On a cool autumn evening at Elder High School's "The Pit," the Elder Panthers took on a strong opponent from Marlboro, Maryland-Riverdale Baptist. The game turned into a battle of determination and the unpredictability of high school football. Despite a strong effort, the Panthers came up just short in overtime, losing 28-27 to the Crusaders, a team packed with Division I prospects. The Panthers entered the game with a 4-3 record, eager to bounce back from a tough loss against Moeller. They faced Riverdale Baptist, a team with an intimidating roster that included 16 transfers and 14 Division I recruits. Yet, the Panthers, led by sophomore quarterback Kaden Estep, were undeterred, determined to make their mark on this challenging matchup. The game commenced with Elder showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen. The first quarter saw the Panthers strike first, with Joey Thamann catching a nine-yard touchdown pass from Estep, setting the tone for what seemed to be an auspicious start. By halftime, Elder had extended their lead to 14-0, thanks to a one-yard rushing touchdown by Thamann, capping an impressive 18-play, 90-yard drive that consumed eight minutes and 15 seconds of game time. Riverdale Baptist, however, was not a team to be taken lightly. The second half presented a different challenge as they regrouped and began to unleash their offensive capabilities. Quarterback Cash Carter, who finished with 267 yards and three touchdowns, orchestrated a swift comeback. The Crusaders scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, with Jaden Kitchens, their standout receiver, hauling in a 55-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 20-20. The tension was palpable as the game headed into overtime. Elder struck first in the extra period, with Estep connecting with Christopher Paff on a nine-yard touchdown pass. Adam Re, who had been reliable all season, nailed the extra point to give Elder a 27-20 lead. However, Riverdale Baptist responded with a touchdown of their own, leading to a pivotal decision: go for the tie or attempt a two-point conversion for the win. Opting for victory, the Crusaders executed a successful two-point pass to Emmanuel Dyson, sealing their 28-27 triumph. Despite the loss, the Panthers displayed commendable resolve. Joey Thamann emerged as the Cooper Electric Star of the Game, with an outstanding performance that included 79 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, and 52 rushing yards with another score on the ground. His versatility and playmaking ability were pivotal in keeping Elder competitive against a highly touted opponent. The Panthers' defense, led by freshman linebacker Pete Fortkamp with 12 tackles, showcased their tenacity by forcing Riverdale Baptist into critical errors. The Crusaders accumulated 14 penalties for 172 yards, underscoring their struggles with discipline. Coach Doug Ramsey's squad must now regroup and focus on their next challenge, a home game against Indianapolis Bishop Chatard. As the Panthers sit at 4-4, the final two games of the regular season are crucial for securing a favorable position in the playoffs. With La Salle looming in the season finale, Elder will aim to leverage the lessons learned from this hard-fought contest against Riverdale Baptist. In conclusion, while the outcome was not in Elder's favor, the Panthers demonstrated their ability to compete against elite competition. The experience gained from this encounter will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for growth as they prepare for the concluding acts of their season. As they look ahead, Elder remains a team capable of turning adversity into opportunity, driven by the spirit of resilience that defines high school football at The Pit.  [Read More]