Sunday, November 05, 2000
Elder 42, Lebanon 12
Panthers have too many weapons
By Carey Hoffman
Enquirer contributor
LEBANON — “The Fridge” and a few of his buddies who resembled other household appliances gave Lebanon a bruising introduction to the Division I playoffs Saturday night.
Kyle Koester, Elder's 250-pound senior tailback known to his classmates by his more colorful nickname, ran 30 times for 154 yards and two scores as the Panthers scored a 42-12 victory over previously unbeaten Lebanon .
Lebanon, the 1998 Division II state champion, is in its first year of Division I football. Elder (7-3) advances to the regional semifinals next weekend against Fairfield, which is coached by the previous Elder head coach, Tom Grippa.
“Our goal was we wanted to be physical with them,” Elder coach Doug Ramsey.
His team's physical edge was not only along the line of scrimmage, but extended into the skill positions. Koester punished tacklers and ate up clock with his running.
“I just tried to get what is given to me,” Koester said. “The guys up front, they spoil me.”
Elder quarterback Matt Scholl passed for nearly 200 yards and two TDs in the game, as Elder's larger receivers screened Lebanon defenders off the ball. Eric Renzenbrink, a 6-foot-5 receiver, caught five passes for 114 yards, while 6-foot-3 sophomore Bill Poland outjumped a defensive back for a 50-yard bomb that extended Elder's 28-12 halftime lead to 35-12 early in the fourth quarter.
“They were so balanced,” Lebanon coach Dave Brausch said. “We couldn't put eight guys in the box to stop Koester. Their throwing game was too good.”
Adding to the margin of victory were two interceptions Elder's defense returned for scores, one by linebacker Brady Miller and one by linebacker P.J. Volker.
Lebanon had only thrown one interception all season, but Elder's defense came up with five on Saturday, including two by Volker.
“We talked about that we needed to play the perfect game to win tonight,” Brausch said. “Elder played a great game on defense. I give them credit — they didn't let us play a perfect game.”
Lebanon appeared tentative early, allowing Koester to break free almost untouched for a 35-yard touchdown run on Elder's first offensive series. The Warriors threatened to make a game of it in the second quarter, trailing 14-6. But Elder responded with a touchdown drive of nine plays that featured eight Koester runs. On Lebanon's ensuing possession, quarterback Charlie Rittgers was picked off by Elder's Miller, who returned the ball 33 yards for a touchdown.
“We played against a good team, and it was good to get a big win on the road tonight,” Ramsey said. “Next week, we go to a neutral site with Fairfield, and I know I talked with a couple of their coaches this week who feel right now they are playing their best football of the season.”
“On any given day, any team can be beat,” Koester said. “Hearing about Moeller losing to Fairfield, well, it's unfortunate a GCL team lost, but I've heard Fairfield is playing good football.”
Elder ....... 14 14 0 14—42
Lebanon ....... 0 12 0 0—12
E—Koester 35 run (Riga kick)
E—Renzenbrink 7 pass from Scholl (Riga kick)
L—Johnson 1 pass from Rittgers (kick failed)
E—Koester 2 run (Riga kick)
E—Miller 33 interception return (Riga kick)
L—Hawley 16 pass from Rittgers (pass failed)
E—Poland 50 pass from Scholl (Riga kick)
E—Volker 25 interception return (Riga kick)
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Elder 42, Lebanon 12