Coach: DAVE MEADOWS
Schedule:
8-27 – vs. Pampa, TX
9-3 – at Southeast
9-10 – at Guymon
9-17 – BYE
9-24 – at Elgin
10-1 – at Bethany
10-8 – vs. Chickasha
10-14 – vs. Weatherford
10-21 – at Cache
10-29 – at Clinton
11-5 – vs. Newcastle
Quick Hits:
Elk City ended an 16-game district losing streak, defeating Chickasha 41-28 on October 9th.
Running back Dayan Thompson carried 31 times for 265 yards and three touchdowns in the Big Elks 62-29 win over Southeast.
Last 7 Years:
2020 – 3-5
2019 – 0-10
2018 – 0-10
2017 – 6-5
2016 – 3-7
2015 – 5-4
2014 – 5-5
OFFENSE
The goal for the Elks this season is to challenge for a district title. That comes straight from coach Dave Meadows who returns 10 starters to the offensive side of the ball. Brendan Wilhelm (6-4, 225, Sr.) will start at tight end making the move from offensive tackle. Very athletic and a great blocker, Wilhelm could add an element to the offense no one is expecting. Corey Culver (6-2, 220, Sr.) is penciled in at quarterback despite playing tight end last year. A great leader, Culver will look for guys like Drake Hughes (5-9, 165, Sr.) and Mason Price (6-2, 185, Sr.) at receiver. Hughes had over 800 yards while Price accounted for more than 500 yards receiving. Running back Daylan Thompson (5-8, 190, Sr.) had more than 1,800 yards on the ground over his last two seasons. His production is key in opening up the passing game. Aden Long (6-3, 250, Jr.) can play any position on the offensive line. Last year he started every game at center as a sophomore. “We will attack with lead-sweep-option and throw play action passes,” said coach Meadows. Also look for Tate Schones (6-0, 270, Sr.) on the offensive line.
DEFENSE
Wilhelm and several others will go both ways this season as the Elks look to put their best players on the field. Wilhelm will play defensive end where he notched six sacks and nine tackles for loss last year. Price will play that roaming free safety spot adding his 50 tackles he had as a junior. Joseph Dailey (6-5, 200, Sr.) will play opposite Wilhelm at end. Dailey was big in 2020 when he had 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Culver grabbed 24 tackles at linebacker and will return to his familiar spot. Hughes is the shut-down corner the Elks need this season. As a junior Hughes had two interceptions. Cooper Patton (5-9, 160, Jr.) is the strong safety charged with stopping the run and greeting anyone coming across the middle. Patton had 32 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore. The Elks will base in a 3-4. “We will pressure the ball on all plays,” said Meadows. “Outside linebackers and defensive backs will move around to attack the run and press the passer.” Also look for Gage Eastman (6-3, 240, Jr.) at nose guard and Jaston Holder (Sr.) at linebacker.
