News Summary

Matt Ponatoski, a senior at Moeller High School in Sycamore Township, Ohio, is gaining attention for his remarkable dual-sport career in football and baseball. He has showcased impressive achievements, including leading his football team to victory and excelling in baseball with top rankings. With a commitment to the University of Kentucky, Ponatoski is set to make waves in both sports at the collegiate level. His accomplishments include breaking school records and earning prestigious honors, making him an athlete to watch in the coming years.

Exciting Times for Ohio as Moeller Senior Matt Ponatoski Shines on Dual Paths

Sycamore Township, Ohio – There’s a buzz in the air, and it’s coming from Moeller High School! Meet Matt Ponatoski, a standout senior who is making waves in both football and baseball. As the second week of the Ohio high school football season kicks off, this dual-sport star is gaining serious attention from coaches, scouts, and sports fans alike.

Football Season Kicks Off

Ponatoski is already making headlines in football! Armed with a powerful arm and quick decision-making skills, he led his team, the Crusaders, to a decisive 41-20 victory over Princeton on August 23. Scoring a 10-yard touchdown in the opener, he showcased his prowess on the gridiron. With Moeller’s football record standing at an impressive 1-0, they are gearing up for another challenge against Mount Carmel from Illinois on Saturday at 1 p.m.

A Baseball Phenomenon

But that’s not all! This multi-talented athlete is also turning heads in baseball. Matt is currently ranked No. 1 on Prep Baseball Ohio’s 2026 rankings and sits at No. 32 on Prep Baseball’s first Major League Baseball Draft Board for 2026. His commitment to the University of Kentucky is a testament to his incredible talents on both fields of play.

Last baseball season, Ponatoski dazzled with a batting average of .440, smashing out four home runs and racking up 38 RBIs. With 12 stolen bases and a stellar on-base percentage of .538, he earned a spot on the prestigious 2025 MaxPreps All-America Second Team. His excellence in both sports has earned him Gatorade’s Player of the Year honors in both football and baseball for the 2024-25 school year. How impressive is that?

Record-Breaking Achievements

Ponatoski’s football achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He broke multiple school records, throwing for a jaw-dropping 4,217 yards and 57 touchdowns in one season alone. Over his high school career, he accumulated an astounding 7,654 passing yards, with a remarkably low interception count of only 12. His accolades also include being named the Ohio Mr. Football, making him just the second player in Moeller history to receive this prestigious title. Clearly, he’s not just another player; he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Training and Preparation

Ponatoski took his skills to the next level by attending the Elite 11 finals, one of the nation’s top quarterback camps. It’s no surprise that he’s received high praise from scouting services for his impressive skills and dedication to the game.

Family and Future

His family is bursting with pride over Matt’s accomplishments. When he verbally committed to the University of Kentucky, they celebrated with blue and white fireworks at home! Matt’s father, Ryan Ponatoski, was a college athlete at Northern Kentucky University and played a vital role in developing Matt’s early baseball skills.

Looking Ahead

In just a few short years, Ponatoski will graduate from Moeller high and step onto the University of Kentucky campus as a Wildcat, ready to take both their football and baseball programs by storm. Kentucky’s football season typically launches in August while baseball gets rolling in February. With the Wildcats’ recent successes, including appearing in the NCAA tournament last spring, it’s clear that Matt will be joining a program on the rise, eager to take it to the next level.

Matt Ponatoski is certainly one to watch in the coming years as he juggles his impressive dual-sport career. Balancing football and baseball is no easy feat, but if his track record is any indication, this young athlete is more than capable of rising to the occasion and achieving greatness.

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