By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) vs. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville, Tenn.) – Sunday, Aug. 31, Noon, Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati
Archbishop Moeller
2007 Summary: 8-3, lost in second round of Division I playoffs
Head Coach: Jon Rodenburg
Herbie History: Moeller has lost two heartbreakers in back-to-back years. In 2006, the Crusders lost by a point to Byrnes (S.C.). Last year, Mission Viejo (Calif.) came from behind in the fourth quarter to beat the Crusaders 26-22 (in a game that Mission Viejo later forfeited because of an ineligible player).
Program Prestige: The Crusaders are seven-time state champions, and throughout the 1970s and 1980s, were an absolute powerhouse. They have won five mythical national championships, thanks in large part to legendary head coach Gerry Faust, who continued his coaching career at Notre Dame. They have not won a state title since 1985, but are still one of the most recognizable names in high school football.
Who to Watch: Already committed to stay home and play for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats next fall, Moeller defense end Sean McClellan is the glue to the Crusaders’ defense. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, he is prepared to lead a defense that should be improved from a year ago.
Key to Victory: Moeller’s success will depend on how well they can execute their no-huddle offense. If Rodenburg can keep MBA’s defense on the field, with little chance to rest, the Crusaders will be in good shape to beat the Big Red.
Montgomery Bell Academy
2007 Summary: 13-0, Division II state champions
Head Coach: Daniel McGugin
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: State champs in both 2002 and 2003, MBA returned to the throne in 2007 with an undefeated season in McGugin’s inaugural campaign as head coach. They notched two wins over archrival Brentwood Academy. In the past, they’ve taken on out-of-state powers like Trinity (Ky.) and Byrnes (S.C.).
Who to Watch: It will be hard to miss senior defensive lineman Scott Bubis. He is a three-year starter, and led the team in tackles last season. On offense, senior quarterback Spencer Wise will run the show, and should set the tempo for the Big Red attack.
Key to Victory: McGugin lost a lot from last year’s squad, including current Tennessee Vols Ben Bartholomew and Preston Bailey. Still, they remain one of Tennesee’s top teams, blowing out Antioch in week one. With Wise back, MBA should be able to put points on the board. If the defense, which returns four starters, can disrupt Moeller’s offensive rhythm, MBA will pull it out.
Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio) vs. East St. Louis (East St. Louis, Ill.) – 3 p.m.
Wayne
2007 Summary: 8-2
Head Coach: Jay Minton
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: Wayne is a program on the rise in southwest Ohio. In 1999, the Warriors made it all the way to the state finals. In 2005, they made another run deep into the playoffs. In fact, Wayne has made it to the Division I state playoffs six out of the last 10 years. Last season, the Warriors lost only to Colerain on opening night, and Centerville.
Who to Watch: Wayne has an extremely dynamic backfield, with young quarterback Braxton Miller and senior running back Erique Geiger. The sky is the limit for Miller, a threat to run or pass. Geiger is a strong runner who absorbs hits well, and is a perfect complement to Miller.
Key to Victory: Coming off a season-opening win against Lakota West, Minton has every reason to be optimistic against East St. Louis. While Miller and Geiger are definitely impressive, it will be Wayne’s defense that makes or breaks them this game. East St. Louis has a slew of weapons in their potent offense. The Warrior defense needs to bend, not break, and give Miller a chance to lead the team to victory.
East St. Louis
2007 Summary: 11-2, lost in 7A semifinals to Wheaton Warrenville South
Head Coach: Darren Sunkett
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: East St. Louis is Illinois’ all-time winningest program and has had some of the state’s best teams. The Flyers have won six state titles through the years. In 1985, then-head coach Bob Shannon led the Flyers to a mythical national championship and won the state final by a score of 46-0. Notable football alumni include Bryan Cox and Kellen Winslow.
Who to Watch: With star sophomore running back Vincent Arterbridge sitting out with an injury, Courtney Moulton will see most of the carries. However, the real focal point of the Flyers’ attack is quarterback Detchauz Wray, who threw for over 2,000 yards last year with a bulk of those yards going to top targets Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton.
Key to Victory: The Flyers must not beat themselves. In their season-ending loss to Wheaton Warrenville South in last year’s playoffs, East St. Louis committed five turnovers. The talent is definitely there, even without Arterbridge. If they play smart football and eliminate mistakes, they should be primed for a victory.
Lakota West (Westchester, Ohio) vs. St. Rita (Chicago, Ill.) – 6 p.m.
Lakota West
2007 Summary: 5-5
Head Coach: Larry Cox
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: Under the leadership of head coach Larry Cox, football neophyte Lakota West is definitely heading in the right direction. The Firebirds reached the playoffs in both 2004 and 2006, and return 10 starters from last year’s 5-5 squad. People in Westchester are getting excited about Lakota West football for 2008.
Who to Watch: Lakota West is home to one of Ohio’s top juniors, linebacker Jordan Hicks. The 6-2 Hicks has 4.5 speed to go along with the quickness and agility that has made him a top basketball recruit as well. He should be all over the field against St. Rita.
Key to Victory: Lakota West played Wayne very tough in week one, and if not for some late mistakes, the Firebirds could’ve come away with the upset. The team should be playing with confidence. More importantly, the defense did a good job limiting the explosive Wayne duo of Braxton Miller and Erique Geiger. If the defense comes to play again against St. Rita, Lakota West will definitely have a shot to upend the Illinois power.
St. Rita
2007 Summary: 10-4, lost in second round of 7A playoffs to Wheaton Warrenville South
Head Coach: Todd Kuska
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: Long recognized as a Chicago Catholic League power, the Mustangs won state championships in 1978 and 2006. St. Rita is also regarded as the 1963 national champion. More recently, St. Rita won the 2007 Prep Bowl with a victory over Chicago public school Morgan Park.
Who to Watch: St. Rita returns seven starters on defense, most notably linebacker Marty Hopkins and safety Dave Marciano. Both are difference makers for Kuska.
Key to Victory: St. Rita will look to come to Cincinnati and play its hard-nosed, Southside Chicago brand of pigskin. The Mustangs play smashmouth football but really put some points on the board last season. If junior quarterback Larry Garrett, making his first start on the varsity level, can keep the wheels on the offense rolling, the defense should force enough punts for St. Rita to start its 100th season off with a victory.
