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Matt Ponatoski was nervous about speaking to the entire student body at Archbishop Moeller High School.
But the junior two-sport star prepared for the moment like he does any other challenge.
Ponatoski gave a brief speech Thursday morning as Moeller honored him for winning the Ohio Mr. Football and Gatorade Player of the Year awards.
The community gathered in the gymnasium as the quarterback was presented the Mr. Football trophy by Tim Stried of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The award was voted on by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association.
Moeller junior QB Matt Ponatoski poses with his Mr. Football trophy as Moeller High School had a ceremony honoring him being named Ohio Mr. Football.
“I love playing football, and this past season was better than I could have ever expected,” Ponatoski said in the speech. “The Moeller football team is incredibly special. I can’t thank my teammates enough.”
Ponatoski won the award after leading the Crusaders to a 14-2 record and a berth in the OHSAA Division I state championship game, which the Crusaders lost to Olentangy Liberty.
He set several school passing records during the season, throwing for 4,217 yards and 57 touchdowns. The yardage is 15th all-time in state history and the TDs are 10th. He completed 63.4 percent of his passes and threw only three interceptions.
“You just try to stay as humble as possible,” he said. “There’s a lot of praise, but none of that happens without the guys around you. I can’t thank everybody enough for helping me get through his season, my friends, family and teammates, for making this year really special.”
Matt Ponatoski’s awards were on display as Moeller High School had a ceremony honoring the junior quarterback for being named Ohio Mr. Football on Thursday.
Ponatoski admitted that getting ready for his speech was a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/love-playing-football-moeller-honors-175339664.html
Author : The Enquirer
Publish date : 2025-01-17 17:53:00
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