Keith Watkins had a big fourth quarter in Moeller's upset over Trinity.
File photo by Wayne Litmer
shocked
Trinity (Louisville, Ky.), 45-42 on Saturday, snapping Trinity's 33-game winning streak.
It was the first loss for Trinity, which came into the game ranked
No. 6 in the Xcellent 25 and No. 1 in the Freeman Rankings, since a 17-10 loss to another Cincinnati school — St. Xavier — in 2010.
James Quick, a standout receiver for Trinity, broke the state record for receptions in the loss. He hauled in eight passes for 104 yards to give him 273 career receptions.
Moeller, which was ranked in the Xcellent 25 before suffering losses to St. Xavier, Elder and St. Edward, came out strong against Trinity, which finished 2011 as the No. 2 team in the country. The Crusaders scored 14 unanswered points in the second quarter to grab a 21-14 lead at halftime.
James Quick, Trinity
File photo by Megan Stearman
In the third quarter, Moeller expanded its lead with a field goal before
Travis Wright found
Reggie Bonnafon on a 60-yard touchdown to make it 24-21.
The teams traded touchdowns, and Moeller led 31-28 with under eight minutes to play. Minutes later, Moeller scored again thanks to make it 38-28.
Trinity battled back, as a short touchdown run by senior
Dalyn Dawkins made it 38-35.
But Moeller responded again, this time with a long touchdown run from
Keith Watkins to regain a 10-point lead, 45-35. Wright and the Shamrocks scored quickly to make it 45-42, but that was all that Trinity could muster.
The loss likely ends Trinity's hopes of vying for a No. 1 national finish for a second straight season, while the victory gives Moeller solid momentum as it looks toward the Division 1 playoffs.
