Elder wins thriller, Moves on to St. X

Elder's 35-34 win in double overtime over GCL rival LaSalle on Saturday night showed those doubters of the team how much heart Elder has. "Someone had to make a play, and we did," said Coach Ramsey. Although the victory was sweet focus was immediately turned to beating reigning state champion St. Xavier.

Elder has been there before. The year after Elder won it's first state title, and went on the defense of the state title, the Panthers blew out the Bombers at Ballaban Field, 28-7. I'm hoping that doesn't happen this year.

No doubt Elder is the underdog in this game on Friday. But, will the Purple Nation, the best fans in the country according to reports, be louder than normal? Back when Elder was winning (In 2001-2004), the fans really were passionate about the game and the sport. Unfortunately, student support has fallen during games. More important things have sprung up in many students' lives. Maybe apathy has taken over many students ways of thinking during games. Anyway, as one Elder faculty member put it; "We're being out-'Elder-ed' by schools like X and LaSalle." Couldn't have said it better myself. I know St. X is thinking of "whiting out" the Pit, and one rallying cry posted is "Silence the Pit".

Hopefully those students and fans at Elder will get fired up for what once was the greatest rivalry in the state, if not the country. Just because last season was absolutely horrible in terms of on field play, and the fact that many fans are looking forward to the next few seasons, doesn't mean that they can't cheer for a team that, if I remember correctly is at the moment 4-1. So fans of Elder, if you're reading this, get excited for the game on Friday. You are our literal "X"-factor. Without you it's going to take one heck of an effort to beat St. X. I think the team can do it, but fan support can only help.

As I step off my soapbox I look forward to the game. Look for St. X to have a healthy diet of handoffs to Darius Ashley, who must have a huge night in a hostile environment in order for the Bombers to win. The Panther defense must be up to the task of stopping Ashley in order to give Elder a shot at the victory. The Panther offense will need to rely on a balance of passes and runs in order to keep the St. X defense on their toes. St. X kicker Danny Milligan could be a huge asset for the Bombers in this game. If it comes down to a late field goal, Elder could be in trouble. Likewise the home crowd should, should be able to give the Panthers an edge. This game should be another classic Elder-X matchup, and hopefully the sell-out crowd will be treated to just that; A classic.