CINCINNATI, Ohio – In a battle between two GCL South heavyweights on Friday night, the Elder Panthers held off a late comeback by the St. Xavier Bombers, winning 23-13, to stay undefeated for the season and in conference play. The Panthers are 6-0 for the first time since 2001.
It was a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter for St. X – after trailing 16-0 through three quarters, senior quarterback Jackson Frey and the Bombers offense came to life, highlighted by a 64-yard touchdown throw on a flea-flicker by senior Daniel Vollmer to fellow senior Christian MacDo.
After senior defensive end Kobe Clapper and the Bombers defense held the Panthers on the ensuing drive, Frey led St. X down the field once again, this time putting six points on the board himself as he scrambled out of the pocket for a 15-yard touchdown run.
Despite the impressive comeback by St. X, Elder was up to the task when it came down to crunch time on offense late in the fourth. Senior tailback Tommy Becker has been a game changer in the backfield for the Panthers, and he proved it once again, as he found the endzone on a 3-yard run to score the game-sealing touchdown.
While the score suggests the Elder offense was in complete control of this contest, it was the Panthers excellent defense that stood tall all night, causing the Bombers offense to struggle on 3rd and 4th down situations.
Momentum shifted in the Panthers favor on two different plays by their defensive and special teams unit in the first half. Early in the second quarter, Frey and the Bombers offense were pinned deep in their own territory; the Elder defense struck, with a fumble recovery, setting their own offense up with incredible field position.
Later in the half, St. X was able to put together another solid offensive drive, but the Panthers defense forced the Bombers into a field goal try. On an impressive play, Elder’s special teams unit shined, blocking the attempt and giving the ball back to senior quarterback Kaden Estep and the Panthers offense with the 10-0 lead still intact.
Offensively, the Panthers were able to maintain their lead by controlling the clock effectively. Becker had another impressive night on the ground, rushing for 94 yards and a touchdown. Estep was also rock solid through the air, racking up 205 yards and a touchdown passing.
Frey was able to throw the ball for 243 yards, but was only able to score on his rushing touchdown late in the game. Star senior wideout Cam Taylor was not able to go on Friday night for the Bombers, leaving a massive hole in the St. X passing game.
Despite starting their conference season out 0-2, St. Xaver will look to rebound as they host Kentucky-based foe Louisville Trinity next Friday. Meanwhile, Elder will host a GCL South showdown with fellow unbeaten Moeller.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Elder: 7-6-3-7-23
St. Xavier: 0-0-0-13-13
SCORING PLAYS
E: Jackson Ruth 18 pass from Kaden Estep (Adam Re kick)
E: Adam Re 20 field goal
E: Adam Re 33 field goal
E: Adam Re 21 field goal
S: Christian MacDo 64 pass from Daniel Vollmer (2 point failed)
S: Jackson Frey 15 rush (Owen Davidson kick)
E: Tommy Becker 3 rush (Re kick)
RECORDS: St. Xavier (4-1, 0-1 GCL South); Moeller (5-0, 1-0)
UP NEXT: St. Xavier vs. Louisville Trinity; Moeller at Elder
Get the complete scores from all of this week’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.
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