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Preview: Elder at Springboro

A clash between Panthers in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas is on the horizon when Elder travels up 75 North to Springboro Friday Night. A traditional power, Elder has proved strong against a pair of solid opponents so far this season. Springboro is tasked with stepping up in competition and moving to 3-0 while pulling off the upset.

#7 ELDER PANTHERS (2-0) at SPRINGBORO PANTHERS (2-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., September 2nd
Watkins Stadium, Springboro, OH
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior quarterback Ben Schoster has been a steady hand for Elder. The first year starter is completing almost 85% of his passes through two games. Running backs Jack Reuter and Luke Flowers have paced the ground game as a double threat. Senior linebacker Ben Voelkerding leads a stout defense in tackles.

Evan Ruzzo has been a do it all performer so far for Springboro. The senior play caller has both passed and rushed for over 300 yards through two games effectively making him a dual threat to contend with. Junior linebacker Connor Smith has 23 tackles anchoring the Panther defense.

TEAM TRENDS: Elder is looking for their first 3-0 start since 2019. Their success so far this season has been built on a balanced offensive scheme and a tough defense.

Springboro is coming off a 5-5 season and first round playoff exit. At 2-0 they are looking to replicate the 2019 season when they finished 9-2.

HEAD COACHES:
Elder: Doug Ramsey (202-94 at Elder, 25th season; 202-94 overall)
Springboro: Ryan Wilhite (107-58 at Springboro,16th season, 107-58)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Elder (23 appearances, 41-21 overall) – 2021, 2020, 2019 (State Runner-up), 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2009 (Regional Champion), 2008 (State Runner-up), 2007, 2004, 2003 (State Champion), 2002 (State Champion), 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996 (Regional Champion), 1995, 1991, 1989, 1988

Springboro (11 appearances, 5-11) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2005, 2004, 1999

ELDER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Use size advantage. Elder should look to play a physical game up front by running the football and setting the tone early. Keeping things simple should be a plan of attack offensively and getting a push into the backfield should be the goal on the defensive side of the ball.

SPRINGBORO’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Hang in early. Springboro should look to keep the ball out of the hands of the Elder offense with lengthy drives that they can cap off with scores to keep the pressure on the visitor. Defensively they need to stop the run and have their secondary make some plays to create turnovers and get off the field.

Prediction: Elder 28, Springboro 10

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