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]