Cincinnati, OH - On a clear 74-degree September night at St. Xavier's Balaban Field, the Elder Panthers showed grit, resilience, and big-play ability as they knocked off the host Bombers 23-13 in a physical Greater Catholic League South clash. With the victory, Elder improves to 6-0 for the first time since 2001, remaining undefeated heading into a massive showdown next week against Moeller at the Pit. A rivalry renewed For the 109th meeting between two of the GCL South's most storied programs, Elder and St. Xavier once again did not disappoint. Longtime Bombers head coach Steve Specht entered with a reputation for stingy defenses, while Elder's veteran head coach Doug Ramsey emphasized discipline and execution in the buildup to this game. Both sides know each other inside and out, which made it a contest of who could establish their style - and who could limit costly mistakes. By halftime, Elder had already built a 13-0 lead, capitalizing on multiple Bomber miscues, while their defensive front harassed St. Xavier quarterback Jackson Fry all night long. First half: Elder capitalizes on miscues St. Xavier showed early jitters that foreshadowed much of the first half. The Bombers fumbled five times in the game, two of which were recovered by Elder defenders, and added in a missed 25-yard field goal blocked by senior linebacker Derek Uran. Elder, meanwhile, turned opportunities into points. The Panthers struck first late in the opening quarter when quarterback Caden Estep (Jr., #10) rolled left and fired an 18-yard strike in the back of the end zone to senior receiver Jackson Ruth (#4). Ruth, Elder's top receiving target this season, broke free in coverage and secured the touchdown to put Elder ahead 7-0. Ramsey's team added two second-quarter field goals by senior kicker Adam Re (#84). Re connected from 20 and then a season-long 33 yards, extending the lead to 13-0 going into the locker room. Though the Panther offense moved the ball inconsistently, their defense completely bottled up St. Xavier's rushing attack, limiting them to just 10 rushing yards by halftime. Elder defense controls the trenches The Panthers' defensive front was ferocious in the first half and set the tone for the night. Senior Jayven Hutchinson (#51) clogged up the middle, while senior linebacker Pete Fortkamp (#11) and junior lineman Max Doogan (#33) pushed the St. Xavier offensive line backward repeatedly. Perhaps the breakout star on defense was senior Alex Dugan (#2), who came alive in the third quarter with back-to-back sacks. Alongside Uran, Doogan, and Hutchinson, Elder's front seven swarmed Fry, forcing hurried throws and broken plays. Senior defensive back Jared Lammers (#23) also added a key first-half fumble recovery that helped set up an early scoring drive. Against a St. X team that prides itself on running the ball and grinding out drives, Elder's relentless defensive effort held the Bombers to short gains, putting them in long third downs throughout the contest. Third quarter: Panthers go up three scores After halftime, Elder continued to maintain control. Though their offense was slowed by penalties - including a negated 1st down QB run by Estep that drew fire from Ramsey on the sideline - they engineered another scoring march midway through the third quarter. Re calmly drilled a 21-yard field goal, his third of the game, to push Elder's lead to 16-0. At that moment, the visiting Panthers looked poised to cruise. But rivalry games are never that simple. Fourth quarter: Bombers rally back With less than eight minutes to play, St. Xavier finally broke through. Head coach Steve Specht inserted versatile senior Daniel Vollmer more heavily on offense, and the move sparked energy. From midfield, Vollmer dropped back on a trick play and lofted a perfect deep ball to receiver Christian McDonald, who hauled in the 64-yard touchdown. Though the two-point conversion failed, suddenly the deficit shrunk to 16-6. The Bombers gained even more life a few minutes later. Fry scrambled away from Elder's rush and darted 13 yards into the end zone to make it 16-13 with just over four minutes to play. With momentum squarely on the home sideline, Elder's offense needed one final answer. Becker's defining moment Facing a 3rd-and-1 near midfield, the Panthers lined up needing desperately to keep the drive alive. The Bombers' defense was selling out to stop Estep's keeps. Instead, senior running back Tommy Becker (#21) took a handoff, broke through a crease behind linemen Tyrell Scott (#77) and Seb Hignite (#64), and sprinted down the sideline for a 41-yard gain before dragging multiple tacklers to the St. X 2-yard line. One play later, Becker pounded into the end zone for the clinching touchdown. Re's extra point made it 23-13, sealing Elder's first road win at St. Xavier since 2019. Becker was named the Cooper Electric Player of the Game, a fitting honor after his late heroics ensured Elder stayed undefeated. Stat leaders Elder QB Caden Estep: 18 of 21 passing, 205 yards, 1 TD; added 61 rushing yards. WR Jackson Ruth: 5 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD. RB Tommy Becker: Key 41-yard run plus the 2-yard TD late; steady presence throughout. Kicker Adam Re: 3-for-3 on FGs (20, 33, 21 yards). Defense: Lammers and Fortkamp fumble recoveries; sacks by Alex Dugan; vital blocked FG by Derek Uran. For St. Xavier: QB Jackson Fry: 12/20 passing, 176 yards; 1 rushing TD. WR Alex McClatchy: 2 receptions, 92 yards. ATH Daniel Vollmer: Passing TD, multiple offensive touches, but costly fumbles. Turning point While Becker's late run closed it, the game's pivotal sequence came early in the second quarter when St. Xavier's 25-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Uran. Instead of cutting into Elder's lead, the miss preserved the shutout and allowed Elder to extend to a two-score halftime advantage. The Bombers never fully recovered. Looking ahead The victory pushes Elder to 6-0 (2-0 GCL South). They now return to the friendly confines of The Pit to host the Moeller Crusaders on Friday, October 3rd. The Crusaders toppled La Salle 42-7 this week and, along with Elder, are near the top of Region 4 Division I rankings. That matchup will likely decide the GCL South title. For St. Xavier (4-2, 0-2 GCL South), consecutive league losses to Moeller and Elder have the Bombers reeling. They'll need to regroup quickly to stay in playoff contention. Final thoughts Friday's win at St. Xavier will be remembered not only for the big plays but also for Elder's collective toughness. The defense kept the Bombers in check when momentum was shaky, Ruth and Estep's connection delivered through the air, and Becker's late burst provided the exclamation point. Final Score: Elder 23, St. Xavier 13 The Panthers remain unbeaten, and as the crowd roared along the visitor sideline, there was a feeling that perhaps something special is brewing again on the West Side. Next stop: Moeller, at The Pit, for the GCL South crown. Article generated by Prep Connect AI Live, based on the live game broadcast from Prep Sports Radio Network.  [Read More]

Cincinnati, OH - Friday night lights returned to The Pit with a statement victory for Elder High School, as the Panthers opened the 2025 campaign by pitching a 34-0 shutout over Mt. Zion Prep (MD). Head Coach Doug Ramsey entered his 29th season looking for a fast start after a rollercoaster 2024 season that ended in a 6-6 record. With a new field, improved depth in key positions, and the return of junior quarterback Kaden Estep, the Panthers gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about. From the opening whistle, Elder controlled every facet of the game. Offensively, they leaned on their tested formula - a physical offensive line, a dual-threat quarterback, and a stable of determined backs - while defensively, their front seven completely overwhelmed the undermanned Mt. Zion Prep roster that struggled all evening to protect its quarterback. First Quarter: Setting the Tone After forcing Mt. Zion into an early punt deep in their own territory, the Panthers needed only six plays to strike. Estep displayed his growth and offseason strength by keeping the ball on a designed draw play, taking it 20 yards to the end zone for Elder's first touchdown of the year. Senior kicker Adam Re provided the PAT, and just like that, Elder jumped ahead 7-0 with 7:25 left in the opening quarter. Moments later, the Panthers doubled the lead. Senior tailback Tommy Becker, who fought through injuries last year, set the tone with tough runs early, paving the way for Estep to find junior wideout Drew Wauligman on an 8-yard sprint-out pass. Wauligman stretched across the pylon for the Panthers' second touchdown. Re's extra point made it 14-0 Panthers, a first-quarter statement on both sides of the ball. Second Quarter: Talon Time The story of the second quarter was junior running back Andrew Tallon. With Becker briefly sidelined after taking a hard hit, Tallon seized his opportunity - and never looked back. Running decisively behind Elder's veteran offensive line, Tallon found the end zone three times, powering in scores from three yards, one yard, and two yards out. - His first came after Elder capitalized on a blocked punt, punching in a short 20-yard drive capped by the 3-yard run. - Later in the quarter, after another Warrior miscue deep in their own territory, Tallon bulled across the line from just one yard out. Junior kicker Tyler Homan added the extra point. - Right before halftime, he completed the trifecta, carrying would-be tacklers into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown with just over a minute to play in the half. By the break, Elder held a commanding 34-0 advantage-and they wouldn't need to score again. Defensive Domination While the offense built the lead, Elder's defense was relentless. Senior defensive end Derek Uran, a University of Virginia commit, and senior linebacker Alex Dugan highlighted a front seven that tallied multiple sacks and lived in the Warriors' backfield. Sophomore linebackers Pete Fortkamp and Brody Turner displayed their athleticism, combining on numerous tackles and quarterback pressures. The Panthers' defensive pressure completely negated Mt. Zion's size advantage up front. Despite dressing linemen over 300 pounds, the Warriors could never keep their quarterback upright. The secondary, questioned in preseason previews, answered with big plays of their own; senior defensive backs Mason Chumbley and Jared Lammers both flashed skill in coverage, with Lammers intercepting a tipped pass in the second quarter. Mt. Zion finished the contest with negative total yardage, a testament to Elder's defensive dominance. Second Half: Play It Safe With a running clock in effect for the entire second half, Coach Ramsey rotated in his backups to preserve health and build depth ahead of the demanding schedule. Sophomore running back Anthony Mulvaney showed flashes with tough carries between the tackles, while junior quarterback Brady Andriacco also saw meaningful snaps as relief for Estep. Though Elder's offense didn't add to the scoreboard after halftime, they succeeded in their most important goal: staying healthy while gaining younger players experience. Player of the Game The Cooper Electric Star of the Game went to Andrew Tallon, who carried the Panthers with three rushing scores in the second quarter when Becker went to the sideline. For a program always looking for depth at running back, Tallon reaffirmed that he can be a dependable option moving forward. Coach Ramsey's Thoughts Before the game, Ramsey emphasized how crucial it was for his team to start strong, especially with one of the toughest schedules in Ohio looming. "We need to play well tonight and get things rolling," Ramsey said pregame. "When you look down the road at our schedule, things get really tough. So for the confidence of these guys, a strong start matters." Mission accomplished. Looking Ahead: Covington Catholic Now the Panthers shift their focus toward a much more formidable opponent: Covington Catholic out of Northern Kentucky. The Colonels, traditionally one of Kentucky's top programs, will visit The Pit next Friday night, August 29, in what promises to be a significant early-season test. CovCath entered its season as a defending 6A powerhouse, and the showdown will give the Panthers a much clearer sense of their standing as they prepare for the looming gauntlet of Springboro, La Salle, Louisville St. Xavier, Cincinnati St. Xavier, and Moeller. Final Thoughts The opening night under the new turf at The Pit could not have been scripted better for Elder. - A 34-0 shutout victory. - A rejuvenated rushing attack featuring both Becker and Tallon. - A defense that dominated so thoroughly the opponent finished with negative yardage. - Key players exiting healthy before the schedule intensifies. For Elder fans, the night was about more than football. It was about embracing tradition - the 89th season of football at The Pit - and the hope that this 2025 squad can carve its place in the program's storied history. As the student section cleared and the band marched out, one thing was certain: Elder football is back. Final Score: Elder Panthers - 34 Mt. Zion Prep (MD) - 0 Next Game: Elder vs. Covington Catholic Friday, August 29, 2025 - 7:00 PM kickoff  [Read More]

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Congrats to our all-GCL football selections! Joey Thamann - Co-All-Purpose Player of the Year Derek Uran - Co-Linebacker of the Year   [Read More]

Congrats to our all-GCL football selections! JT Hofmann - Second team all-GCL Christopher Paff - Second team all-GCL Matthew Golinar - Second team all-GCL Cooper Sandhas - Second team all-GCL  [Read More]

Congrats to our all-GCL football selections! Joey Thamann- First team all-GCL Tyrell Scott - First team all-GCL Joey DiTullio - First team all-GCL Alex Dugan - First team all-GCL Derek Uran - First team all-GCL  [Read More]

Cincinnati - The Elder High School football team put on a dominant display Friday night, showcasing their resilience and determination as they defeated the Mason Comets 28-3 at the storied Pit in Cincinnati. This victory propels the Panthers into the second round of the Ohio High School Division 1, Region 4 playoffs, setting up a tantalizing rematch against Lakota West next week. Thamann Sparks Offense, Estep Shows Leadership The Panthers, led by senior running back Joey Thamann, were relentless on both sides of the ball. Thamann was the undisputed star of the game, amassing 181 yards on the ground and scoring three rushing touchdowns. His performance was a testament to his skill and tenacity, as he sliced through the Mason defense with ease, providing the offensive spark the Panthers needed. Elder's opening drive set the tone for the game, as they marched 91 yards down the field, culminating in a one-yard touchdown plunge by Thamann. The drive was a balanced attack, with sophomore quarterback Kaden Estep efficiently distributing the ball and keeping the Mason defense on their heels. Estep, who continues to mature as the team's leader, completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards, including a beautifully placed 27-yard touchdown pass to Christopher Paff. Paff was a reliable target for Estep throughout the game, hauling in six receptions for 74 yards. His touchdown catch in the second quarter extended Elder's lead to 14-0, capping off an 85-yard drive that showcased the Panthers' offensive versatility. Defensive Power Keeps Mason at Bay The Elder defense was equally impressive, stifling the Mason offense and limiting them to just 88 yards in the first half. Senior linebacker George Guidugli, returning from an injury, anchored the defense with his leadership and tenacity, while freshman sensation Pete Fortkamp led the team with 14 tackles and a fumble recovery. The Panthers' defense forced Mason into difficult situations, consistently pressuring quarterback Ashton Schaef and shutting down the Comets' running game. Mason's only points came from a 26-yard field goal by Max Gogol in the waning moments of the first half, following a rare interception thrown by Estep. However, the Elder defense held firm, denying Mason any further scoring opportunities. Closing Out in Style In the second half, Elder continued to impose their will. Thamann broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, showcasing his speed and vision. This score extended Elder's lead to 21-3, effectively putting the game out of reach for Mason. Thamann added another touchdown on a seven-yard run later in the third quarter, sealing the victory for the Panthers. The Panthers' special teams also contributed to the win, with Adam Re consistently providing solid punts and kickoffs, keeping Mason pinned deep in their own territory. Looking Ahead to Lakota West As the clock wound down, Elder's sideline erupted in celebration, knowing they had secured a well-earned victory and advanced to the next round of the playoffs. Head coach Doug Ramsey praised his team's effort and focus, emphasizing the importance of carrying this momentum into next week's matchup against Lakota West. Next week's game will be a test of Elder's mettle as they face a formidable Lakota West team on the road. The Firebirds, who defeated Walnut Hills 49-0, are known for their strong defense and explosive offense. However, Ramsey and his Panthers are no strangers to tough competition, having faced one of the toughest schedules in the state this season. For Elder, the key to success will be maintaining their offensive balance and continuing their defensive dominance. Estep's growth as a quarterback and Thamann's explosive running ability will be crucial in breaking down Lakota West's defense. Additionally, Elder's defense will need to replicate their performance against Mason, applying pressure and forcing turnovers to disrupt the Firebirds' rhythm. As the postseason continues, the Panthers will rely on their depth and experience to navigate the challenges ahead. With a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen like Fortkamp, Elder is poised to make a deep playoff run. A Community Rallies Behind the Panthers The Elder community, known for its passionate support, will undoubtedly rally behind their team as they travel to Lakota West. The Panthers have shown they have the talent and determination to compete with the best, and next week's game will be another opportunity to prove their championship aspirations. In the meantime, Elder fans can savor this victory, knowing their team played with heart and precision, earning their spot in the next round of the playoffs. As the Panthers prepare for Lakota West, the spirit of Elder football remains as strong as ever, fueled by tradition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Article generated by Prep Connect AI Live, based on the live game broadcast from Prep Sports Radio Network.  [Read More]