Moeller’s two-sport star QB eyeing state title

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Matt Ponatoski came to Moeller High School with baseball as his sport of choice.

He also planned to play football, but he didn’t see himself becoming a star quarterback on a team with state title aspirations.

A standout shortstop, Ponatoski has 40-45 college offers spanning schools in the SEC and Big 10, including the University of Cincinnati. He’s now making a name for himself as a quarterback - a heavy weight to carry for a 16-year-old junior.

“I want to play football and I want to play baseball for as long as I can,” Ponatoski said.

Ponatoski is used to pressure. Being a highly-touted recruit in any sport can do that.

“It’s the combination of football and baseball,” Moeller coach Bert Bathiany said. “He’s played in highly competitive baseball and for one of the best travel teams in the country. When you think about the pressure he’s had in baseball, he’s ready to roll when he gets to high school.”

Bathiany said part of Moeller’s success this year has been letting Ponatoski have some control of the offense.

“We want you to be Tom Brady, we want you to be Peyton Manning on the field,” Bathiany said. “We give him the flexibility to make calls and have a lot of say in the offense.”

Ponatoski’s quarterback of choice is C.J. Stroud, the former Ohio State star who led the Houston Texans to the playoffs in 2023 as a rookie.

“He’s getting out of the pocket to make plays to his wide receivers downfield in a scramble drill,” Ponatoski said. “That’s something I do pretty well. I can keep my eyes downfield and make throws - unconventional throws coaches don’t always like. If you complete it, they won’t have too much to say about it.”

Ponatoski’s name has climbed the football recruiting lists as well. He’s considered a candidate to win Ohio’s Mr. Football.

“It’s something you have in the back of your head,” Ponatoski said. “I’m chasing for wins. I’m chasing for state championships, and I’m chasing to be a better person.”

Undefeated Moeller players at Benedictine Academy, Ga. on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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