On Sunday, the 2012 Elder football team gathered together to celebrate a memorable season. A picture of a Panther with the word “Redeemed” written below summed the evening. Players and coaches celebrated going 8-4 after suffering through a miserable 2-8 season just a year before. Awards were given to different players periodically throughout the night. Marc McGeorge took home the hardware for best linebacker after a season full of sacks and hard hits. “It’s an honor to be called a good player on a good team like this,” Marc said. Cornerback Nick Coon came away with the plaque for best DB. Nick was deemed one of the best tacklers on the team earlier in the season, and had success against the pass as well. He even came up with a pick against Centerville. The best Defensive Linemen award went to defensive tackle Carl Lengerich. Carl made first team GCL this year as a junior, and will have some big expectations next year. He was also named a captain for next year. Chris Schroer was nominated best back after the spectacular show he put on. He rushed for over a thousand yards, and was the key factor in wins over Moeller, Highlands, and Winton Woods. Chris along with Carl and Nick Peters was named a captain next year. Jake Hilvert came away with the best offensive linemen award. Jake was also named first team GCL, and GCL linemen of the year. Jake recently committed to Miami for next year alongside AJ Burdine. There were two winners for the Mr. ZIP award. The award goes to the player that best represents Elder football. The trophy went to Chris Mattress and Max Mazza. “It feels good to know that guys see me as someone who represents Elder spirit,” said Max after receiving his plaque. Ben Kenning took home the Panther award. The award goes to the best scout team player. Ben played quarterback, and threw a lot of interceptions, which built up the defense’s confidence. The most coveted award of the night went to receiver Joe Ramstetter who accepted the MVP award. Coach Currin put it perfectly when he said Joe was clutch. Joe made huge plays when the Panthers needed him. “I never thought I would be the MVP of an Elder football team growing up. It’s a great feeling knowing my teammates think of me as an important part of this great team,” Joe said after accepting the award. As the Panthers close up their season people around the west side are proud of this team. The season may not have ended the best way, but the Panthers still earned redemption.