Another quick start keys Elkin victory

Elkin’s strong defense was the story once again Friday night at Ashe County, forcing four turnovers in a 28-7 rout of the Huskies.

But the Buckin’ Elks also found some offense, with all four touchdowns being generated by the offensive unit — as opposed to last week against East Wilkes when the defense accounted for two-thirds of the points on the board.

Sophomore Eythan Kramm scored three touchdowns for the Elks in the victory.

“We came out and played good defense in the first half, and we played better on offense,” Elkin coach Scott Wood said. “Kramm stepped up tonight. He is a good running back, and he has great vision on the field.”

The Buckin Elks got off to a quick start once again, jumping out to a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Ethan Creed connected with Luke Martin from 58 yards out for a score. A few minutes later, after Jimmy Wagoner recovered a fumble, Kramm found the end zone on a 2-yard run.

“We just continually shoot ourselves in the foot and dig ourselves a hole every week,” Ashe County coach Bill Strong said. “Elkin has a good football team, and you can’t dig a hole against them.”

The Elks scored their third touchdown of the night after Kramm deflected an Ashe County pass and managed to come down with the interception. Kramm fought his way to the 3-yard line before being brought down. He would score one play later from 2 yards out for his 2nd touchdown of the night to put the Elks up 21-0.

After an Elkin fumble Ashe County finally got on the board on a Cole Goss run from 2 yards out to make the score 21-7 before the half.

Elkin would came out of the locker room and quickly advanced downfield and scored on the first possession of the half. Kramm pounded it in from 1 yard out this time.

Ashe County’s chances of a comeback were halted when Kramm picked off his second pass of the night.

“The line did great, I just took the ball and ran. I just took what they gave me and ran with it and I just want to thank God for giving me the ability to play football.” Kramm said after the game.

Kramm finished with 100 yards rushing on 15 carries, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Creed completed eight of 10 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Elkin’s defense gave up just 48 rushing yards and 93 passing yards to the Huskies.

Despite the win for the Elks, there are still things to work on. The schedule certainly doesn’t get any easier. Elkin will travel to Charlotte next Friday to take on 3-A private powerhouse Charlotte Latin, while Ashe will travel to take on 2A powerhouse Starmount.

Starmount appears on Elkin’s schedule the following week, Oct. 1.

(NOTE: Quarterback Ethan Creed and fullback Jordan Coe are pictured on the front-page photo).