Olentangy Liberty football team wins its first state championship

CANTON – If Cincinnati Moeller had every reason to be considered the favorite in Friday night’s Division I state final, from pedigree to its Mr. Football quarterback, nobody told Olentangy Liberty.

Capitalizing on a blitzing defense and huge nights from their own Mr. Football finalist, senior quarterback Andrew Leonard, and his balanced offense, the Patriots (14-2) set the tone early and cruised to their first championship, dominating the Crusaders 28-14 in front of 4,814 chilled fans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Leonard was 17-of-23 passing for 272 yards and three touchdowns, all of which went to Christian Moulton (8 catches, 161 yards), and Struck accounted for 173 all-purpose yards (99 rushing, 74 receiving) and a scoring run. All three are seniors.

All of that complemented a defense that never let Crusaders quarterback and Mr. Football winner Matt Ponatoski get comfortable. A week after he threw for 431 yards and six touchdowns in a state semifinal win over Centerville – all of that in the first half – Ponatoski was limited to 16-of-30 passing for 112 yards.

Moeller (14-2), which was in its 14th state final and fell short of its 10th title, was stopped on fourth down three times, punted three times and only reached the red zone once.

Olentangy Liberty's Christian Moulton caught three touchdown passes from Andrew Leonard. Liberty linebacker Lincoln Gardner’s nine tackles and a fumble recovery and eight tackles from defensive back Tyler Thornton led the way.

For more about the state championship, click the photo.

Story by Dave Purpura and photo by Samantha Madar, The Columbus Dispatch