Bombers on two absolutely fantastic games, and good luck to both teams for the remainder of the season.

Friday, September 15, 2006

GCL V THE WORLD

From the USA Today Super 25 Rankings:

2. Byrnes, Duncan, S.C. (3-0) vs. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) Saturday

3. Lakeland, Fla. (3-0) at No. 8 St. Xavier, (Cincinnati) Saturday

5. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (1-0) at Elder (Cincinnati) Saturday

Let's all get down to Nippert and support our spectacular league!

Monday, September 11, 2006

MOELLER V BYRNES (S.C.)

This week's opponent is, in every sense of the word, formidable. The last time I checked, Byrnes was ranked #2 in the USA Today Super 25 rankings. Recently, they throttled the #5 team in that ranking system 27-15. The Rebels have not lost since a single failure in 2004, and over the last 4 seasons have compiled an amazing 57-2 record. Moeller will have their hands full with this top caliber squad, but following last week's dismantling of a top 5 Ohio team, things are looking more promising. Good luck to both teams on a well played and injury free game.

GO BIG MOE!

Apparently, We Go UP!

Moeller 48
Massillon 14

What I witnessed on Saturday afternoon was stunning. A completely different Crusader squad took the field and dismantled a top ranked team in the state. From the defense, to the special teams, and finally the offense the entire team appears to have improved dramatically over the course of 3 weeks. Congratulations to Big Moe, and I hope this becomes the rule and not the exception.

Article

GO BIG MOE!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

MOELLER V MASSILLON WASHINGTON

This one is at Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday at 4:00pm, EST. I've always enjoyed watching Moeller play Massillon, a tradition that began during a state championship game in 1980. Since then, the two teams have played 11 times, with Moeller winning a total of 9 games. The Tigers come into town following up a tremendous 2005 season, only being stopped by a great St. Xavier team in the state finals. They are looking even stronger this year, with many returning starters. Moeller surprised me last week, putting up a 45-12 shellacking of Middletown. The game was 35-12 at the half, so either the coaching staff at Moeller has figured something out, or Middletown was not as strong as advertised. Hopefully, it's the former. Should the Crusaders play to the potential, they will beat the Tigers in a close game. As it is, I'd say this game could go either way. May both teams have an injury free cleanly played game. A classic between two of the most consistently successful programs in Ohio high school football history.

GO BIG MOE!