The Elder Football Panthers came out on top in last week’s shootout against GMC power Sycamore High School. The Panthers will stay in the conference as they take on the Colerain Cardinals, a team ranked ninth in USA Today’s national high school rankings. The last time Elder and Colerain matched-up in the Division 1, Region 4 playoffs was back in 2008. The Panthers played underdog that year and took the game 27-20 in double overtime. The No. 4 Elder Panthers will again attempt to upset the No. 1 ranked Cardinals this Saturday at Nippert Stadium. In Colerain, the Elder Defense will face one of the nation’s most electrifying offenses. The trio of QB Alfred Ramsby, RB Detuan Smith, and FB Jackson Sorn has already combined for 2413 rushing yards this season alone. On top of that, the Colerain passing attack, led by RB/WR Chris Davis, has produced 1,282 yards through the air. This offensive juggernaut is something DE Jimmy White and the Panther D are anxious to terminate. “We need to stop the three parts of the option, the running back, quarterback, and fullback,” White said. “Each of their running threats needs to be shut down every play. The defensive backs have to step up and make plays. Everyone has to do their part.” Thus far, The Cardinal defense has pitched three shutouts this year; against Mason, Ryle, and Princeton. This stout defense could potentially cause problems for the ground and pound Elder Offense. Senior wide-receiver Max Mazza is ready for the opportunities that await this Saturday. “We need to come out and take it to them,” Mazza said. “I feel we can pound the ball with our running game, and then open it up through the air with our receivers. I’m looking to make big plays, and get some yards after the catch against Colerain.” Nippert Stadium aka “The Portable Pit” hasn’t hosted the Panthers in over two years. In fact, the last time Elder Nation invaded Nippert was week 1 of the 2010 season against Winton Woods. Senior QB Josh Moore is excited for his chance to play at a college venue. “We’ve never had the chance to play at Nippert,” Moore said. “It’s going to be pretty crazy, and I know all the seniors are pumped. It’s a big-time rivalry and it’s going to be a packed house.” “We are ready.”