Cincinnati, Ohio - The Panthers kept their perfect season rolling and looked every bit like Ohio's top-ranked Division I team Friday night, powering past northern Kentucky powerhouse Highlands 40-16 at the Pit. The victory pushed Elder to 8-0 overall and extended an already memorable October homestand, one week removed from clinching the Greater Catholic League South title against Moeller. In nearly every phase-on the ground, on defense, and in discipline-the Panthers asserted why their train continues to thunder down the tracks at full speed. A focused response after the week-seven high The week's storyline had centered on avoiding a trap game. Both teams were coming off emotional classics against their archrivals-Elder's 24-16 triumph over Moeller for the GCL crown and Highlands' last-second win 31-28 over Covington Catholic. In Tuesday's Dad's Club meeting, head coach Doug Ramsey emphasized perspective and maturity: no letdowns, no distractions, just sustained excellence. From the opening drive, the message held true. Though an early turnover briefly gave Highlands a 3-0 edge after Mikhal Anderson's 35-yard field goal, Elder steadied itself behind senior running back Tommy Becker, the night's unquestioned star. Becker erased the deficit moments later with a 1-yard plunge and never looked back. Becker leads a relentless ground game By night's end, Becker had churned out 102 yards on 14 carries with four touchdowns, earning the Cooper Electric Star of the Game distinction. His rushing explosion embodied an offensive line that dominated the line of scrimmage. Seniors Aedan McKenna, Tyrell Scott, Seb Hignite, Caleb Broxterman, and junior Nick Cassaro paved lanes between the tackles all evening, consistently pushing Highlands' two-way linemen backward. Add quarterback Kaden Estep's burst (12 carries, 125 yards) and junior Andrew Tallen's sharp relief work (seven for 60 and a late score), and Elder stormed for 306 yards on the ground, its highest single-game rushing total in years. The Panthers averaged 9 yards a rush and scored six total touchdowns-five rushing and one defensive. Defensive dominance turns the tide The game's turning point arrived midway through the second quarter. Holding a 13-3 lead but defending in their own territory, Elder watched cornerback Mason Chumbley read Rio Littmer's eyes perfectly and jump an out route for an 83-yard interception return. The Pick Six not only ignited the home crowd of more than 8,000, it flipped momentum for good. Chumbley's sprint to the north end zone was Elder's longest scoring play of the season and stretched the margin to 20-3. Moments later, a composed 80-yard march capped by Becker's third score made it 27-3 at halftime. Elder's defense, anchored by senior disruptor Derek Uran (10 tackles, 1 sack) and the hard-hitting duo of Alex Dugan and Brody Turner, consistently collapsed Highlands' pocket. Three different Bluebird drives inside Panther territory ended with either a turnover or a push-back sack. Senior safety Jared Lammers continued his spectacular campaign with two interceptions-his third and fourth of the year to lead the GCL. Highlands hangs around early Credit to coach Bob Sphire's Highlands team: the Bluebirds were prepared, balancing jet-sweep misdirection with tight end formations that showcased sophomore standout Tayden Lorenzen, son of former Kentucky and Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen. Quarterback Rio Littmer (27 of 41, 269 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) operated efficiently through two quarters, keeping drives alive on third down and finding John Feldbruegge eight times for 101 yards and a late touchdown reception. Running back Colt Kremer provided balance with 95 yards rushing. But depth told the story. Highlands' two-way starters faded in the second half, hands on hips as Elder's offensive front continued its punishing rhythm. Once the Bluebirds yielded Becker's fourth touchdown early in the fourth quarter, the game clock moved relentlessly under the mercy-rule margin. Drive-by-drive: how the 40 points unfolded 1Q 5:15 - Becker 1-yd run (kick good): 68-yard drive gave Elder a 7-3 edge. 2Q 3:51 - Becker 38-yd burst (kick missed): 13-3 Panthers. 2Q 0:47 - Chumbley 83-yd INT return (kick good): defensive dagger, 20-3. 3Q 6:59 - Becker 1-yd run (kick good): 27-3. 4Q 10:29 - Becker 2-yd run (kick failed): Becker's fourth of night, 33-9. 4Q 3:30 - Tallen 11-yd run (kick good): capped game-sealing 86-yard march, 40-9. Elder defense: unsung heroes of the unbeaten run Through eight games the Panthers' defense continues to post elite numbers-just 12 points allowed per game and opponents averaging under 70 rushing yards. Uran, Dugan, and Turner headline a front seven that rarely yields creases, while Lammers and Chumbley clean up everything airborne. In the Moeller showdown the week prior, this unit produced two safeties; against Highlands they generated a touchdown outright. The bigger picture - 8-0 for the first time since 2001 Statisticians confirmed Elder is now 8-0 for the first time since the 1991 season. They have already secured the GCL South outright for the first time since 2008 and are positioned for Region 4's No. 1 playoff seed, which carries a first-round bye and potential home-field advantage through the regional semi-finals. Looking ahead: a road trip to Indianapolis Bishop Chatard Week nine sends the Panthers north across state lines to face 4A powerhouse Bishop Chatard, another program renowned for discipline and fundamentals. Chatard, 7-1 after its narrow loss to Cathedral, mirrors Elder's balanced, trench-focused philosophy. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. next Friday in Indianapolis, with live coverage on Sacred Heart Radio and Prep Sports Radio Network beginning at 6:30. The Panthers then return home October 24 for senior night against Detroit De La Salle. A complete team hits stride Quarterback efficiency: Estep, a junior, now owns a 74 percent completion rate on the season with 14 total touchdowns. Ground identity: Becker's nine rushing scores lead the GCL, and Tallen adds fresh depth. Defensive takeaways: Five over the past two games, turning close halves into comfortable wins. Discipline: Only four penalties for 25 yards Friday-vital in postseason football. For longtime Elder supporters packed into the Pit on grade-school band night, it was a satisfying autumn tableau: cool air, brass echoes from the stands, and a signature victory by a program reconnecting to championship form. Final Score: Elder 40, Highlands 16 Records: Elder 8-0 (5-0 GCL South) • Highlands 6-2 Next Game: Elder at Indianapolis Bishop Chatard - Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Statistical summary Category Highlands Elder First Downs 22 16 Total Yards 394 427 Rushing (Att-Yds-TD) 27-125-1 34-306-5 Passing (Comp-Att-Yds-INT) 27-42-269-3 6-9-121-1 Time of Possession 28:07 19:53 Turnovers 3 INT 1 INT Sacks Allowed 1 0 Red Zone Efficiency 2 of 3 4 of 4 Article generated by Prep Connect AI Live, based on the live game broadcast from Prep Sports Radio Network. WCPO game highlights Fox 19 game highlights I hope Tommy Becker likes Tommy Boy. Elder is 8-0 for the first time since 1991.@ehsports @estep_2027 @taydenlorenzen2 #FOX19FinalQuarter pic.twitter.com/ercmTScOZM - Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) October 11, 2025 WLWT game highlights In a top-five matchup, the number one team proved why its number one. Elder flexes its muscles over Highlands to remain undefeated.@WLWT ' @ehsports @estep_2027 @taydenlorenzen2 pic.twitter.com/W4t9D6d2Mg - Jaron May (@jaron_may) October 11, 2025  [Read More]

Congrats to our all-GCL golfers! Jack Voss: First-Team Michael Moorman: First-Team Sam Theissen: Second-Team Shea Macke: Second-Team Jack Richardson: Second Team   [Read More]

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]

Introducing the Panther Video Vault! A video collection of Elder Athletic events over the decades dating as far back as 1953. The vault has thousands of videos from every sport Elder offers. Streaming now on EHSports.com:https://www.ehsports.com/media/panther_video_vault  [Read More]