The regular season has come to an end, and in our final regular season game of the week, it saw Cincinnati Moeller beat Detroit King 38-6.
Detroit King
Lifeless Play
The Crusaders of Detroit King were lifeless in this game. While they started with some energy after Moeller went up, they lost focus, and their tempers got the best of them. After tempers got heated, it was all but over for King. They managed to keep Moeller to a 17-0 lead at the half and were able to score off of a fumble on Moeller’s opening drive of the second half, which was the only time King got close to the endzone in this one. Near the end of the third quarter, King knew the lead was at a point where they couldn’t come back, so they decided to put in the backups, which they usually did when they were up big the last few years.
Limping to the Finish
From going 23-4 and winning the last two State Championships under Quarterback Dante Moore to now being one of the last teams in the playoffs. The season started with high hopes for the Crusaders of Detroit King with a Canadian transfer at Quarterback and a Freshman Receiver/Defensive Back that was built as the next best thing for them, but the best plans are the ones that never go as planned. By the second week, it was clear that that plan wouldn’t work, and they turned to the Freshman Darryl Flemister to lead the team and try to make a run. They were able to run through all but one opponent in the PSL, and that’s their rival Cass Tech, who they lost to twice. Then add three top teams from out of state, giving King their worst season since 2008.
Moeller
The Shade Leads the Way
Moeller had to turn to their backup Running Back, Isaac Shade, with Michigan commit Jordan Marshall out. Also a senior, Shade finished the game with two touchdowns and 91 yards on 15 carries. Shade had to wait his turn to get an opportunity, and he showed what he could do. He showed off some speed and some power ability on his runs as his longest run went for a 55-yard score, but his main game was just chipping away at King.
As the Ponatski Flows
Sophomore Quarterback Matt Ponatoski is a two-sport stud, as he’s already committed to the University of Missouri for baseball. However, his poise and leadership on the football field was a calming factor for a team missing their best player in Jordan Marshall. Ponatski finished 15 of 22 for 250 yards and two touchdowns. What might be even more impressive from the Quarterback was being able to keep his composure on a hard hit that he took. He bounced up and was right back out there on the next drive and didn’t miss a beat, as following that hit, he was able to come back and lead his team down the field and get a touchdown. His head coach, Bert Bathiany, complimented his Quarterback on being able to flip the switch from baseball to football like he can, as well as being able to get right up and lead the team after the hit he took late in the game.
Playing With Energy
Cincinnati Moeller played with energy and excitement. They weren’t down because their star Running Back was out; they used the next man-up mentality. Coach Bathiany said that Isaac Shade had his best week of practice this week following the coming out party for him. Jordan Marshall wasn’t mad he couldn’t play; he was enjoying himself and cheering on his teammates. On top of that, the team played loose all game and enjoyed the challenge that came with the four-hour bus ride.