4-2 Elder looks to close out GCL play with win

After Elder' 30-15 loss to St. Xavier, the focus immediately went to Moeller. The Crusaders, who are 3-2 this season, come into the matchup with Elder after beating LaSalle last week 31-17.

In that game, senior WR/PR Chedrick Cherry had five returns for 112 yards. Cherry, the Crusaders' leading receiver, has amassed 294 yards on nineteen receptions and three touchdowns. Senior Ross Oltorik is 58 for 97 for 807 yards through the air, and has added to the Crusader rushing attack with 48 rushes for 264 yards. Leading runner Tim Uecker has 70 rushes for 424 yards on this season.

In the loss to St. X, junior quarterback John Groene completed ten of his seventeen passes for 140 yards. The St. X defense stifled the Panther rushing attack holding the offense to a total of 179 yards, with 39 on the ground added to the 140 through the air. The leading receiver for the Panthers was senior Andrew Mellott, who had three catches for 80 yards.

Moeller looks to improve their record in the league to 2-0, and Elder will close league play this week. Look for the Panthers to continue to rely on senior Pat Williams, and stretch the defense out before going to the air. Moeller should try to look to Cherry, who has had a very standout career as a Crusader, for a majority of their pass plays. Uecker should add another element to the Moeller attack on the ground.

Also, this game, which was originally scheduled for Moeller's "home" field of Lockland stadium, was moved on Friday of last week to UC's Nippert Stadium. For Elder, this will be their third game at UC's home stadium, and the Panthers have a 1-1 record there this season. Moeller lost to Byrnes (SC) in the Herbstreit Challenge in their only game at UC this year. The game will kickoff at 7:30, and should have a great atmosphere. This game used to be one of the best rivalries, and this game has serious playoff implications. Many playoff predictions have the loser of this game missing the playoffs, or just barely sneaking in the last spot in Region IV. It should be another great Elder/Moeller matchup. Tickets are $5 for students pre-sale, and $6 for adults pre-sale. Tickets are $7 at the gate Saturday night.