Cache, OK – Thursday night saw the Elk City Elks head south to face the Cache Bulldogs. Elk City came in at 6-1, 3-1 in district play, while Cache has struggled after starting the season with two wins over 5A schools.

Elk City came out firing on all cylinders and took an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, and they never looked back. The Elks worked with short fields all night and took full advantage offensively. This team, for the last couple years, has been down. At one point, they were on a twenty plus game losing streak. This season has been one to remember.

Head coach of the Elks, Dave Meadows, had this to say about his team’s performance and the journey they have been on.

            “Our kids have come a million miles… we made progress last year, but we got hit with Corona Virus twice, two ten day stretches of not practicing together, it wasn’t easy’, said Meadows, “but this year, they have their eyes set on bigger goals… but I’m not done with them yet.”

Cache struggled all night on both sides of the ball. However, to start the second half, the Bulldogs were able to force Elk City’s first punt of the game. The Elks shutout the Bulldogs for three quarters, but thanks to an unsportsmanlike penalty from Elk City, the Bulldogs were able to drive the field and score with 3:12 to go in the game.

Elk City’s offense was fueled by the running backs, Jason Crouse and Cooper Garbarino, who both had huge games. Crouse scored twice and had a 68-yard touchdown run. Garbarino sealed the game with a 72-yard touchdown run on the first possession after the kickoff from Cache.

Elk City is fighting for second place in 4A, District 1, and will face district leader and undefeated Clinton next week to stay alive in the district race. That game is set for 7 p.m. at Clinton.

Cache will face long time rival Elgin next week and is still looking for their first district win. The Battle for the Wichita’s takes place in Elgin at 7 p.m.

We will see you next week under the lights – Greydon Buhlig