Coach Rodenberg Looking Towards Louisville St. Xavier

Click to view image

by Chase Howell, Cincinnati Enquirer

Coach Rodenberg Looking Towards Louisville St. Xavier

Moeller, ranked first in The Enquirer Division I area coaches’ poll, recorded its third win of the season against Detroit Catholic Central yesterday. With the victory, Moeller maintains its place in the USA Today National Rankings at number 12. Detroit Catholic Central is currently ranked sixth in the USA Today Michigan Rankings.

“Offensively we were a little faster, clicking on all cylinders yesterday,” Moeller coach John Rodenberg said. “Running the ball, throwing the ball, it was just all working. We stumbled out of the gate on defense, but sured things up there in the second half.”

For Moeller, senior running back Keith Watkins leads all rushing with 519 yards on 55 attempts and seven touchdowns. He is averaging 9.3 yards per carry and 170 yard per game in 2012. Watkins has committed to Northwestern University.

“Keith [Watkins] is having a fantastic year. He could be a potential Mr. Football for Ohio,” Rodenberg said. “He can do it all, with good speed out of the backfield and he can catch passes. He’s definitely a player you have to circle on the scouting report.”

Aside from rushing, Watkins also leads Moeller in receiving yards with 158. He averages 22.6 yards per reception and has one receiving touchdown.

Complimenting Watkins’ play is senior quarterback Spencer Iacovone with 555 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and a pair of rushing touchdowns this season.

“Spencer has been fantastic for us. He’s a going to be a [NCAA] Division-I guy, but it will probably be an end-of-the-season thing that he commits,” Rodenberg said.

The defeat of Detroit Catholic Central didn’t come without a price, as sophomore wide receiver Chase Pankey broke his ankle in the game. Rodenberg said that with time to recover, Pankey may be available for the postseason.

Looking ahead, Moeller will travel to Louisville St. Xavier (ranked fourth in the USA Today Kentucky Rankings) on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Louisville St. Xavier has a 3-1 record entering the game, while Moeller’s loss column is still clean.

“Louisville St. Xavier is a great program, and it’s definitely going to be a great game. Offensively, they’re very mixed. They can power through you, throw, get into the spread. Gives you a lot of looks you have to get ready for,” Rodenberg said. “They are used to playing great teams. This is a crucial game for us before we go into league play.”