Elder video clip

[westside71]

I don't know if anyone elde saw this from Cincinnati.com. I'm fired up now!!!

GO PANTHERS!!

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006308070004

[Don Flamenco]

Damn for some reason the video wont show up. I hear the guy talking but cant see the video...Probably my dumb computer...

Some really good comments by Ramsey, he definitely isn't letting them forget giving up 40 plus points per game last year in GCL play...

[westside71]

it worked for me once i posted it. it took 3 or 4 seconds for the picture to come in on my computer.

[Don Flamenco]

it worked for me once i posted it. it took 3 or 4 seconds for the picture to come in on my computer.

Thanks. I'll try it on my other computer to see if it works...

[Spille]

It worked pretty ok for me, but the audio had some static in it. It sounds as if Ramsey still has last year's defensive performance fresh in his mind and is not about to let them forget it. He was also working Ventre there pretty hard as well. Great video, cannot wait!!!

[Don Flamenco]

It worked pretty ok for me, but the audio had some static in it. It sounds as if Ramsey still has last year's defensive performance fresh in his mind and is not about to let them forget it. He was also working Ventre there pretty hard as well. Great video, cannot wait!!!

Got the video to work. Definitely an interesting video! Hopefully they are a lot more hungry than last year. Last year they just seemed to be going through the motions. I sure hope they have some vocal defensive leaders this year...

[99BOB]

My video didn't work but the audio did. I do have a comment. If your are player on the team how can you not make football a priority (regarding a player's comments about last year's team)?

:shrug:

[Don Flamenco]

My video didn't work but the audio did. I do have a comment. If your are player on the team how can you not make football a priority (regarding a player's comments about last year's team)?

:shrug:

Yeah I found that comment interesting. It was Derrick Ventre talking. It goes back to what I heard all off-season, there just wasn't much leadership on last year's team...

[drudy23]

Gotta love the final sound-bite from Ramsey talking about (paraphrasing) the defense: "I would frickin' listen to every word your coaches tell you on defense, because at 40 points a game, your way doesn't work." Classic.

[TDAH88]

wow that is pretty amazing

[Don Flamenco]

You can tell Ramsey is fired up! We can only hope the players and the rest of the coaches are as fired up as he is!

[elderfan2005]

Yeah I found that comment interesting. It was Derrick Ventre talking. It goes back to what I heard all off-season, there just wasn't much leadership on last year's team...

If I were a senior on last year's team, not sure I'd really agree with the comment that "guys didn't care" and they did not make football a priority. I know a number of the kids from last year's team that cared alot, unfortunately it was just a down year talent wise for the school. Bottom line - 2005 defensive lineup was not big enough or fast enough to compete with the better teams. IMO

[Don Flamenco]

If I were a senior on last year's team, not sure I'd really agree with the comment that "guys didn't care" and they did not make football a priority. I know a number of the kids from last year's team that cared alot, unfortunately it was just a down year talent wise for the school. Bottom line - 2005 defensive lineup was not big enough or fast enough to compete with the better teams. IMO

I agree. I dont think I'd agree that they "didn't care". I do think the lack of leadership was a problem though. They just didn't have any vocal leaders or anyone who really took the underclassmen under their wings. I hear this year is different with guys like Rieskamp and Monk and others really working hard with the underclassmen in and out of the weight room. That is a good sign in my opinion...

[StXFootball02]

If I were a senior on last year's team, not sure I'd really agree with the comment that "guys didn't care" and they did not make football a priority. I know a number of the kids from last year's team that cared alot, unfortunately it was just a down year talent wise for the school. Bottom line - 2005 defensive lineup was not big enough or fast enough to compete with the better teams. IMO

i can sort of see what ventre is saying. my brother will be a senior on this years team and he told me a few times last yr during the season that he felt like there were 2 different teams, the seniors and the underclassmen. there seemed to be little or no cohesion between the groups so i can see why some underclassmen from last yr might have felt that way. i think this is the best group of captains since 2003. captains shouldnt be a popularity contest it should be about leadership and players who will work with all the players on all levels.

[ElderDadReadingGrad]

If I were a senior on last year's team, not sure I'd really agree with the comment that "guys didn't care" and they did not make football a priority. I know a number of the kids from last year's team that cared alot, unfortunately it was just a down year talent wise for the school. Bottom line - 2005 defensive lineup was not big enough or fast enough to compete with the better teams. IMO


I think you are right on the mark here. I would also add that they took on a schedule that, in retrospect, was too strong. But I take strong exception to "didn't care" and "lack of leadership." My son was a senior on last year's team. He finished his freshman season as a 160 pound offensive tackle on the B team, but built himself up to a 245 pound starting guard as a senior and was widely regarded as the strongest kid on last year's team. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who spent more time in the weight room. On March 3, 2005 he had surgeryfor a torn ACL. On March 7 he came in on crutches to the weight room to work arms and shoulders. The doctors told him the fastest recovery for a football player for that type of surgery was 4.5months. He completed his in 4 months and 3 weeks and never missed a practice. Now if there were underclassmen that felt there wasn't enough leadership from last year's seniors, maybe they weren't paying attention. I doubt you'll ever see anyone play with more intensity and passion than Nick Zeiser did (although I hope we have a lot kids that will equal his effort). There were lots of other good examples.

I think it is entirely fair to say that the talent level and depth of last year's team was just not what we've grown accustomed to at Elder. But questioning their character as football players goes a bit too far. Derrick is only 17 and was probably dealing with the media for the first time but he just should have emphasized his confidence in this year's team. Hopefully he will have the chance to become more media savvy as wins pile up and coverage intensifies. Good luck to this year's team.

[HIGHLANDER2]

I think you are right on the mark here. I would also add that they took on a schedule that, in retrospect, was too strong. But I take strong exception to "didn't care" and "lack of leadership." My son was a senior on last year's team. He finished his freshman season as a 160 pound offensive tackle on the B team, but built himself up to a 245 pound starting guard as a senior and was widely regarded as the strongest kid on last year's team. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who spent more time in the weight room. On March 3, 2005 he had surgeryfor a torn ACL. On March 7 he came in on crutches to the weight room to work arms and shoulders. The doctors told him the fastest recovery for a football player for that type of surgery was 4.5months. He completed his in 4 months and 3 weeks and never missed a practice. Now if there were underclassmen that felt there wasn't enough leadership from last year's seniors, maybe they weren't paying attention. I doubt you'll ever see anyone play with more intensity and passion than Nick Zeiser did (although I hope we have a lot kids that will equal his effort). There were lots of other good examples.

I think it is entirely fair to say that the talent level and depth of last year's team was just not what we've grown accustomed to at Elder. But questioning their character as football players goes a bit too far. Derrick is only 17 and was probably dealing with the media for the first time but he just should have emphasized his confidence in this year's team. Hopefully he will have the chance to become more media savvy as wins pile up and coverage intensifies. Good luck to this year's team.


Very good post.
I know a few kids that played on last year's team and they suggested that there were two separate groups by the end of the year- one group couldn't wait for the year to end and one group who couldn't wait for next year to begin.

Let's not break down everything that Derrick said. It was his 1st interview. With all due respect, I think that he has the right to question the character of last year's football players if their character lacked and needs to be questioned. He played on that team, you and I didn't. I understand that your son showed great effort and leadership, but all in all, let's just say that the general consensus for last year's senior class was that it lacked in leadership and talent, hence 4-6.

Let's forget about last year and move on. God knows that this is the general consensus of Elder posters and underclassmen that played Varsity last year.

[HIGHLANDER2]

I think Ventre's quote was BS pure and simple. I wonder if Ventre would want to stand in front of last year's seniors and make that same comment. My guess is no. And if this is the kind of crap the coaching staff is going to allow then maybe it is time for Ramsey (and others) to move on. This isn't what Elder is all about, having the current team question the heart and desire of the prior year team is chicken $$hit in my opinion!

You may be going overboard here a bit. It was his first interview. Give the kid a break. You can tell that he's nervous as heck in that interview. He's a good kid and to assume that he meant harm to anyone is ludicrous.

Go Elder! Undefeated so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Don Flamenco]

I'm guessing there are some seniors on last year's team that will take his quote personally. I think this kind of crap can get out of hand real quick and the coaching staff (Ramsey in particular) should monitor these types of interviews and make sure it doesn't happen.

I also love the way Ramsey acts like last year's team just went off and did their own thing and didn't pay any attention to the coaching staff. What type of coaching staff just let's a team take off and do it's own thing? Did they have no control over that team last year?

I think Ventre was clearly nervous and just trying to spin something positive on this year's team. I dont think I would take what he said to heart, because it was obvious he wasn't used to being interviewed.

As for the coaching staff, I do think that there was a lack of control (especially defensively) last year at certain positions. Maybe it was because they had new coaches at DB and a new coach at Defensive Coordinator, but I felt sorry for the kids last year watching them at times at Linebacker and Defensive Back, they had no idea where they were supposed to lineup in certain cases, etc...I really think the coaches did a poor job of communicating to them on that side of the ball...I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really think they missed Shira...

[HIGHLANDER2]

I'm guessing there are some seniors on last year's team that will take his quote personally. I think this kind of crap can get out of hand real quick and the coaching staff (Ramsey in particular) should monitor these types of interviews and make sure it doesn't happen.

I also love the way Ramsey acts like last year's team just went off and did their own thing and didn't pay any attention to the coaching staff. What type of coaching staff just let's a team take off and do it's own thing? Did they have no control over that team last year?

I think that you have a point. Some seniors last year may take offense. I simply suggest that Ventre was trying to say the right thing and it came out of his mouth the wrong way.

He'll have plenty of time to fine tune his interview techniques this year.
Let's let this one fly by and chalk it up to a rookie interview.

BTW, I disagree that Ramsey should be on top of these kids while interviews are going on. Let them live and learn, with the good and bad. That's a part of growing up. I personally like the leadership that Derrick has shown before the season has even started. He's vocally asserted himself more now than any senior did last year by season's end.

[Visitation_Football]

I'm guessing there are some seniors on last year's team that will take his quote personally. I think this kind of crap can get out of hand real quick and the coaching staff (Ramsey in particular) should monitor these types of interviews and make sure it doesn't happen.

I also love the way Ramsey acts like last year's team just went off and did their own thing and didn't pay any attention to the coaching staff. What type of coaching staff just let's a team take off and do it's own thing? Did they have no control over that team last year?

How do you suggest Ramsey motivate these kids? From that clip he said nothing that suggested last year's team did their own thing. All he did was use last year's performance against GCL-S teams as motivation. I would think any good coach would do that. Afterall, it was a fact that they did give up over 40 points in every GCL game last year. If I were coaching, I would definitely use that as a motivational tool when the kids aren't paying attention or slacking off. Ramsey knows what he is doing.

I will agree with DF that there were some coaching issues last year defensively. There is no doubt the kids were confused and didnt know where to line up or what their assignments were on many instances. That was most obvious in the LaSalle game. I was in the 3rd row behind the bench and there was a great deal of confusion between the bench and the players on the field in that game. They could not get lined up correctly for anything against LaSalle at DB or at LB.

[Don Flamenco]

I think you are right on the mark here. I would also add that they took on a schedule that, in retrospect, was too strong. But I take strong exception to "didn't care" and "lack of leadership." My son was a senior on last year's team. He finished his freshman season as a 160 pound offensive tackle on the B team, but built himself up to a 245 pound starting guard as a senior and was widely regarded as the strongest kid on last year's team. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who spent more time in the weight room. On March 3, 2005 he had surgeryfor a torn ACL. On March 7 he came in on crutches to the weight room to work arms and shoulders. The doctors told him the fastest recovery for a football player for that type of surgery was 4.5months. He completed his in 4 months and 3 weeks and never missed a practice. Now if there were underclassmen that felt there wasn't enough leadership from last year's seniors, maybe they weren't paying attention. I doubt you'll ever see anyone play with more intensity and passion than Nick Zeiser did (although I hope we have a lot kids that will equal his effort). There were lots of other good examples.

I think it is entirely fair to say that the talent level and depth of last year's team was just not what we've grown accustomed to at Elder. But questioning their character as football players goes a bit too far. Derrick is only 17 and was probably dealing with the media for the first time but he just should have emphasized his confidence in this year's team. Hopefully he will have the chance to become more media savvy as wins pile up and coverage intensifies. Good luck to this year's team.

Great post! There is no doubt last year's senior class had a great attitude and a great work ethic and Ramsey said as much at the football banquet. I heard nothing but positive things about them all during the off-season prior to last season.. And it didn't help any that they were the class who had to play under a new defensive coordinator for the first time and an entirely new defensive scheme. I would never think that they "didn't care", there may have been a lack of leadership in relationship to the underclassmen, but they certainly cared and played as hard as they could for Elder. No question about it...

[Darren 60]

Hey that was a good clip although all I got was the audio. I'll have to try it at another computer. A guy at my work told me about this new high school football web site that had an Elder team preview on it. I haven't checked it out yet, but I heard its pretty good. www.Tristatefootball.com is the site, and I think there is a link on the page for it....

[elderfan2005]

From that clip he said nothing that suggested last year's team did their own thing.


Ramsey - "I would frickin' listen to every word your coaches tell you on defense, because at 40 points a game, your way doesn't work."

Visi - I would have to take "your way" as suggesting last year's defense did their own thing. How do you take it?

[Elderguy]

^Maybe because obviously they weren't paying attention...

[Visitation_Football]

Ramsey - "I would frickin' listen to every word your coaches tell you on defense, because at 40 points a game, your way doesn't work."

Visi - I would have to take "your way" as suggesting last year's defense did their own thing. How do you take it?

I think people are reading way too much into what he is saying in the heat of the moment during practice. It is obvious he is using last year's poor defensive performance as a motivational tool for this year. That is exactly what I would do as well.

[Don Flamenco]

Hey that was a good clip although all I got was the audio. I'll have to try it at another computer. A guy at my work told me about this new high school football web site that had an Elder team preview on it. I haven't checked it out yet, but I heard its pretty good. www.Tristatefootball.com is the site, and I think there is a link on the page for it....

I clicked Elder under teams but nothing came up. Maybe it is my computer though because I couldn't get the clip to work on this computer either yesterday. I heard the voice but didn't see the actual video...

[Don Flamenco]

I think people are reading way too much into what he is saying in the heat of the moment during practice. It is obvious he is using last year's poor defensive performance as a motivational tool for this year. That is exactly what I would do as well.

No doubt. People are reading way too much into these comments...

[nevrenuf]

Ramsey - "I would frickin' listen to every word your coaches tell you on defense, because at 40 points a game, your way doesn't work."

Visi - I would have to take "your way" as suggesting last year's defense did their own thing. How do you take it?

I am told Ramsey's comments were taken out of context and it makes perfect sense to me. He was yelling at a few of the guys who actually played defense on the team last year and accused THOSE players of going off and doing their own thing. I don't think he was using 05 as a motivational tool for the 06 defense - he was telling specific players from last year that their way didn't work - last year and so far in practice this year.

[Visitation_Football]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXACTLY!!!!

He was riding defensive players that were on the team last year and using their performance from last season to motivate them this season.....he was not humiliating last year's seniors.

As for Ventre....he is a kid who has probably never been on camera before in his life. He poorly worded some things....what 17 year old doesn't.

PantherVOR....you really need to learn to relax, it wasn't that bad.

Great post. I agree completely.

[Darren 60]

I clicked Elder under teams but nothing came up. Maybe it is my computer though because I couldn't get the clip to work on this computer either yesterday. I heard the voice but didn't see the actual video...

Don I was talking about the team preview that was on there under top stories in the middle of the page. I didn't check much else out on there...

[jjakq27]

It seemed that last years team was small on defense. When you've got 160 pound LBs you aren't going to stop anybody.

[eastside_purple]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXACTLY!!!!

He was riding defensive players that were on the team last year and using their performance from last season to motivate them this season.....he was not humiliating last year's seniors.

As for Ventre....he is a kid who has probably never been on camera before in his life. He poorly worded some things....what 17 year old doesn't.

PantherVOR....you really need to learn to relax, it wasn't that bad.

Great post Luke!

[elderfan2005]

Don I was talking about the team preview that was on there under top stories in the middle of the page. I didn't check much else out on there...

http://www.tristatefootball.com/articles/2006072301-Elder.html

[cinelder80]

I think Ventre's quote was BS pure and simple. I wonder if Ventre would want to stand in front of last year's seniors and make that same comment. My guess is no. And if this is the kind of crap the coaching staff is going to allow then maybe it is time for Ramsey (and others) to move on. This isn't what Elder is all about, having the current team question the heart and desire of the prior year team is chicken $$hit in my opinion!


dry up you seff-rightious heal. the kid's 17 and was asked a leading question. I like his intensity. If the kids can use last years losses as motivation for this year more power to them. I don't think in either case it constitutes a moral dilemma.

[Don Flamenco]

http://www.tristatefootball.com/articles/2006072301-Elder.html

Thanks for the link, here is the Elder preview article...

Thanks here is the Elder preview article in full:

Ohio Football
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Panthers look to rebound in '06
BY ADAM NIEMEYER | TSF Beat Reporter - Elder H.S.
CINCINNATI - After one of the worst seasons in recent memory, the Elder Panthers look to rebound with strong senior leadership and the help from some very talented juniors and sophomores. The Panthers, coached by Doug Ramsey (career record at Elder 83-25), have had success in the first half of the decade bringing home back-to-back state titles in 2002 and 2003. However, last year they fell to 4-6 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1994. It marked their worst season since the 1986 squad posted a 3-7 record.

The Panthers also lost all three league games in one of the toughest leagues in the state, the GCL South. To the Panthers’ defense, three of the four state semi-finalists, as well as both teams in the state title game, were on the schedule. But enough about last season, Panther fans have all but erased that from their collective memory, and are quite excited about this season.

This year’s team brings a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and a few returning starters will help lead the team this season.

On offense, senior QB Derrick Ventre will lead a passing attack that could open up the run for senior RB Patrick Williams. Ventre saw some action last year backing up then senior Nick Zeiser. He threw 35 times in 2005, completing 18 of them for 293 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. Williams ran 131 times last season for 646 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 20 catches for 113 yards.

Senior WR T.J. Ramstetter and junior WR Nick Olthaus lead a wide receiving corps that was one of the best in the GCL South last year. Ramstetter led all wideouts last year with 21 catches for 369 yards and two scores. Olthaus pitched in with 16 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns.

This season’s offensive line will be shored up by senior, Captain Casey Lysaght and fellow seniors Kevin Naltner and Troy Skeens. Junior TE Kyle Rudolph should also contribute to the offense. Last season Rudolph, the 6’6’’ two-sport star was used mainly in short-yardage situations and had three receptions for three touchdowns. The offense this year is expected to put up good numbers, but most are concerned with the lack of quality playing time and experience for the offensive line.

The defense this season touts two D-1 prospects at defensive end in seniors Jeff Rieskamp and Mike Peters. Both have multiple offers from numerous colleges. Last season Rieskamp had 39 tackles, nine of which were for a loss, and one fumble recovery. Peters had 30 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. Senior DT Dave Rigdon should see the field, and may split time with standout sophomore Orlando Scales.

Junior LB Steve Hengehold, who led the team in tackles last season as a sophomore with 57, will lead a young, but talented LB corps this season. Joining him will be senior Sean McCarthy who had 19 tackles last year.

In the defensive backfield will be senior, captain DB Aaron Monk and senior DB Ross Metz. Two juniors could start at CB, and both saw some playing time last season. They are Eric Linneman, who had eight tackles last year, and Stephon Burnam, who also stood out on the JV level for the Panthers. Other juniors who could be difference makers on defense are Ricky Otis and Nick Furniss, who had forty-five and thirty tackles respectively on the Junior Varsity level. Seniors Zac Jordan, Cody Fahrenkamp, and Tim Berter will also contribute to the defense this year.

The Panthers special teams will be yet another point of interest to the fans this season. Returning senior punter Michael Cooke, who last year had twenty-nine punts for and average of forty-one yards per punt, will once again assume the punting duties for the Panthers. Kickoff returns will most likely be fielded by T.J. Ramstetter, who did so twenty-two times last year for 486 yards.

The Panthers are facing a tough schedule this year; in fact it’s rated as the 12th toughest in the nation this year. Fans should be treated to a good team this year, and the Panthers are expected to once again contend for the regional championship.

Adam Niemeyer, a senior at Elder High School, is a writer and Editor-in-Chief of the student published newspaper, 'The Purple Quill', a Varsity Assistant for the Panther football team, and a reports on his team for TriStateFootball.com. If you are interested in covering your team, please CONTACT US.

[eastside_purple]

Anyone know the status of Otis' injury that was posted a few days ago? PM me if you'd like.

[EHS 2001]

2005 was the last time Elder missed the playoffs since 1998.

[wish]

I think you are right on the mark here. I would also add that they took on a schedule that, in retrospect, was too strong. But I take strong exception to "didn't care" and "lack of leadership." My son was a senior on last year's team. He finished his freshman season as a 160 pound offensive tackle on the B team, but built himself up to a 245 pound starting guard as a senior and was widely regarded as the strongest kid on last year's team. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who spent more time in the weight room. On March 3, 2005 he had surgeryfor a torn ACL. On March 7 he came in on crutches to the weight room to work arms and shoulders. The doctors told him the fastest recovery for a football player for that type of surgery was 4.5months. He completed his in 4 months and 3 weeks and never missed a practice. Now if there were underclassmen that felt there wasn't enough leadership from last year's seniors, maybe they weren't paying attention. I doubt you'll ever see anyone play with more intensity and passion than Nick Zeiser did (although I hope we have a lot kids that will equal his effort). There were lots of other good examples.

I think it is entirely fair to say that the talent level and depth of last year's team was just not what we've grown accustomed to at Elder. But questioning their character as football players goes a bit too far. Derrick is only 17 and was probably dealing with the media for the first time but he just should have emphasized his confidence in this year's team. Hopefully he will have the chance to become more media savvy as wins pile up and coverage intensifies. Good luck to this year's team. That is a fantastic story and I salute your son. However I think you are confusing two thoughts and melding then into one. What Don and others questioned was leadership and not necessary character. You mention both when only one was called into question. In addition while your son's recovery and desire are to be admired they are directly leadership traits. I suppose you could call them quiet leadership traits or leading by example but I think Don was talking about vocal leadership. This is the kind of leadership that is necessary to mold a group into a cohesive unit and brings together a team as opposed to the attention to individual responsibility that you speak of. In addition to brining a team together, a group of vocal leaders can have a positive impact on individuals who aren't as motivated as your son was. I don't know if that type of leadership was absent last year as I wasn't close enough to the team but wanted to point out the disparity in Don's comments and your response.

[wish]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXACTLY!!!!

He was riding defensive players that were on the team last year and using their performance from last season to motivate them this season.....he was not humiliating last year's seniors.

As for Ventre....he is a kid who has probably never been on camera before in his life. He poorly worded some things....what 17 year old doesn't.

PantherVOR....you really need to learn to relax, it wasn't that bad. Yet another pat on the back for this post. I agree. WAY too much is being read into comments from the video. I like the fact that a 17 YO is stepping up and addressing what he perceives as a problem. If Ramsey has a problem with the comments I'm sure he'll address them behind closed doors in a way that won't neuter the kids desire to lead. You don't want to come down on someone so hard that they are then afraid to step up.

[99BOB]

VOR you kill me! Lighten up. In all my years I do not know a coach that wouldn't had done the same as Ramsey did. In no way shape and form was Doug's comments a blast on last year's team. You're reading too deep into it. Who the heck wants to have a losing season? So, why not try to motivate the kids to work harder by letting them know that losing or shall I say allowing other teams to score is unacceptable.

Also for Ventre's comments, as it has been said on here previously, chalk it up to a 17 yr old not being media savvy.

[ElderDadReadingGrad]

That is a fantastic story and I salute your son. However I think you are confusing two thoughts and melding then into one. What Don and others questioned was leadership and not necessary character. You mention both when only one was called into question. In addition while your son's recovery and desire are to be admired they are directly leadership traits. I suppose you could call them quiet leadership traits or leading by example but I think Don was talking about vocal leadership. This is the kind of leadership that is necessary to mold a group into a cohesive unit and brings together a team as opposed to the attention to individual responsibility that you speak of. In addition to brining a team together, a group of vocal leaders can have a positive impact on individuals who aren't as motivated as your son was. I don't know if that type of leadership was absent last year as I wasn't close enough to the team but wanted to point out the disparity in Don's comments and your response.

Fair enough. I was not thinking of anything Don wrote, rather it was other comments that I felt could be lumped under the heading of questioning leadership. Definitely guilty of some melding there. Again, questioning 2005's talent, depth and performance is fair game. But there has been some questioning of what I call football character that I believe is unfair and, more importantly, inconsistent with the values typically exemplified by the Elder community. But enough of that. It's time to rally around this year's team. There is a lot to be excited about this season and I can't wait for the games to begin.

[DOWNTOWN PANTHER]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXACTLY!!!!

He was riding defensive players that were on the team last year and using their performance from last season to motivate them this season.....he was not humiliating last year's seniors.

As for Ventre....he is a kid who has probably never been on camera before in his life. He poorly worded some things....what 17 year old doesn't.

PantherVOR....you really need to learn to relax, it wasn't that bad.

Personally you could see the Panthers give up about half way the 3rd quarter of the St. Eds game. I know what I saw..

Without even giving him a hint at what game I was speaking of.... one of last years Juniors who should start this year said as much.. He said that last years seniors flat out gave up..

Take that for what you want.. Agree or disagree.. That is what I saw.. That is what I heard...

[99BOB]

Personally you could see the Panthers give up about half way the 3rd quarter of the St. Eds game. I know what I saw..

Without even giving him a hint at what game I was speaking of.... one of last years Juniors who should start this year said as much.. He said that last years seniors flat out gave up..

Take that for what you want.. Agree or disagree.. That is what I saw.. That is what I heard...


Regardless, what you saw and what you heard it is all opinion. Now, let's put last year behind us and focus on this year.

T-minus 17 days until the Panthers begin their road to State Championship!

[ElderDadReadingGrad]

Personally you could see the Panthers give up about half way the 3rd quarter of the St. Eds game. I know what I saw..

Without even giving him a hint at what game I was speaking of.... one of last years Juniors who should start this year said as much.. He said that last years seniors flat out gave up..

Take that for what you want.. Agree or disagree.. That is what I saw.. That is what I heard...

I guess we'll have to politely disagree. My memory of the St. Ed's game was that we had the lead until about a minute or 2 left in the 3rd quarter. Perhaps my memory is faulty on that. Or I suppose it's possible you believe players quit when they had the lead.

I assume from the description of the player you quote that he was not a starter on last year's team. Don't you think it is entirely possible that what you were hearing was the frustrated comments of a backup who was unhappy with his lack of playing time? And look at how broad his statement was: " last year's seniors quit." Not some of last year's seniors, or just a couple, apparently all. And even though there were a good number of underclassmen who started or played significantly, apparently none of them quit. This is the problem with going public with these kind of comments, an entire class gets denigrated and that's wrong.

I certainly agree that St. Ed's was a key turning point in the season. Until you brought it up, it was notable to me in that we screwed up 3 punt plays in different ways: giving up a return, having one blocked and roughing the kicker after our defense held 3 and out and still only lost by 14. Since special teams are the way backups get much of their playing time, I can't help but wonder if your source was in on any of those plays. That would be ironic. Nevertheless, if he was, I'm prefer to assume he put forth maximum effort.

Each of us are entitled to our opinions. After all, it is what makes stock markets and message boards. But why isn't it easier to believe that St. Ed's was just the better team, had better players? Why is it easier to believe it was a character defect like quitting?

[Don Flamenco]

I do believe the turning point last season was when Elder had a 17-13 lead late in the 3rd Quarter against Lakewood St Ed's and they were getting the ball back and fumbled the punt. This really has nothing to do with character issues or leadership or anything, but to me that was the turning point of the season. Elder just never recovered after that turnover...

[HIGHLANDER2]

I do believe the turning point last season was when Elder had a 17-13 lead late in the 3rd Quarter against Lakewood St Ed's and they were getting the ball back and fumbled the punt. This really has nothing to do with character issues or leadership or anything, but to me that was the turning point of the season. Elder just never recovered after that turnover...

No doubt. That was it!

[FinalWord]

I do believe the turning point last season was when Elder had a 17-13 lead late in the 3rd Quarter against Lakewood St Ed's and they were getting the ball back and fumbled the punt. This really has nothing to do with character issues or leadership or anything, but to me that was the turning point of the season. Elder just never recovered after that turnover...

I was in town from Minnesota and saw the Ed's game. Don, you hit the nail right on the head. 17-14 Elder very late in the 3rd quarter. Elder held Ed's and then fumbled the punt. The floodgates opened from there and the Panthers went into a death spiral the rest of the season.

[Opus]

A couple of thoughts on this subject:

I would say the last 3 or 4 games during last years season underclassmen played a significant amount on defense. The two best defensive players IMO where Jameson and Smithmeyer, and I don't believe they quit.

I think that the defense did get a little bit of a bad rap. The players we had were more suited to playing spread type offenses. However, IMO we played collectively the best group of RB's I have ever seen an Elder team play in one season.

I also think the defense scheme was marginal at best, and guess what they are not running it this year.

The good news about the Seniors, they put last years season behind them, the majority if not all of these kids are starting college. They are a very bright class, these kids are studying fields, such as Engineering, Biochemistry/Life Sciences Etc., that are going to take them places in the future

[Don Flamenco]

A couple of thoughts on this subject:

I would say the last 3 or 4 games during last years season underclassmen played a significant amount on defense. The two best defensive players IMO where Jameson and Smithmeyer, and I don't believe they quit.

I think that the defense did get a little bit of a bad rap. The players we had were more suited to playing spread type offenses. However, IMO we played collectively the best group of RB's I have ever seen an Elder team play in one season.

I also think the defense scheme was marginal at best, and guess what they are not running it this year.

The good news about the Seniors, they put last years season behind them, the majority if not all of these kids are starting college. They are a very bright class, these kids are studying fields, such as Engineering, Biochemistry/Life Sciences Etc., that are going to take them places in the future

Well said! I agree with you. They definitely faced some incredible RB's last year. And I think the new scheme played a big role in the struggles as well. And I agree with you on Smithmeyer for sure. I still dont understand why they moved him from Safety to Corner though. He was by far the best safety on the team in 2004 and had a great junior season there. Plus, he was the best tackler out of all the DB's. He would have helped a lot in the tackling department if he had played his natural position as a senior. Just my opinion!

[Dixie86]

The Elder season preview on TriStateFootball.com...

CINCINNATI - After one of the worst seasons in recent memory, the Elder Panthers look to rebound with strong senior leadership and the help from some very talented juniors and sophomores. The Panthers, coached by Doug Ramsey (career record at Elder 83-25), have had success in the first half of the decade bringing home back-to-back state titles in 2002 and 2003. However, last year they fell to 4-6 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1994. It marked their worst season since the 1986 squad posted a 3-7 record.

The Panthers also lost all three league games in one of the toughest leagues in the state, the GCL South. To the Panthers’ defense, three of the four state semi-finalists, as well as both teams in the state title game, were on the schedule. But enough about last season, Panther fans have all but erased that from their collective memory, and are quite excited about this season.

This year’s team brings a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and a few returning starters will help lead the team this season.

On offense, senior QB Derrick Ventre will lead a passing attack that could open up the run for senior RB Patrick Williams. Ventre saw some action last year backing up then senior Nick Zeiser. He threw 35 times in 2005, completing 18 of them for 293 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. Williams ran 131 times last season for 646 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 20 catches for 113 yards.

Senior WR T.J. Ramstetter and junior WR Nick Olthaus lead a wide receiving corps that was one of the best in the GCL South last year. Ramstetter led all wideouts last year with 21 catches for 369 yards and two scores. Olthaus pitched in with 16 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns.

This season’s offensive line will be shored up by senior, Captain Casey Lysaght and fellow seniors Kevin Naltner and Troy Skeens. Junior TE Kyle Rudolph should also contribute to the offense. Last season Rudolph, the 6’6’’ two-sport star was used mainly in short-yardage situations and had three receptions for three touchdowns. The offense this year is expected to put up good numbers, but most are concerned with the lack of quality playing time and experience for the offensive line.

The defense this season touts two D-1 prospects at defensive end in seniors Jeff Rieskamp and Mike Peters. Both have multiple offers from numerous colleges. Last season Rieskamp had 39 tackles, nine of which were for a loss, and one fumble recovery. Peters had 30 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. Senior DT Dave Rigdon should see the field, and may split time with standout sophomore Orlando Scales.

Junior LB Steve Hengehold, who led the team in tackles last season as a sophomore with 57, will lead a young, but talented LB corps this season. Joining him will be senior Sean McCarthy who had 19 tackles last year.

In the defensive backfield will be senior, captain DB Aaron Monk and senior DB Ross Metz. Two juniors could start at CB, and both saw some playing time last season. They are Eric Linneman, who had eight tackles last year, and Stephon Burnam, who also stood out on the JV level for the Panthers. Other juniors who could be difference makers on defense are Ricky Otis and Nick Furniss, who had forty-five and thirty tackles respectively on the Junior Varsity level. Seniors Zac Jordan, Cody Fahrenkamp, and Tim Berter will also contribute to the defense this year.

The Panthers special teams will be yet another point of interest to the fans this season. Returning senior punter Michael Cooke, who last year had twenty-nine punts for and average of forty-one yards per punt, will once again assume the punting duties for the Panthers. Kickoff returns will most likely be fielded by T.J. Ramstetter, who did so twenty-two times last year for 486 yards.

The Panthers are facing a tough schedule this year; in fact it’s rated as the 12th toughest in the nation this year. Fans should be treated to a good team this year, and the Panthers are expected to once again contend for the regional championship.

http://www.tristatefootball.com/articles/2006072301-Elder.html

It was written by Adam Niemeyer, a senior at Elder, who is a writer and the Editor-in-Chief of the student published newspaper, The Purple Quill, and a Varsity Assistant for the Panther football team. Adam will cover the Panthers this season for TriStateFootball.com.

BTW - The team pages were just completed this past weekend. Elders page can be found at...
http://www.tristatefootball.com/teams/elder.html

Eventually, all the team-related articles will be linked on the team pages. Until then, you can find them on the home page.

Enjoy!
Dixie86 (Tristatefootball.com)

[55lineman06]

anyone who questions last years leadership was either: A) not there, B) deaf, or C) bitter about not getting playing time

nick zeiser was one the best captains and leaders i have ever had the privledge of knowing. he could fire the team up like no one else (example- the massilon washington game 4th quarter near come back was %100 nick's enthusiasm, he made me feel like i could move mountains, and we nearly did that day)

but nick wasn't the only one. some people talk about lack of vocal leadership on the defense. if you were on the field you would know that the one person who was always fired up and never negative was the same 160lb linebacker that everyone ridiculed, curt dejaco. there was a reason the coaches put that core of linebackers (williams, dejaco, hengehold) on the field; they played with more heart than anyone on the team.

people on here say we should blame the leadership for last season and just bury the subject and look forward. but what you don't realize is that you are insulting last years seniors for the one thing they feel they did right. call us slow, or small, or stupid and we have to let it go b/c we did have a losing season. but if anyone questions our leadership and passion for elder football, or our attempts to carry on the elder tradition to youger players (last years juniors), then we take that as a personal slap to the face.

just as a sidenote- in NO WAY do i blame derek or coach ramsey for their comments... in fact i believe that the coaches and this years captains (especially lysaght) understand better than any one else how last years seniors feel. also i would like to add my good wishes to this years team, and i hope that at least the guys i played with feel like they learned a thing or two about elder football from us

[HIGHLANDER2]

anyone who questions last years leadership was either: A) not there, B) deaf, or C) bitter about not getting playing time

nick zeiser was one the best captains and leaders i have ever had the privledge of knowing. he could fire the team up like no one else (example- the massilon washington game 4th quarter near come back was %100 nick's enthusiasm, he made me feel like i could move mountains, and we nearly did that day)

but nick wasn't the only one. some people talk about lack of vocal leadership on the defense. if you were on the field you would know that the one person who was always fired up and never negative was the same 160lb linebacker that everyone ridiculed, curt dejaco. there was a reason the coaches put that core of linebackers (williams, dejaco, hengehold) on the field; they played with more heart than anyone on the team.

people on here say we should blame the leadership for last season and just bury the subject and look forward. but what you don't realize is that you are insulting last years seniors for the one thing they feel they did right. call us slow, or small, or stupid and we have to let it go b/c we did have a losing season. but if anyone questions our leadership and passion for elder football, or our attempts to carry on the elder tradition to youger players (last years juniors), then we take that as a personal slap to the face.

just as a sidenote- in NO WAY do i blame derek or coach ramsey for their comments... in fact i believe that the coaches and this years captains (especially lysaght) understand better than any one else how last years seniors feel. also i would like to add my good wishes to this years team, and i hope that at least the guys i played with feel like they learned a thing or two about elder football from us

New season 2 1/2 days away.
Thank God.

[E-L-D-E-R 09]

Wow. This will be the longest 2 days ever. Im getting pumped.

[purplepepper]

anyone who questions last years leadership was either: A) not there, B) deaf, or C) bitter about not getting playing time

nick zeiser was one the best captains and leaders i have ever had the privledge of knowing. he could fire the team up like no one else (example- the massilon washington game 4th quarter near come back was %100 nick's enthusiasm, he made me feel like i could move mountains, and we nearly did that day)

but nick wasn't the only one. some people talk about lack of vocal leadership on the defense. if you were on the field you would know that the one person who was always fired up and never negative was the same 160lb linebacker that everyone ridiculed, curt dejaco. there was a reason the coaches put that core of linebackers (williams, dejaco, hengehold) on the field; they played with more heart than anyone on the team.

people on here say we should blame the leadership for last season and just bury the subject and look forward. but what you don't realize is that you are insulting last years seniors for the one thing they feel they did right. call us slow, or small, or stupid and we have to let it go b/c we did have a losing season. but if anyone questions our leadership and passion for elder football, or our attempts to carry on the elder tradition to youger players (last years juniors), then we take that as a personal slap to the face.

just as a sidenote- in NO WAY do i blame derek or coach ramsey for their comments... in fact i believe that the coaches and this years captains (especially lysaght) understand better than any one else how last years seniors feel. also i would like to add my good wishes to this years team, and i hope that at least the guys i played with feel like they learned a thing or two about elder football from us

55Lineman06--I'm so proud of you. Your words were heartfelt and great. Thank you. :)

[PantherVOR]

anyone who questions last years leadership was either: A) not there, B) deaf, or C) bitter about not getting playing time

nick zeiser was one the best captains and leaders i have ever had the privledge of knowing. he could fire the team up like no one else (example- the massilon washington game 4th quarter near come back was %100 nick's enthusiasm, he made me feel like i could move mountains, and we nearly did that day)

but nick wasn't the only one. some people talk about lack of vocal leadership on the defense. if you were on the field you would know that the one person who was always fired up and never negative was the same 160lb linebacker that everyone ridiculed, curt dejaco. there was a reason the coaches put that core of linebackers (williams, dejaco, hengehold) on the field; they played with more heart than anyone on the team.

people on here say we should blame the leadership for last season and just bury the subject and look forward. but what you don't realize is that you are insulting last years seniors for the one thing they feel they did right. call us slow, or small, or stupid and we have to let it go b/c we did have a losing season. but if anyone questions our leadership and passion for elder football, or our attempts to carry on the elder tradition to youger players (last years juniors), then we take that as a personal slap to the face.

just as a sidenote- in NO WAY do i blame derek or coach ramsey for their comments... in fact i believe that the coaches and this years captains (especially lysaght) understand better than any one else how last years seniors feel. also i would like to add my good wishes to this years team, and i hope that at least the guys i played with feel like they learned a thing or two about elder football from us

Classy, very classy!

I hope some of you supposed Elder Fans out there get the picture now!

[PantherVOR]

New season 2 1/2 days away.
Thank God.

Is that all you can say in response to a very classy post by one of last year's seniors? The kid poured his heart out and you respond like that. I just hope if the Oak Hills Highlanders ever have a good season you will jump back on their band wagon and leave us forever.

[HIGHLANDER2]

Is that all you can say in response to a very classy post by one of last year's seniors? The kid poured his heart out and you respond like that. I just hope if the Oak Hills Highlanders ever have a good season you will jump back on their band wagon and leave us forever.

Hey jackball. I wasn't responding to anything. But now, I'm responding to you-
I simply stated that I can't wait until this NEW season starts. If you want to live and dwell in last year, go ahead, fine by me. I could care less whatever you choose to do. Regarding last years seniors- great kids, they tried their best, gave efoort, and it didn't work out- stuff happens. It's time to move on, the rest of the world has.

If you are so concerned about someone "pouring their heart out", maybe you should PM him and deal with him on a personal level to make sure that everything is ok. I know that sometimes on yappi, people can have very traumatic experiences on here and sometimes need counseling...?

I have never jumped band wagons and I'll never stop being an Elder fan. Now you should worry about yourself and quit worrying about me.

Again I say:
Only 1 1/2 days away to a new season.
THANK FRICKIN GOD!

[PantherVOR]

Hey jackball. I wasn't responding to anything. But now, I'm responding to you-
I simply stated that I can't wait until this NEW season starts. If you want to live and dwell in last year, go ahead, fine by me. I could care less whatever you choose to do. Regarding last years seniors- great kids, they tried their best, gave efoort, and it didn't work out- stuff happens. It's time to move on, the rest of the world has.

If you are so concerned about someone "pouring their heart out", maybe you should PM him and deal with him on a personal level to make sure that everything is ok. I know that sometimes on yappi, people can have very traumatic experiences on here and sometimes need counseling...?

I have never jumped band wagons and I'll never stop being an Elder fan. Now you should worry about yourself and quit worrying about me.

Again I say:
Only 1 1/2 days away to a new season.
THANK FRICKIN GOD!

Well here's a free "COMMUNICATING ON YAPPI" tip, if you don't want people to think you are responding to somone else's comment on here then don't include it in your post as a quote. Had you not quoted 55lineman06's post in your post I would have ignored your post altogether, just like I do with most of the other inane garbage you post on here.

[HIGHLANDER2]

You're right. I just caught that. I didn't mean to quote that kid before my last comment.

However, I do hear your comments. I have never posted anything on here that I truly didn't feel.

If you read my comments or don't I could care less.

[eastside_purple]

You two really need to relax.

[Tree of Knowledge]

Why can't we all just take our venom out on the Colerain posters?

[PantherVOR]

You two really need to relax.

If I were any more relaxed I'd be in a coma! :D