The Panther Pigskin Preview is back for Week 4! Hear what Sam Tucker, Cam James, and Payton Watson say about the matchup with St. Edward! To watch the game online visit here!   [Read More]

On a pleasant Friday night under cloudy skies at Elder High School's iconic "The Pit," the Elder Panthers showcased a dominant display to topple the visiting Springboro Panthers 30-6, extending their undefeated start to the season to a perfect 3-0. Despite facing a Springboro team eager to challenge, Elder's defense stole the show, capitalized on turnovers, and paved the way for a compelling victory. First Half: Defensive Prowess and Calculated Offense As the game commenced, the Elder Panthers demonstrated their defensive might early on. After trading possessions, Elder experienced a tough spot decision during their first drive that led to a turnover on downs. Springboro capitalized with a quick six-play, 29-yard drive, highlighted by Matthias Brunicardi's three-yard touchdown run. However, Elder blocked the extra point, leaving Springboro with a 6-0 lead. Not to be outdone, Elder senior linebacker Joey Ditullio made a significant impact on the ensuing Springboro possession, snatching a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown, which leveled the score at 6-6. Another defensive stop and subsequent fumble recovery by Elder's Braden Boeing set up Joey Thamann for a one-yard rushing touchdown to propel Elder to a 13-6 lead. Ditullio emerged as the standout star, grabbing two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, as well as a fumble recovery, punctuating his stellar first-half performance. Elder's offense, led by sophomore quarterback Kaden Estep, moved with methodical precision, highlighted by efficient passing to receivers like Christopher Paff and Joey Thamann. Despite Springboro edging Elder in total yardage by half-time, the Elder defense stayed resolute, bending but not breaking, ultimately holding a 13-6 advantage going into the break. Second Half: Elder Dominates Through Turnovers and Precision The second half saw Elder swiftly extend their lead. After a turnover-prone Springboro effort ended with yet another Ditullio interception nullifying any comeback attempt, Elder capitalized. Estep, orchestrating another calculated drive, found tight end Braden Boeing in the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 23-6. Elder's defense, anchored by Maddox Arnold and Derek Uran, challenged Springboro backups, including Aiden Newtigate, who replaced an injured Max Miller at quarterback. Arnold's fumble recovery in the third quarter further solidified Elder's dominant display. Springboro struggled with ball security throughout the game, culminating in multiple interceptions and fumble recoveries by Elder. The constant turnovers thwarted any hope of a Springboro rally. Elder's offense, sustaining drives and allowing their defense reprieve, demonstrated strategic efficacy, systematically eroding the Springboro resistance. Thamann punctuated his encore performance in the dying minutes, bulldozing into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night. This ensured the Panthers reached a commanding 30-point mark, a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Standout Performers and Key Stats Joey Ditullio - Clearly the Cooper Electric Star of the Game, Ditullio was nothing short of spectacular, securing two interceptions, one for a touchdown, along with a fumble recovery. His tenacity and playmaking ability set the tone for Elder's defense. Kaden Estep - Displayed maturity beyond his sophomore status, executing 13 of 18 passes for 138 yards, including a decisive touchdown to Boeing. Joey Thamann - Continued to prove invaluable, contributing significantly on both rushing and receiving fronts with 160 total yards and two touchdowns. Maddox Arnold - Demonstrated duality on defense, securing a pivotal fumble recovery while maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Final Remarks and Looking Ahead Elder continues to impress with a well-rounded, disciplined team, capturing another pivotal win under the guidance of Coach Doug Ramsey. Friday night's victory, fueled by a defense capable of turning defense into offense-primarily through turnovers. The Panthers now prepare for a challenging road test against the mighty Lakewood St. Edward Eagles next Saturday, a matchup that promises to be as defining as it is demanding. Adding to the anticipation will be Elder's confidence, built on the sturdy foundation of a 3-0 start. The challenges grow steeper, but with the current momentum, Elder is poised to face their upcoming adversaries with strategic precision and unwavering resolve. (Photo credit: tonycatphotos.com)   [Read More]

On a steamy Friday night at the Elder Pit, the Elder Panthers clawed their way to a hard-fought 20-13 victory over the visiting West Catholic Falcons from Grand Rapids, Michigan. In a game that demanded grit and endurance, the Panthers showcased their resilience and determination, capitalizing on key plays and maintaining their composure through intense stretches under the Friday night lights. First Quarter: Panthers Strike First The game began with a clear display of Elder's offensiveness efficiency. Elder's sophomore quarterback Kaden Estep, who had shown promise last week, continued to demonstrate poise beyond his years. On the Panthers' second possession of the quarter, after an initial 3-and-out for each team, Estep orchestrated a methodical drive. He found wide receiver Jackson Ruth with a precise 20-yard touchdown pass, putting Elder up 7-0 after the successful point after attempt by kicker Max Crawford. This early lead was instrumental, allowing Elder to settle into their game plan. Second Quarter: Falcons Soar Briefly As the sweltering heat blanketed the field, fatigue began to wear on the Panthers' defense, who found themselves on the field for extended periods due to an effective West Catholic offense. Despite an interception by Elder's Cooper Sandhas in the end zone, which temporarily thwarted a promising Falcons drive, a fumble gave West Catholic short-field advantage. They capitalized with a field goal, slimming Elder's lead to 7-3. West Catholic further capitalized late in the quarter when quarterback Grady Augustin connected with receiver Connor Olszewski for a three-yard touchdown, granting the Falcons a 10-7 lead heading into halftime. Halftime Adjustments: Revamping the Strategy During halftime, Elder coach Doug Ramsey focused on making defensive adjustments to counter West Catholic's disciplined gameplay and on refining offensive consistency to control the clock better. It was essential that the team maintained possession and sheltered their defense from the stifling heat for as long as possible. Third Quarter: Reclaiming Control The Panthers emerged from halftime with renewed vigor. Maddox Arnold, who has quickly become a go-to in crucial situations, covered the Panthers with his second two-yard touchdown of the season, although a missed extra point saw the score leveled at 13-13. Arnold, a stalwart performer, reminded everyone of his versatility and pivotal role in both the offensive and defensive setups. His ability to power through on short distances provided Elder with key plays that fortified their footwork in the game. Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, Elder's defense needed to rise to the occasion one final time to secure the victory. And it did so dramatically, as linebacker Alex Dugan's acrobatic one-handed interception halted West Catholic's drive and handed control back to Elder. This defensive stand was crucial, and with Elder's possession, they maintained pressure, chewing up the clock and securing another touchdown run by Maddox Arnold. The Panthers' defense held firm in the clutch, managing to thwart West Catholic's final attempts at making any comeback. Elder triumphantly ended the game with a 20-13 victory, advancing to a promising 2-0 record early in the season. Key Performers and Highlights Kaden Estep - Demonstrated commendable leadership and poise, completing 11 of 17 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Maddox Arnold - Solidified his reputation as a dynamic dual-threat, not only excelling in defense but also making significant contributions on offense, including two rushing touchdowns. Joey Thamann - Showcased his agility and persistence, leading the rushing stats with 82 yards on 17 carries and making vital contributions in sustaining drives. Alex Dugan - Named the Cooper Electric Star of the Game, provided a game-changing interception, highlighting the clutch nature of the Panthers' defense. Looking Ahead Next week, the Panthers will continue their home stretch by hosting Springboro at The Pit. The game promises to be another test of endurance and strategy as Elder seeks to maintain its undefeated start this season. With strong performances like tonight, the team's confidence is high, and Coach Ramsey will undoubtedly be rallying his players for another spirited and focused game. The night exemplified not just Elder High School's football prowess but also the spirit and character of the Panthers under challenging conditions. Elder's resilience, coupled with strategic adaptability, ensured a riveting and satisfying victory to kick off the Labor Day weekend.  [Read More]