MaxPreps 2012 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 19 Archbishop Moeller

On paper, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) appears to have the most talent in the Greater Catholic League and possibly the greater Cincinnati area.

Last year, Moeller started the season with seven straight victories before dropping three in a row and eventually getting bounced from the Region 4 playoffs by rival St. Xavier. In 2012, it hopes to start off strong once again and continue to push to the finish - which for this team, is a Division 1 state title.

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John Rodenberg’s squad returns a big, skilled offense that begins with Spencer Iacovone, who will be a three-year starter at quarterback. Iacovone is a true dual threat, as his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame allows him to lower his shoulder and get critical yards on the ground.



Most of the team’s running plays will be designed for Keith Watkins. With offers from several Big Ten and Big East schools, Watkins should be one of the top running backs in the state this fall.

Alex Gall, another blue-chip recruit, will open up holes for Watkins. Fellow linemen Matt Noble and Chris Hanke also return to form what will likely be one of the team’s strengths: an experienced, physical offensive line.

Tight end Evan Jansen will have to step up to replace some of the production lost due to the graduation of standout receiver Monty Madaris. Look for Keith Rucker and Gus Ragland to pick up some slack as well.

The team’s best player resides on the defensive side of the ball, with linebacker Shane Jones. Jones, already committed to Michigan State, accounted for 90 tackles last fall as well as two sacks, two interceptions and six pass breakups. Jimmy Rodenberg is also back at linebacker for the Crusaders.

Chalmer Frueauf brings experience to what will otherwise be a young defensive line. Sam Hubbard, a junior already committed to Notre Dame for lacrosse, will help man the secondary. Both units will be young, but Rodenberg feels that the young talent in the program is ready to step in.

Local look: “Moeller has plenty of expectations for this season. With several talented players returning, this is definitely a team which will be in the spotlight early and often starting in August. Senior linebacker Shane Jones (Michigan State), offensive lineman Alex Gall (University of Miami) have already verbally committed and there should be several additional commitments when it's all said and done. Coach John Rodenberg will undoubtedly have this team prepared for another rugged schedule.”
- Mike Dyer, Cincinnati Enquirer



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Size: Division 1


Enrollment: 925 (all boys)


2010 finish: 9-4


Head coach: John Rodenberg


Career record: 115-84




Years at school: 4


Notable players coached:
WR Monty Madaris (Michigan State)

QB Andrew Hendrix (Notre Dame)

DL Jesse Hayes (Wisconsin)

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No. of returning starters: 9 (offense), 4 (defense)



Key losses:
WR Monty Madaris

TE John Tanner

LB Dillon Kern

DB Derriel Britten

Key returners:
QB Spencer Iacovone

RB Keith Watkins



OL Alex Gall

LB Shane Jones

Key newcomers:
WR Chase Pankey

WR Gus Ragland

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Toughest game: Trinity (Louisville, Ky.). Last year, Trinity blasted Moeller 49-14 in a game that was surprisingly non-competitive. This season, Moeller hopes to even the score against Trinity, which will again be among the nation’s very best teams.

Question mark: Will Moeller’s defense pull its weight? The defensive line is especially inexperienced, which typically doesn’t bode well for teams playing the rigorous, physical brand of football in the GCL. The offense will score plenty of points, and should be able to carry the team at least early on in the season.



Local look: St. Xavier will not be as skilled on offense this year, but its defense should once again be solid. Elder should improve from its 2-8 campaign last fall. Jalin Marshall and Middletown could be a potential Region 4 playoff foe for the second-straight year.

Overall outlook: This could be Moeller’s deepest team yet. There are certainly holes to fill on defense, but having Shane Jones roaming the field will make up for a number of deficiencies. Offensively, the team could dominate. In order to make a run at a Division 1 title, it needs to stay healthy, which will be difficult to do against its brutal schedule.

Coach quote: “We thought last year was a special year. We had gotten stuck losing in the first round, and we made it to the regional final. Now, one of our goals is to win a state championship. The next thing to do is accomplish that goal."
- Head coach John Rodenberg

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