Moeller continues winning streak against rival St. Xavier with 45-37 victory

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Moeller's junior quarterback stood with a bandaged chin near the far end zone at St. Xavier's Tom Ballaban Field on Friday night and smiled.

“I didn't care how many stitches I got, I was going to play,” Ponatoski said. “I came out here and played. I had to rely on the offensive line to protect me and I didn't get hit once today, so I didn't even have to worry about my chin.”

Ponatoski became Moeller's record holder for passing yards as he helped lead the Crusaders past St. Xavier 45-37 in front of a sold-out crowd (7,000) at RDI Stadium.

Ponatoski set a program single-game record with six touchdown passes for Moeller (4-1, 1-0 GCL South) on Friday night, completing 18 of 25 passes for 321 yards.

Ponatoski holds Moeller's record for passing yards (4,959) and TD passes (50).

“When I came to Moeller, I didn't know if I was going to play football,” Ponatoski said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity I got as a freshman. To come out here on a night like tonight, where it's a close game and there's a lot of fans, and break through is amazing.”

Ponatoski required three stitches after the final play of Moeller's 21-14 overtime loss to Mallard Creek (Charlotte) last week in Ironton.

But he didn't want to miss the opening game of the Greater Catholic League South season.

“He's a fighter and he never gave up,” Bathiany said. “He gets hit on the last play. He's bleeding all over the field. He needs stitches and the first thing he says is, 'I'm playing X.' That's the kind of kid he is — he's a warrior.”

Moeller junior running back Tyler Josleyn ran 23 times for 99 yards. He also scored a receiving touchdown.

Senior wide receiver Jovan Love caught six passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Matthew Fogler caught two passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Roman Mason caught one touchdown for 37 yards.

The Moeller football team extended its winning streak against St. Xavier to five games.

Moeller, No. 3 in the Division I, Region 4 computer scoring standings, is ranked No. 6 in the MaxPreps Ohio rankings. St. X is ranked No. 5 in Division I, Region 4 and No. 7 in the MaxPreps rankings.

Friday night marked the 72nd meeting between the two storied teams. Moeller leads the standings with 47-24-1. This was the third time the teams have played each other since September 15, 2023. Moeller defeated host St. X 10-7 in the first round of the playoffs last season.

St. X (3-2, 0-1 GCL South) has not defeated Moeller since September 17, 2021 (49-16).

St. X senior quarterback Chase Herbstreit threw for 165 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 15 times for 171 yards and a touchdown. Junior Daniel Vollmer ran for two touchdowns.

Moeller plays at La Salle on Sept. 27. St. X plays at Elder next week.

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