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ELKINS ELKS – FOOTBALL
Elkins High School went 14–1 and is coming off a state championship run with a big senior class graduating. Head coach Zach Watson, in his fifth year, writes, “Our team will look a lot different this year with a big group of senior starters graduating from last year’s team. We have a good nucleus of returning players, but our young players are going to have to step up/grow up fast. They have been doing a great job in our offseason program to get ready for that challenge.” His staff includes DC/LB coach Alex Burris, OL/DL coach Callen Cleveland, CB/TE coach Tyler Dorton, SS/RB coach Scott Poteete, WR/OLB coach Jude Bartholomew and DL/WR coach Chris Smith, with Erin Emerson North as booster president.
Offensively, Elkins returns four starters and runs a Multiple Spread. Watson says, “We are a balanced football team that likes to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally.” Senior QB Austin Born (6‑2, 215) completed “37 of 59 63% Comp. pct. for 665 and 6 Td’s” and rushed “52 times for 350 yards and 7 Td’s,” senior WR Treyton Whittle (5‑7, 170) had “26 Receptions for 330 and 5 TD’s,” junior RB/WR Josh Hamm (5‑7, 170) posted “17 Receptions for 283 and 3 Td’s,” and senior linemen Deuce Venable (OG, 6‑0, 240), Merrick Nall (OG, 6‑3, 275) and junior OT Isaac Meyer (6‑2, 245) graded out in the 90–94% range with high knockdown and pancake totals.
Defensively, four starters return in a Hybrid 3‑4. Watson explains they base out of a 3‑4 with the ability to play 4‑2‑5 or 3‑3‑5, and “like to bring sound pressure on every play and play multiple coverage behind it.” Born doubles at OLB with “36 tackles, 8 TFL’s, 2 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 1 fumble recovery,” senior DE/LB Cason Roten (5‑11, 225) logged “42 tackles, 8 TFL’s, 5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 3 cause fumbles,” Hamm at CB had “35 tackles, 1 TFL, 6 PBU’s, 8 Int’s, 2 caused fumbles, 2 def. scores,” and senior OLB Ki’Onte Martin (6‑3, 175) added “14 tackles, 3 TFL’s, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 def. scores.”
Born is the MVP nominee; Watson notes he started every game at OLB on a defense that allowed only 11 points per game, stepped in at QB for over 600 passing yards when the starter was hurt, and was named state‑title‑game MVP with 6 tackles, 2 TFLs, a sack and 3 offensive TDs. Sophomore LB Presley Srita is the underclassman to watch, compared to recent 4A Defensive Player of the Year Brooks Williams.
Elkins schedule
Week 0 – Pea Ridge at Pea Ridge
Week 1 – Dardanelle at Elkins
Week 2 – Bye
Week 3 – Mansfield at Mansfield
Week 4 – Gentry at Gentry
Week 5 – Berryville at Elkins
Week 6 – Lincoln at Lincoln
Week 7 – Prairie Grove at Elkins
Week 8 – Green Forest at Green Forest
Week 9 – Gravette at Elkins
Week 10 – Huntsville at Huntsville
