Coming into the 2017 football season, Elder had high expectations. Elder was coming off a loss in the first round of the playoffs the previous season, against Mason. In the 2016 season, the Panthers went 6-4, with a young team. But in 2017, Elder looked to get off with a hot start against Lakota West.

Going into the Lakota West game, Elder knew it would be a tough challenge facing Lakota West defense. With multiple players with D-1 offers, the Firebirds had a solid defense. The game was originally scheduled at Nippert Stadium but was changed to Princeton High School because of a NCAA rule. Elder had no problem with the first game, winning 21-7.

The second game of the year was scheduled for September 1^st, a Friday. Due to lots of rain, it was rescheduled for the next afternoon. Going into the game, Oak Hills had not won since 1986. Elder came out on top once again, 41-12.

Week three had the Panthers traveling to Columbus. It was the first ever meeting between Elder and Gahanna Lincoln. The first quarter was not the best, against a very athletic Lincoln team. Elder was losing with less than a minute when Senior Danny Nieman connected with Danny Faillace for a touchdown. Elder won the game, 27-23.

For the second straight week, Elder had to take a long bus ride. This time it was up to Cleveland vs. St. Edward. Right off the bat, Edward controlled the game until the end. The final score was 40-7, St. Edward. The only touchdown went to junior Kyle Trishler.

As the tough schedule began to build up, St. Ignatius came to The Pit. For the second time in the year, Elder would play an afternoon Saturday game. Ignatius was ranked in the top five in the state. Elder and I’s would play a tight game until the end. St. Ignatius kicker would make a 50+ yard field goal for the win. Final score 30-28.

The Panthers would look to bounce back against the 2016 D1 State champions on the road. Elder played a tight game. During the game, quarterback Danny Nieman hurt his knee on a questionable hit. Michael Bittner was his replacement. St. X would win a close game on North Bend Road, 14-6.

Moeller was a team that struggled during the year. Elder needed a desperate win late in the season. Only the third home game of the season, Elder came out on fire, beating Moeller 42-14. After that win, Elder looked like a definite playoff team.

Winton Woods was one of the top contenders for the D2 Championship. Elder was looking for revenge on the Warriors after a disappointing lost the previous year. A late second half push lead elder to overtime with a very fast Winton Woods offensive. After Elder scored first in OT, Winton Woods responded with a touchdown. Winton Woods missed the extra Point for the win for Elder.

The final home game of the year was against The International School of Broward (Florida). The game was a blow out from the start. The seniors last game at The Pit would result in a 40+ point win for the Panthers

The last game of the year did not go the Panthers way. Elder would play on North Bend Road for the second time. Elder would lose the game 13-7. Elder scored with 30 seconds left but the play was called back by a flag. The rain had a huge impact on Elder’s passing game.

Overall, it was a good season. Elder finished 6-4 but did not qualify for the playoffs. Moeller received the final spot but was destroyed by Colerain in the first round of the playoffs