Snapshot: Moeller Crusaders

The GCL South, one of the nation's top powerhouse conferences, houses some of the best competition in the Tri-state. With five national championships and seven state championships, few programs carry the tradition that Crusaders bring to the table.

After a 6-5 season in 2008, the Crusaders came back thirsting for more and second in the GCL South just behind St. Xavier a year ago. The 2009 season ended with a 9-2 record and a disappointing lopsided loss in postseason to Middletown.

With another season of Crusader dedication, the objective of winning the league is very well within reach.

2009 RECORD: 9-2, 2-1 GCL South

COACHING: With a resume like John Rodenberg's, success must be his middle name. He will return with the Crusaders for another season full of excitement and goals to be reached. Rodenberg will be calling the defense again this season and as coordinator will mix the talent and run a sound defense. Working together as the offensive coordinators will be Pat McLaughlin and Chris Majors. This duo has worked hard to fit the Crusader talent with their offensive schemes; expect nothing less this season.

OFFENSE: The offense takes a hit with the loss of quarterback Andrew Hendrix, who will be attending Notre Dame this fall. Losing leadership is always tough to replace, but this offense will reload. There are currently as many as four players fighting to replace him as the Crusaders' quarterback.

Returning on the offensive line, filling in a hole left by Jeff Tanner, will be Joe Tull. The incredibly athletic Michael DeVita will join him to form the nucleus of what could be a a dynamite front five by year's end.

The Crusaders' leading receiver, Max Richey, returns after 38 receptions for 478 yards last season. Alongside Richey is Monty Madaris, who returns for his junior season and is ready to produce.

Allowing for some diversity on the offense will be Tucker Skove, who rushed for 656 yards last season while adding another 107 receiving yards. Another player to watch is senior tight end Andrew Curtin.

DEFENSE: Losing the bash brothers, Marcus Rush and Nick Galvin, who led the GCL in sacks last season, will be a setback for the Crusader defense. Rush, the 2009 TriStateFootball.com Defensive Player of the Year, was a big motor with 11 sacks that will be missed at defensive end this season.

Stepping up at the defensive end position will be Jesse Hayes this season. Hayes had 4.5 sacks last season and as a senior will be an impact player for the Crusaders. Moeller returns Dylan Ruter, Kendall Walker, and Anthony Hall at linebacker. The trio of senior leaders is ready to take another step toward the state title and clench the league.

Moeller's secondary will be stacked as well with James Rogan and Shaquille Jinks both returning.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Questions still surround the Crusaders' special teams this season. Without a kicker to be named and no assigned kickoff returners, special teams may be a surprise to us all in the upcoming season. There will be plenty of competition.

2010 SCHEDULE:

Aug. 29 - @Wayne- 7:00 PM

Sept. 4 - HAMILTON - 7:30 PM

Sept. 10 - @Northmont- 7:30 PM

Sept. 18 - FINDLAY - 7:00 PM

Sept. 24 - ST. XAVIER - 7:30 PM

Oct. 1 - @Indianapolis Cathedral- 7:30 PM

Oct. 8 - ELDER - 7:30 PM

Oct. 15 - @LaSalle- 7:30 PM

Oct. 23 - ST. EDWARD - 2:00 PM

Oct. 29 - @Cardinal Mooney- 7:00 PM

FINAL TAKE: With the first kickoff of the season only a few weeks away, the Crusaders still have some kinks to uncoil. With Rodenberg ready to reload, this will be a week in and week out fight. Moeller needs to get better each week and answer the call. This league will be a fight to win and the Crusaders are coming in swinging.