Just four weeks into the season and we are already getting into pivotal matchups and great league rivalries picking up in their intensity. The Blitz 5 Game of the Week has those elements as Elder hit the road to take on La Salle in the GCL South opener. For years this game has been the regular season finale and now there is a whole different vibe to the battle with the winner advancing to 4-0.
#5 ELDER PANTHERS (3-0) at #9 LA SALLE LANCERS (3-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Lancer Stadium, Buddy LaRosa Field
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PLAYERS TO WATCH:
The Elder offense runs through the very efficient play of quarterback Kaden Estep. The junior has completed 75.5% of his passes (40-53) for 498 yards, run for 173 yards, averaged 9.1 yards per carry with seven touchdowns (four pass, three rush).
A quartet of very fine linebackers highlight the marquee for the Panthers in seniors Derek Uran (a Cincinnati commit), Alex Dugan as well as sophomores Brody Fortkamp and Brody Turner. They have combined for 5.0 sacks and 10.0 tackles for losses.
The La Salle backfield has been excellent, led by senior quarterback Avi Carter along with running backs David Malone and Naseer Salaam. Carter has run for 217 yards, thrown for 349 yards with eight touchdowns (five pass, three rush). Malone and Salaam have combined to run for 249 yards with five trips to the end zone.
Senior linebackers Colin Wooldridge and Rodney Portis have been tackling machines for the Lancers. Wooldridge is averaging 11.0 tackles per game and Portis is averaging 8.3.
TEAM TRENDS:
Elder is 3-0 for the third time in the last four years. The Panthers have won their first round playoff game in each of the last seven years. Elder is averaging 304.3 yards of total offense per game with 12 touchdowns (eight rush, four pass).
La Salle looks to go 4-0 for a second straight season. The last time that happened they won state titles in 2014 and 2015. The running game has been stellar. The Lancers are averaging 205.3 yards per game on the ground and 6.0 yards per carry with eight rushing touchdowns.
HEAD COACHES:
Elder: Doug Ramsey (226-107 at Elder, 30th year; 226-107 overall)
La Salle: Pat McLaughlin: (62-38 at La Salle, ninth year; 81-49 overall, 12th year)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Elder (26 appearances, 45-24 overall) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 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
La Salle (14 appearances, 31-10) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019 (State Champion), 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015 (State Champion), 2014 (State Champion), 2010, 2004, 2002, 1985
ELDER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Panthers will face another team that is extremely aggressive with pressure on defense. The o-line has answered the call but will need to be at its best once again. Contain Carter in the pocket and make him beat you with his arm. He thrives with his legs and can cause lots of problems when he gets outside and into open space. That opens the run game up for La Salle which is the last thing Elder wants to have happen.
LA SALLE’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Lancers showed the grit of a winner in last week’s win. La Salle can be bent but will need to prove they won’t break against the most balanced team they have faced thus far. The secondary will get its biggest test, keeping Estep from going off is a must.
Prediction: Elder 21, La Salle 10
