The Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, OH) varsity football team will host St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 4 tournament.

Archbishop Moeller vs St. Xavier Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Archbishop Moeller vs St. Xavier
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 4
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Game preview: Archbishop Moeller vs St. Xavier

As the high school football season enters its critical stages, two of Cincinnati’s most storied programs, St. Xavier and Archbishop Moeller, are set to meet once again in a high-stakes playoff matchup. This time, the stage is set for a thrilling game on Friday, November 22, at Archbishop Moeller, where the teams will face off in an intense playoff showdown. Here’s a closer look at both teams as they prepare for this exciting clash.

Season Overview: Strong Performances from Both Sides

St. Xavier enters the game with a solid overall record of 10-3, including a 2-1 mark in conference play. The Bombers have demonstrated offensive balance, averaging 27.4 points per game. On offense, senior quarterback Chase Herbstreit leads the charge with 111.2 passing yards per game, while running back Daniel Vollmer averages 60.0 rushing yards per game. The defense, led by linebacker Kobe Clapper, has been strong, with Clapper contributing 7.7 tackles per game and providing a steady presence in the middle.

On the other hand, Archbishop Moeller has been nearly unstoppable this season, boasting a 12-1 overall record and an undefeated 3-0 conference mark. The Crusaders’ offense has been explosive, averaging a remarkable 41.4 points per game. Senior quarterback Jake Popp has been dynamic, guiding a potent attack that has posted impressive numbers. Moeller’s defense has also been tough, holding opponents to just 226 points over the course of the season, and their ability to close out games was evident in their earlier win over St. Xavier.

Head-to-Head Matchup: Moeller Prevails in Regular Season

In the teams’ first meeting on September 20, Archbishop Moeller emerged victorious in a thrilling 45-37 battle. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Moeller’s high-scoring first quarter providing them with a cushion that St. Xavier could not fully overcome despite a strong second-half effort. The Crusaders scored 28 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a fast-paced, hard-hitting contest. St. Xavier rallied with 17 second-quarter points, but Moeller’s offense proved too potent, and they managed to hold on for the win.

Team Scoring Averages: Moeller’s Explosive Offense vs. St. Xavier’s Balanced Attack

Looking at the scoring averages, Archbishop Moeller’s offense has been a juggernaut, particularly in the first quarter, where they average 21 points per game. St. Xavier, while strong offensively, averages 8.1 points per game in the first quarter and tends to pick up the pace in the second and third quarters. The Bombers will need to improve their first-quarter performance to stay in the game against Moeller’s high-powered offense.

Statistical Comparison: Key Areas to Watch

• Rushing: St. Xavier’s Daniel Vollmer leads the team with 60.0 rushing yards per game, but Moeller’s balanced attack may challenge the Bombers’ defense.
• Passing: Both teams have capable quarterbacks, with St. Xavier’s Chase Herbstreit averaging 111.2 passing yards per game and Moeller’s Jake Popp contributing to their explosive offense.
• Total Yards: Moeller averages 284.6 total yards per game, while St. Xavier averages 284.6 yards. This suggests that both teams are evenly matched in terms of offensive output, but Moeller’s ability to score quickly could give them the edge.
• Defensive Play: St. Xavier’s Kobe Clapper leads the team with 7.7 tackles per game, and Moeller’s defense, though not as statistically dominant, has been effective at keeping opponents in check when it counts.

Common Opponents: Shared Success

Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents this season, with each going 3-0 against common rivals such as Elder, La Salle, and St. Ignatius. Their shared dominance over these opponents shows both teams’ ability to perform at a high level, and it will be interesting to see how this translates when they face off in the playoffs.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

As both teams head into the playoffs, the stakes are high. Archbishop Moeller’s victory over St. Xavier earlier in the season has given them confidence, but the Bombers are a battle-tested group capable of surprising their rivals. With a playoff spot on the line, both teams will give it their all, and the outcome will come down to execution on both sides of the ball.

The game will be held at Moeller’s home field, and while the Crusaders have been perfect at home this season, St. Xavier’s strong road record (5-2) indicates they are more than capable of handling the pressure. The outcome of this game could very well set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs, with both teams hungry for a shot at the championship.

Conclusion

As Archbishop Moeller and St. Xavier meet in the postseason, fans can expect an exciting, hard-fought contest between two of Ohio’s premier high school football programs. With both teams carrying momentum and showcasing impressive individual and team performances, this game promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will have lasting playoff implications. Will Moeller continue their dominance, or will St. Xavier avenge their regular-season loss? Only time will tell.