In a thrilling showdown, Olentangy Liberty High School emerged victorious against Archbishop Moeller with a final score of 10-0, securing the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I State Championship. The game took place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, captivating a crowd of dedicated fans. The standout performance came from senior quarterback Nick Dugan, who completed 13 of 27 passes for 145 yards and rushed for 56 yards. Dugan’s leadership was critical, especially in the first quarter, where he connected with receiver Nathaniel Cundiff for a 47-yard touchdown pass, marking the only touchdown of the game.
Head coach Steve Hale expressed immense pride in his team, stating, “Our kids played their hearts out. They’ve worked so hard all season, and this championship reflects their dedication. This means everything to our school and community.”
The defense also played a crucial role, holding strong against the Moeller offense, which was unable to score throughout the game. The Liberty Patriots’ defense was led by senior linebacker Max O’Connor, whose tackles kept the momentum in favor of Liberty.
Moeller’s coach, Mark Elder, praised Liberty’s performance, noting, “They executed their game plan perfectly. We had our chances, but they were tough and deserved to win.”
With this victory, Olentangy Liberty completes a remarkable season, finishing with a record of 14-1, highlighted by this significant win, while Archbishop Moeller wrapped up their season at 11-3. This result marks Olentangy Liberty’s first-ever football state championship, a moment that will surely go down in history for the school and its supporters.
