Week 6: Elder (4-1) vs St. Xavier (2-3)

I think it is going to be a very close game. It will come down to turnovers and special teams. StX Defense is pretty tough and the special teams has made some big plays, but the punting has not been good.
 
Yes, there are some X fans that are arrogant but I think you guys are exaggerating in here with some of your claims. There are many of us who do have respect for Elder as a good Catholic school.
Yeah, I like most of the guys I know that went to X. I think most X and Elder grads have mutual respect for each other.
 
Elder’s Secondary will have to be extremely disciplined. The Bunch Passing attack is designed to confuse DBs, it’s important the SLB, Boundary Corner, and FS all stick to their assignments. Out of the Bunch, you see mostly High Low concepts by the Offense designed to put defenders in conflict over whom to cover.
 
A good pass rush will help. I think Elder can slow down their rushing attack. Secondary needs to step up tomorrow.
They’ve been good all yr, but this is going to be their biggest test until next week vs Moeller. The entire back 7/8 of the Defense will have to make smart decisions quickly when facing this X offense.
 
They’ve been good all yr, but this is going to be their biggest test until next week vs Moeller. The entire back 7/8 of the Defense will have to make smart decisions quickly when facing this X offense.
The threat that Reuter might throw the ball would help loosen up their defense
 
The threat that Reuter might throw the ball would help loosen up their defense
I’m talking about Elder’s Defense vs X’s Offense, but I do agree with you about Reuter. He’s been a QB in the past, it’s not like a RB running the Wildcat, let him throw the ball.
 
Yeah, have to admit, this seems weird from an outsider's perspective. Maybe he's not as good as we want to think he is? I don't know
It just doesn't seem to be in the playbook. Last 4-5 years they've had athletic and big tight ends that they never really threw to. Omar will say they need them for pass protection, but the past few TEs could have easily caught 3-4 balls a game - they were lucky to get that all season.
 
Browne has been lining up wide as a WR the past couple games compared to Kirch and Larkins who were basically used as a FB/Extra OL. I think because of the time he missed in the preseason and early in the regular season he isn't in sync with the QB yet.
 
Why delete my posts EHS01? it was the truth. If ReLoad wants to make things nasty, I can make things even more nasty. Don’t let some Smithers wannabe run his mouth off towards Elder.
 
Browne has been lining up wide as a WR the past couple games compared to Kirch and Larkins who were basically used as a FB/Extra OL. I think because of the time he missed in the preseason and early in the regular season he isn't in sync with the QB yet.
I think the QB tends to lock in on #84 and forgets his other receivers. There are times I feel like he forces the ball to #84.
 
Browne has been lining up wide as a WR the past couple games compared to Kirch and Larkins who were basically used as a FB/Extra OL. I think because of the time he missed in the preseason and early in the regular season he isn't in sync with the QB yet.
Could of sworn in 2020 season David Larkins was Elder's #1 option for throwing. Pretty sure StX for the playoff game had to double team him with Clifford playing over the top. They threw to him a lot in those two games that season.
 
Could of sworn in 2020 season David Larkins was Elder's #1 option for throwing. Pretty sure StX for the playoff game had to double team him with Clifford playing over the top. They threw to him a lot in those two games that season.
Nieman
 
I think the QB tends to lock in on #84 and forgets his other receivers. There are times I feel like he forces the ball to #84.
I agree.... He needs to occasionally look off #84 and go somewhere else with the ball. He locks in on #84 at times making it easier for the DBs.
 
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I may be off but I believe Browne dropped at least 2 passes against Louisville X. My opinion from watching him is he is not strong enough once he catches it to keep defenders from knocking it loose once his arms drop down. I actually think you all are overstating his possible impact.

Not meant at all to diminish the kid, he is a great athlete and great basketball player.
 
I may be off but I believe Browne dropped at least 2 passes against Louisville X. My opinion from watching him is he is not strong enough once he catches it to keep defenders from knocking it loose once his arms drop down. I actually think you all are overstating his possible impact.

Not meant at all to diminish the kid, he is a great athlete and great basketball player.
He's 6'9 - just throw it up high to him from 20 yards in. Don't even have to worry about dropping his arms with that. Just go get it big fella.
 
I may be off but I believe Browne dropped at least 2 passes against Louisville X. My opinion from watching him is he is not strong enough once he catches it to keep defenders from knocking it loose once his arms drop down. I actually think you all are overstating his possible impact.

Not meant at all to diminish the kid, he is a great athlete and great basketball player.
There is some truth in this too. He certainly isn’t built like Kyle Rudolph but I still think QB locks on #84 more than he should.
 
I rarely if ever wish to be back in high school or college, but Purple Friday with St. X coming to The Pit tonight would be one possible exception.

Go get ‘em, guys!

E by 16

It’s true, it’s true. Trust me …
 
There is some truth in this too. He certainly isn’t built like Kyle Rudolph but I still think QB locks on #84 more than he should.
35% of the completions are going to Re.

In comparison, 43% of the completions last year went to Ramsey, and if you take out the two St X games where they basically keyed on Ramsey and took him out of the game, it was 50% of completions. Not one person said "he locks onto Ramsey more than he should". In fact, about 6 months ago in this very same forum when I mentioned it was tough to know how good Hambleton was because of so many easy quick hitters to Ramsey, everyone said "of course you're going to try to get the ball to your best player as much as possible." Well...which is it?

This board is the king of flip-flop based on the topic and the person.
 
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The cooler weather tonight will take away St. Xavier's advantage of being the superior conditioned team. Elder still better have a big lead in the 4th quarter before they get worn down by X!
 
Could of sworn in 2020 season David Larkins was Elder's #1 option for throwing. Pretty sure StX for the playoff game had to double team him with Clifford playing over the top. They threw to him a lot in those two games that season.

You must be thinking of the other tall target Niemann. Larkins was not thrown to much. He was praised often by Ramsey for his blocking. Larkins is playing at Appalachian State now.
 
Tristate Football preview.


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
Follow on Twitter @TSFootball

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
 
Not a fan of copying the entirety of someone’s article/work and posting it to the board. Would recommend editing the above post and let TriState Football get some clicks.

It’s true, it’s true. Trust me …
 
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