St. Xavier 49, Moeller 21

After losing by a combined four points in the last two weeks to other teams ranked nationally in the Rivals100, the St. Xavier Bombers blew past the No. 12 Moeller Crusaders 49-21 as GCL South play opened up Friday night.

St. Xavier (3-2, 1-0) scored 14 points in the game’s first 1:14 of play and never looked back as they won their second straight over Moeller (4-1, 0-1).

The Bombers got the scoring started on their first play from scrimmage as senior Nick Tensing connected with wide receiver Kevin Milligan for an 80-yard touchdown.

Defensive back Aaron Berry added to it on Moeller’s ensuing possession as he returned an intercepted Spencer Iacovone pass 32 yards for another Bombers’ score.

The Crusaders would settle down and appear to get back into the contest when Keith Watkins answered with a 2-yard touchdown as the first quarter ended with St. X holding a 14-7 lead.

The second quarter would belong to the Bombers as Tensing would throw three TD strikes to shock the Crusder faithful that made their way to Tom Ballaban Field as St. Xavier went the half up 35-7.

Iacovone, who struggled the move the ball through the air all night long, found the end zone on a 6-yard run to account for the only score by either team during the fourth quarter. The senior completed 12-of-22 passes for just 89 yards, 0 TD, and 2 INT’s.

The Bombers would crush any chance Moeller would have of comeback with fourth-quarter TD runs by CJ Hilliard (61 yards) and Randy Merchant (6 yards) to open up a 49-14 lead.

The Crusaders added a late touchdown as Gus Ragland rushed for a 18-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left in the game.

St. Xavier won the game with an explosive offensive attack that accounted for 415 total yards, including 248 yards through the air as Tensing had a night to remember. The senior completed 16/23 for 248 yards and 4 TD’s and 1 INT. Hilliard contributed a season-best 130 yards and a score on 17 carries.

Defensively, the Bombers continued to struggle to stop as they ceded 256 rushing yards, but they only allowed the Crusaders to convert on 5-of-15 third-down attempts and forced them into three turnovers. Trevor Brinkman recovered a fumble while Patrick Armbruster and Ryan Frey each came up with interceptions. Ryan Berning and Joe Barrett each contributed with 13 total tackles.

GCL South play continues for both teams next week as St. Xavier makes a trip to The Pit to tangle with Elder. Moeller looks to rebound as they head to LaSalle.