The next challenge on the road to Columbus for the St. Xavier Bombers are the rival Moeller Crusaders. Last week the Bombers rolled against Walnut Hills, winning 49-13. As for the Crusaders, they beat Hamilton 43-27. This will be a rematch of a game just three weeks ago where the Bombers won 43-14.
The Crusader offense has improved a lot since the Bombers last saw them. Quarterback Noah Geselbracht has taken the helm and passed for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns last week against Hamilton. Tennel Bryant is their receiving star as he racked up nearly 200 yards last week after 13 catches. Other than their passing game, however, there was not a lot happening in the Crusader offense last week. The battle in the secondary will be crucial. The Bombers only forced one interception last week, and hope to force even more this week. The play of seniors Matt Devine and Gio Albanese will aim to keep the ball from even leaving Geselbracht's hand and slow down this offense as a whole.
The Bomber offense spread around the love last week, further increasing the confidence of this team going into another big playoff game. With 6 different Bombers scoring a touchdown each, it is hard to commend one player in particular because everyone played so well. On the other hand,
Ryan Nolan's performance cannot be overlooked as he once again stepped up when he was needed most. He threw for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns in just the first half before he was pulled out to rest the second half of the game. This offense is a juggernaut, but Moeller thinks that they can shut down this machine. Nolan Malone led the Crusaders last game with 9 total tackles, and Ryan Anderson had 4 tackles for loss. This front seven of the Crusaders is very fast and much like the Bombers will look to put pressure on a greater quarterback.
Key Matchups
Noah Geselbracht vs Gabe DuBois
Geselbracht is coming off a great game but he did not face a threat in the secondary like
Gabe DuBois, creating a very interesting matchup.
Charles Kellom vs Ryan Anderson
Kellom has been one of the best weapons on this Bomber offense as he is dominating coming out of the backfield. This leaves Anderson with a tall task if he hopes to push the Crusaders to victory.
