BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS

Nothing can perk up a community like a winning football season. Elkmont is a perfect example. The Red Devils (8-2) are back in the playoffs. Life is good in Elkmont.  
 

“We’ve had a lot of fun this season. The community support has gotten bigger and bigger each week. “It’s great when people you don’t even know come up and tell you, Hey, your team is doing a good job.”  said Coach Holt.

Holt grew up in Elkmont. He knows how important Friday night at Boss Hill Stadium is to the community. After two losing seasons, this was a season of high expectations. There are 16 seniors on the team. That’s a lot of seniors even for schools in larger classifications.  “It’s been a struggle for the last couple of years,” Holt said. “We just needed to find a way to get over the hump.”

That opportunity came in the season opener, a 49-27 win over rival Ardmore. The Red Devils followed that with a 41-35 win over 4A power Brooks.

“It’s a big deal for a small school to get the season started in the right way,” Holt said. “When your kids are excited about football, it builds momentum. That can take you a long way.”

The only blemishes on the record were 34-0 to No. 4-ranked Deshler and 33-7 to No. 9 Wilson. “Even though those losses were lopsided, we learned some things that have made us a better football team,” Holt said.

  

Elkmont has found success on offense out of its Wing-T attack with Jordan Nelson at quarterback.  Four running backs split the carries. They are Mike Tucker, Zeb Pankey, Jared Bailey and Eli Hobbs. Having that many weapons has made it difficult to shut down the Elkmont offense. “Having 16 seniors has given us a lot of great play in the line on both offense and defense,” Holt said. “We’re averaging 250 yards rushing a game.”

The Elkmont defense has thrived on turnovers. The Red Devils have intercepted 14 passes. Bailey has six.

“We’ve faced several Wing-T offenses, and I’m sure Elkmont has faced several spread offenses,” Haleyville coach Bo Culver said. “Football teams don’t wake up with 8-2 records. Both teams have earned their way to the playoffs.”

In what should be a close first-round playoff game, Haleyville looks to have a small advantage being at home. Playing on the road has not worked against Elkmont. The Red Devils are 5-0 on the road.

“That’s just another example of an advantage to having so many seniors,” Holt said. “When we are on the road, we come ready to play.”

Source Link: Decatur Daily