Commentary

Archbishop Moeller vs. Wayne

Updated: August 27, 2010, 11:40 AM ET
By Chris Pool | ESPN Recruiting

Two of the nation's best high school football teams meet when the Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller Fighting Crusaders play the Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne Warriors on Sunday. The game, airing on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET, is part of the ESPN RISE High School kickoff, a series of eight games over three days televised on ESPN's family of networks.

ARCHBISHOP MOELLER FIGHTING CRUSADERS

Coach: John Rodenberg
Record: First game (Last year, 9-2)
Team overview: Moeller was the high school football power in the 1980s. The Crusaders own seven state championships and were national champion runners up four times. Rodeberg begins his third season as coach of the Crusaders. The strength of Moeller's team is going be the interior line on both sides of the ball. The offensive line averages 285 pounds and the defensive linemen are all very athletic and tough, so look for the Crusaders to try and control the game from line of scrimmage this season.
Prospect history: It's extremely tough to talk about former FBS-level prospects to come out of Moeller because there were so many. The first player that comes to mind is Bob Crable, who went on to star at Notre Dame. Another Crusader who was a solid player for Notre Dame was D'Juan Francisco. Tom Waddle went on to play at Boston College and had a very nice career with the Chicago Bears. Tony Hunter went to Notre Dame and was an exceptional wide receiver for the Fighting Irish. Cornerback Rico Murray went to Kent State and then the Cincinnati Bengals. Offensive lineman Steve Sylvester played at Notre Dame and had a nine-year NFL career.
Top prospects: Jesse Hayes is the No. 35-ranked defensive end in the country. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has narrowed his school choices to Wisconsin, Florida State, Oregon, Cincinnati and Nebraska. Inside linebacker Kendall Walker has MAC scholarship offers. Shaquille Jinx is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back that's getting looks from college recruiters.
New face: Defensive end John Tanner is a major FBS recruit. The 6-4, 220-pounder is only a junior but he plays like a veteran. Tanner is extremely quick and physical, however, football may not even be Tanner's best sport because he throws a mean fastball.
Keep an eye on: Junior wide receiver Monty Madaris (6-2, 185 pound) has exploded onto the recruiting scene and onto the recruiting boards of many FBS schools. "Monty has all the tools be a special football player," said Rodenberg. Linebacker Dylan Ruter (6-1, 235 pounds) and wide receiver Max Richie (6-2, 185 pounds) are looking to play themselves into FBS scholarship offers. Rodenberg says both will be impact players for the Crusaders this season.
Other prospects: College recruiters will be keeping a close eye on seniors Sam Fraley (6-5, 295 pounds) and Joe Tull (6-4, 280 pounds). "These guys are our leaders up front," Rodenberg said. "Both are tremendous leaders and we will be counting on them to open holes for our running game and for protection in the passing game."
Bet you didn't know: Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin played baseball at Moeller.

VS.


WAYNE WARRIORS

Coach: Jay Minton
Record: First game (Last year, 7-4)
Team overview: The Warriors are led by Ohio State recruit Braxton Miller. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is a four-star prospect ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the country. The big question mark for Wayne coming into this season is depth. The starters on both sides of the ball are sound, but Minton says they will need to stay healthy, especially at quarterback to make a deep run into the playoffs this year.
Prospect history: Cornerback Will Allen went to Ohio State, had a fine career and signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Marcus Freeman was an All-American, who also attended Ohio State before being drafted by the Chicago Bears. Cornerback Mike Mickens played his college football at Cincinnati, before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Greg Orton just finished up a very productive career at Purdue and he's currently in the Arena Football League.
Top prospect: It starts and ends with Miller. A difference maker in every sense of the word, college coaches were coming through Minton's office as far back as two seasons ago talking about the young man on film with a rocket arm and the awareness of a young Donovan McNabb.
New face: Cornerback Michael Bonner is someone Minton is expecting big things from. "We're hoping that Michael can turn the corner and play with more confidence this year," Minton said. "We need him (Bonner) to have a big year. Our secondary is strong and Michael is the leader."
Keep an eye on: Sophomore offensive lineman Lovell Peterson is going to be a major FBS recruit, according to Minton. He's already getting looks and we are very excited about him. Running back Anthony Taylor is poised to have a big season. He runs with good vision, balance and forward lean. He's the type of running back that gets it and hits it. Taylor wants to play college football and he's going to run with a chip on his shoulder this season.
Other prospects: Offensive linemen Jason Bitsko and Trey Thomas both have the talent and the tools to sign college football letters of intent in February.
Bet you didn't know: Huber Heights has the largest community of brick homes in the country.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

ESPN Conversations

comments