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.
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