In memory of Michael Currin, fly high 25.

The Bombers make their highly anticipated return to Ballaban Field this Friday to face the rival Moeller Crusaders.  The Bombers come back from an absolute heart breaker last week against Cathedral, losing 25-22.  The Crusaders, on the other hand, are still looking for their first GCL win of the 2020 season.  It also happens to be senior night in this classic GCL matchup, adding even more pressure on the Bombers to come out on top.

The Bomber offense saw some changes last week, but senior wide receivers Liam Clifford and Jalen Patterson continued their impressive season with another big showing.  They combined for nearly 200 receiving yards to pair with Clifford's 2 touchdowns.  The main question for them going into this game along with Bomber Nation is who will be behind center on Friday night.  Brogan McCaughey, the Bomber's normal starting quarterback this season, went out of the game  early, calling up back-up Ryan Nolan to take the helm.  Nolan had a good showing in his action last game, throwing for 158 yards with a touchdown, and with this little experience under his belt, he has the potential for a big game if he is called on again.  The Moeller defense will try to force errors and turnovers come Friday night as this season has not been filled with much success on the defensive end.  They are allowing nearly 30 point per game and have only forced 4 turnovers so far this season.  The Crusaders are led by junior linebacker Ivan Anderson who has 21 total tackles on the season.  The turnover battle on Friday night will be one of the most important aspects of this game as the winner may be whoever takes the best care of the ball.

Even in the loss last week, the Bomber defense had a great showing.  They left with 3 sacks in that game alone, as well as 4 forced turnovers. Seniors Michael Whitehouse and Mattew Devine led the charge last week with 17 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for losses, and 3 forced fumbles.  They will look to break through the offensive line as much as possible in order to contain an explosive threat in Moeller's TJ Rotello.  Rotello does everything for the Moeller offense from passing to rushing to receiving.  Last week he focused on just rushing and receiving, racking up 214 total yards against the Elder defense all on his own.  He is also paired with running back Daniel Dunlop who enters averaging nearly 7 yards per carry.  Containing the edge will be crucial if the Bombers want to avoid any big plays that could possibly cost them the game, and possibly even an outright GCL title.

Key Matchup
St. Xavier Receiving Core vs. Moeller Secondary

This year's receivers have been playing out of this world all season, and it will be essential for another great game to come out on top.  The Moeller secondary has not forced an interception all year, so it should not be surprising if the Bombers come out guns blazing.

Matthew Devine vs. TJ Rotello

Both players are multi-level threats as they make big plays all over the field, and Devine containing Rotello's explosiveness is key to a Bomber victory.