Elder Scratches Out A Win

After a first round blowout the Elder Panthers went into their second round a heavy favorite. The only problem was that no one told Northmont.

The Elder Panthers entered the playoffs a heavy favorite to advance out of Region 4. But the Northmont Thunderbolts had different plans, and fought until the end.

Northmont, led by senior quarterback Chase Belton went toe-to-toe with the Panthers rushing for 91 yards, and passing for 78 more. But the T-Bolts known for their offensive prowess brought their Gang Green defense, pressuring Elder quarterback Mark Miller throughout the game. Senior linebackers Danny Gress, Chang Noaks, and Ryan Duncan combined for 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks keeping the Panthers close.

But in the end the Elder Panthers flexed their muscle and controlled the 4th quarter setting up two Anthony Miliano field goals to give Elder a 13-10 victory and set up an all Cincinnati Regional final next Saturday night against Colerain.

Despite the pressure Miller would go 14 of 15 for 180 yards and one touchdown. Key receivers for Miller were senior Josh Jones, and junior tight end Alex Welch. Jones a University of Cincinnati commitment would pull in four balls for 98 yards and one touchdown, while Welch pulled down two key 3rd down passes for 35 yards.

On defense the Panthers were led by Zacha Autrenieb, Nick Ambeliotis, and Corey Mason, who combined for 22 tackles.

At the end of the day it was Miliano who was the star of the game, keeping the Panthers goal of winning a State Championship within reach.