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Preview: St. Xavier at Elder

St. Xavier WR Joey Wassler (Photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

We are now officially past the halfway point of the regular season as teams are looking to finish strong and be running on all cylinders come the playoffs. Much is the same this week as tests come often in the Greater Catholic League South division and week six will be yet another one for both St. Xavier and Elder. The Pit plays host to the Panthers’ first league game as Elder plans a 1-0 start and the Bombers will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss a week ago to rival Moeller.

#7 St. Xavier (2-3, 0-1 GCL-S) at #5 Elder (4-1, 0-0 GCL-S)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., September 23rd
The Pit
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: St. Xavier has been big on balance throughout the season and quarterback Jack O’Malley leads the passing attack. The junior has thrown for a conference best 1093 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior wideout Jamaal Sharp has been his favorite target with 25 catches, 430 yards, and three touchdowns. Steven Napier has been the Bombers’ best option on the ground. He’s rushed for 438 yards on 102 attempts, including a season best 129 yards last week. Defensively St. Xavier has the league leader in tackles (42) in linebacker Alex Devine. They’ve gotten 33 more tackles from fellow linebacker Noah Beck, good for fifth in the league.

Elder’s Ben Schoster may be the top dual threat quarterback in the conference. The senior play caller has 700 yards passing with five touchdowns and another 200 yards rushing including four more scores. He has found Justin Re 23 times for 269 yards and three scores. Luke Flowers has been a versatile piece in the backfield with 320 yards and six TD’s on the ground and also a threat in the passing game. On defense, Ben Voelkerding continues his strong senior season with 41 tackles (3rd in the league) and 4.5 sacks to lead the conference in that department. He pairs with Liam Hulen who also has 4.5 sacks making them a tough defensive tandem to contend with.

TEAM TRENDS: The Bombers may be the most dangerous team in the state with a record below .500. They have lost to the top ranked (Moeller) and third ranked (Lakota West) teams in the state by a combined six points. Their balanced attack has given teams problems, but they have failed to make the crucial plays in close games.

Elder’s only loss came on the road to the state’s 4th ranked team in Lakewood St. Edward by a mere three points. Their defense has given up only 15 points per game and have helped the Panthers grind out victories when the offense hasn’t fired on all cylinders. Playing tough physical games has become a thing of habit.

HEAD COACHES:
St. Xavier: Steve Specht (166-64 at St. Xavier, 19th year; 166-64 overall)

Elder: Doug Ramsey: (204-95 at Elder, 25th season; 202-94 overall)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
St. Xavier (28 appearances, 54-24 overall) – 2021, 2020 (State Champion), 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 (Regional Champions), 2010, 2009, 2007 (State Champion), 2006, 2005 (State Champion), 2004, 2002, 2001 (State Runner-up), 2000, 1999, 1998 (State Runner-up), 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992 (State Runner-up), 1987, 1981.

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

ST. XAVIER KEYS TO VICTORY: Protect the quarterback. Elder’s defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 15 times this season and have provided even more pressure in the backfield. Going hand in hand, the Bombers look to find their playmakers like Sharp and Napier in space to make plays. Defensively, they’ll need to be strong against the run.

ELDER KEYS TO VICTORY: Dominate the run game. St. X had trouble against the run a week ago when they gave up 173 yards on the ground. The Panthers should continue to play a physical brand of football with Schoster and Flowers at the forefront. On the defensive side of the ball, they’ll need to continue to provide pressure with the pass rush and not give up the big play through the air.

Prediction: St. Xavier 24, Elder 17

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