CINCINNATI — Spectrum News 1's OHSAA Game of the Week in southern Ohio features Moeller and St. Xavier, two teams that are no strangers to the playoffs, even though neither is having a perfect season.
Each team has a record of seven wins and four losses.
What You Need To Know
- St. Xavier and Moeller each have 7-4 records
- Moeller has won the past three duals
- Kirk Herbstreit's son Chase is the quarterback for the St. X Bombers
- St. X Coach Steve Specht believes Chase has the talent and experience to lead the Bombers to win
The St. Xavier Bombers believe they have an advantage — some seasoned players including a quarterback whose last name brings respect when it comes to football in Ohio: Chase Herbstreit.
Herbstreit is a junior and son of former Ohio State quarterback and sports commentator Kirk Herbstreit.
Coaches said Herbstreit is continuing to improve since taking over the starting position last year when he was a sophomore.
“I feel like in the beginning of the year, my processing was a little bit slower and I feel that week by week, I’m getting faster at my processing and just knowing where to go with the ball faster,” Herbstreit said.
“Chase does a great job of managing the offense, putting us in the right position, making the right reads,” said Bombers head coach Steve Specht. “We’re excited about where we’re going.”
Herbstreit’s dad gets a workout each week, traveling from the Thursday night NFL football game to catch his boy’s game on Friday and then working college Game Day on Saturdays.
“It means a lot for him to take the time and it takes a lot out of him,” Chase said. “Last week, he went from Buffalo to California then back here. It’s wild.”
Specht said he appreciates the sacrifices all the players’ parents make to support their team.
“Ninety-nine percent of the parents I’ve dealt with in my career are in my hall of fame because they’re so supportive and that goes for every parent on the team,” Specht said.
The coach believes his team can win what he thinks will be one of the best games in the state this season.
“It’s a league rival, 2nd round of the playoffs and the reality is one team is going to advance and one team is going to turn in their equipment next week. If you need motivation more than that, I don’t know that I can help you,” Specht said.
“I think as a team, we’re just looking to get back at Moeller,” Herbstreit said. “They’ve beaten us three times in a row and it’s time to get back at ‘em.”