Elder Football - The 1980's

1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988

1989

Panther fans and players alike were tested in the 1980's. Following the 4-5-1 record in 1979, four winning seasons opened the decade. From 1984-86, the team had losing records three consecutive seasons, winning only 9 games, while losing 19 and tying 1. The stage was set for a comeback, and it came with a vengeance with the arrival of Coach Tom Grippa. Grippa's arrival in 1987 brought new life to the Panther football program, and after the team rebounded to 7-3 in his first season as Head Coach, Coach Grippa ended the decade by leading the Panthers to successive 10-game winning seasons, Elder's first playoff appearance, and Elder's first playoff win.

Team Record Summary - The 1980's

Year
Overall Record
GCL Record (Place)
1980
7-3
2-2 (3rd)
1981
8-2
2-2 (3rd)
1982
7-3
2-2 (3rd)
1983
6-4
1-3 (Tied for 4th)
1984
2-6-1
0-4 (5th)
1985
4-6
1-3 (4th)
1986
3-7
2-2 (3rd)
1987
7-3
2-2 (3rd)
1988
10-2*
4-0 (1st)
1989
10-1*
4-0 (1st)
1980-89
64-37-1
20-20
  

* Includes playoff appearances

DECADE TOTALS

 
Years
Overall Record
GCL Record
1923-29
23-19-7
2-1-2
1930-39
34-46-8
12-13-5
1940-49
52-29-4
17-14
1950-59
56-38-3
18-12-1
1960-69
71-25-4
37-18-3
1970-79
72-25-3
31-17-2
1980-89
64-37-1
20-20

1923-89
372-219-30
137-95-13

Records Against Major Opponents

 
Opponent
Record (1980-89)
Totals
St. Xavier
5-5
39-21-6
Roger Bacon
7-3
33-25-5
Western Hills
7-2-1
43-16-2
Moeller
3-9*
9-21
La Salle
6-4
20-7-1
Oak Hills
6-4
6-5

* Includes playoff appearances

 

Leading Scorers (Classes of 1981-90)

Name
Years Played
Scoring
Points

Penderghast, Dennis
1987-88
30 TDs*
180

Meier, Jeff
1987-88
24 TDs, 2 PATs*
146

Huber, Joe
1988-89
22 TDs*
132

Pitchford, Bryan
1980-82
18 TDs, 2 PATs
110

Thomas, Dave
1979-80
18 TDs
108

Daugherty, Brian
1986-88
64 PATs, 6 FGs*
82

Schroer, Doug
1981-82
12 TDs
72

Bleh, Tim
1980-81
11 TDs
66

Autenrieb, Dave
1980-81
11 TDs
66

Klumb, E. J.
1987-88
10 TDs, 2 PATs*
62

Robben, Mark
1980-81
52 PATs, 2 FGs
58

McLean, Dennis
1984-85
9 TDs, 2 PATs
56

Tepe, Tim
1983-84
9 TDs
54

Jacobs, Dan
1983-84
35 PATs, 6 FGs
53

* Includes playoff appearances