10/10/2025
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
WLWT game highlights
SEE MORE @ HTTPS://YOUTUBE.COM