No. 26 St. Edward vs. Moeller
RIVALS HIGH KEY PLAYERS
ST. EDWARD
DE Deonte Gibson (6-3/225, Sr.)
DB Avery Bailey (6-1/190, Sr.)
OL Geoff Mogus (6-4/267, Sr.)
OL Brandon Jackson (6-4/330, Sr.)
MOELLER
DE Jesse Hayes (6-4/230, Sr.)
LB Kendall Walker (6-1/210, Sr.)
RB Tyler Skove (5-10/187, Sr.)
When: Saturday 10/23, 2:00 p.m.
Last Meeting: 10/24/09, Moeller won, 40-10
Rankings: St. Edward (8-0), No. 4 in Ohio Moeller (6-2), No. 13 in Ohio
WHY IT'S BIG: This is a measuring stick game for both teams as well as a playoff primer. Moeller has two losses yet only one in the state of Ohio, and has yet to find the consistency it would like to enjoy as the playoffs near. St. Edward is making the long trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati to take on one of the better GCL-South squads after downing St. Xavier, 20-3, last weekend. St. Edward has played one of the toughest schedules nationally.
BEST MATCHUP: St. Edward run defense against Moeller rushing attack. St. Edward has not allowed any of its last six opponents to break the 6-point barrier largely due to its emphasis on stuffing the run. Moeller relies on the ground game to move the sticks and control the game. Whichever strength is stronger will win.
MOELLER WINS IF: Tyler Skove and the offense can get in gear early. The Crusaders have gotten off to some slow starts this season and have been able to stay in games and battle back in. This week will be the toughest test on the schedule for Moeller as St. Edward will sell out to stop the run.
ST. EDWARD WINS IF: It can establish the run. Much like Moeller, St. Edward likes to run the ball and Moeller will do its best to stop the run. The offensive line will need to get off the ball and make holes to run through if the Eagles want to continue the magical season.
PREDICTION: St. Edward is as battle-tested as any team in the country this year. The trip to Cincinnati will be the team's second of the season. It defeated Elder, 20-3, earlier in the season. The Eagles also will have the added chip on their shoulder from the 40-10 whipping Moeller doled out last year. - St. Edward 20, Moeller 6
