2023 RECORD OVERALL RECORD : 4-6 DISTRICT RECORD : 1-4
Elkhart ELKS
TAYLOR HONEA Sports Writer sports @ palestineherald . com
The Elkhart Elks grew a lot in the 2023 season , taking the tutelage and attitude of their new head coach Cody Day to heart . Even though the Elks missed the playoffs , finishing with a 4-6 overall record , the squad continued to grow and get better each week , building momentum to carry through the offseason and into the 2024 campaign . The Elks ’ signature win of the year came against district opponent Florence , with the Elks dominating the matchup and winning by a convincing 34 point margin , 48-14 . Elks quarterback Trystyn Tidrow completed 14-15 passes in the contest for 291 yards and four scores , with six catches , 169 yards and two touchdowns going to junior Jayden Chapman , who was named a Palestine Herald-Press ’ All-Area receiver . Sophomore running back Jackson Denney , one of the most underrated backs in the area , rushed for 60 yards on only five carries , scoring a touchdown along the way . The Elks have a room full of potential , and will bring back some of their most productive and talented members for another run in 2024 , starting with quarterback Tidrow . The 6 ’ 3 mobile junior is a natural thrower of the football , and will look to take the next step in his development over the offseason and put an injury riddled season behind him . In only seven games , Tidrow threw for 1,155 yards and 11 scores , and rushed for 245 yards and another four touchdowns . The Elks will be returning a ton of talent in 2024 , but they will have to look to new faces in several key positions in 2024 , namely in replacing offensive tackle LD Smith , who signed his letter of intent to play division one college football next year at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio .
14 WINTER EDITION 2024
With the chance to put his players through their first full offseason under his program , Coach Day will look to continue the development of young playmakers , including freshman wideout Dalton Walker and the aforementioned Denney . In combination with the experience and grit of some of the soon to be senior leaders , such as Tidrow , Chapman , and Bryant Lipsey , the 2023 Junior of the Year , the Elks seem potentially positioned to have their best season since 2013 , when the Elks went 7-4 with future National Football League running back Jeffery Wilson carrying the load .