Last Updated 1 month by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
Moeller junior quarterback Matt Ponatoski was named Thursday afternoon as the 38th Ohio Mr. Football recipient.
Ponatoski earned the statewide individual honor after being one of eight finalists for the award in the past week. He has thrown for 4,075 yards and 56 touchdowns for the Crusaders, who are ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Ohio rankings (regardless of divisions).
More than deserving, Moeller coach Bert Bathiany said. Hes had a heck of a year. Hell say and I know hes thinking this but hes looking to Friday.
Moeller (14-1) plays Olentangy Liberty (13-2) in the Division I state final at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The Crusaders are seeking their first football state championship since 2013 and the 10th in its storied program history.
For me to win this award is basically recognizing Moeller High School and Moellers football team so Im honored to win the award, Ponatoski said. I think after the season I think Ill kind of take it in. Because you know right now my job is to win a state championship.
Ponatoski learned about the prestigious statewide award earlier in the week from Bathiany and Moeller athletic director Jonathan Hayes.
When you come into high school you only dream about stuff like that, Ponatoski said. I guess the dream kind of came true, but you know my jobs not finished yet. Our teams job not finished. I think Mr. Ohio is a team award. I got the award but it takes every guy on this field, every demo dawg (scout team player), every offensive lineman, every defensive player.
This is the second straight season that Moeller has earned a Mr. Football recipient. University of Michigan freshman running back Jordan Marshall won the 2023 award as a senior at Moeller. Ponatoski and Marshall are former teammates who remain friends.
Matt Ponatoski deserves this award, Marshall told WCPO 9 Sports. He does nothing but work and keep his head down. The thing thats so amazing about Matt is hes focused on one goal and thats winning a state championship.
Moeller is the first school to have separate players win Mr. Football in back-to-back years since the award started in 1987.
Matt is such an amazing kid with an amazing family and Im so glad I got to be a part of his journey, Marshall said. Im so glad we both get to walk into history together. This kid is so special and has a bright future in whatever he chooses to do.
Bathiany said its a privilege to be a part of two Mr. Football seasons at Moeller. Hes watched how Ponatoski leads the offense in practice all season.
Hes considered the best player in Ohio and our school has had two in a row, Bathiany said. Its amazing. Hes part of history.
Ponatoski holds several Moeller records including career passing yards, season passing yards, career passing touchdowns, season passing touchdowns along with season and career attempts and completions, according to Moeller Assistant Athletic Director George Smith.
Ponatoski will also join the Ohio High School Athletic Association state record list for season and career passing touchdowns and season and career passing yards, according to Smith.
He is the fifth Greater Cincinnati player to win the Ohio Mr. Football award. He joins Marshall (2023), Roger Bacons Corey Kiner (2020), Wyomings Evan Prater (2019) and Norwoods Marc Edwards (1992).
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