A week after taking down Hamilton 30-0 in round one of the playoffs, the 7th-seeded Lakota West Firebirds will travel to take on a familiar postseason foe: the 2nd-seeded Archbishop Moeller Crusaders.
Tall Task For the Birds
This game certainly won’t be a cake-walk for Lakota West, as Moeller is rated as one of the best teams in the State of Ohio and comes into the game as the 2nd seed in the region. Led by star QB Matt Ponatoski, who threw for 24 touchdowns with only one interception this year, the Crusaders have had the best overall offense in the GCL, averaging 35.2 PPG. Just like last season, Moeller’s offensive identity has been its passing game, which ranks first in the GCL in YPG (199.4). Defensively, Moeller uncharacteristically ranks last in the GCL, giving up 21.4 PPG and 287.6 YPG. Senior linebacker Cuozzo Conner is the backbone of the defense, racking up 74 tackles this season, good for 3rd in the GCL. Overall, Moeller is very balanced on both sides of the ball and doesn’t have many weaknesses.
Familiar Foes
Lakota West and Moeller have had their fair share of playoff matchups in the past five years, with Moeller winning the last three. The most recent game came in the regional championship in 2023, where Moeller won 22-0 with the help of running back Jordan Marshall, who had 27 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown, and currently plays for the University of Michigan. Lakota West has struggled mightily against Moeller in these past five years, and the only way to acquire a state championship is by beating the Crusaders.
One of the biggest storylines of this regional playoff game will be Chris Bradley, the standout defensive star for Lakota West, who transferred from Moeller over the offseason. Bradley is known for his ability to make plays at any position, as he not only leads the GMC in interceptions (6) but also has had a kickoff return TD and has accumulated 89 receiving yards throughout the season. Bradley will be forced to guard star Moeller receiver Reggie Watson, who is second in the GCL in receiving yards with 707.
The Prediction
It will take a monumental effort for the Firebirds to leave Mount St. Joseph’s field with a win on Friday night, but with how they looked against Hamilton, anything is possible for West. If they can get pressure on Ponatoski and force him into making bad decisions, they give themselves a good chance. Prediction: West 17, Moeller 14
