2025 RECORD OVERALL RECORD: 2-8 DISTRICT RECORD: 1-5
Elkhart ELKS
Joe Elerson
Sports Writer sports @ palestineherald. com
The Elkhart Elks came into the 2025 season with high expectations under veteran coach Ryan Blackmon.
Blackmon took over in the offseason for Cody Day, who left to be the head coach at Coldspring- Oakhurst.
Blackmon said even with the 2-8 overall record and 1-5 in a very tough district, he learned a lot about his coaching style.
“ I have been here at Elkhart for 22 years so it wasn’ t tough for a new school,” Blackmon said.“ I knew the kids and the community. I think what I learned is you better be a good delegator. There is so much that falls on your plate with being an athletic director and head football coach. You have to trust your assistant coaches to do their job well. I have four former athletic directors on my staff so I could lean on them to help me out.”
Injuries were a key part of the issues with the Elks according to Blackmon. At one point, they were playing without junior Dalton Walker and senior quarterback Coyt Cooper.
He( Walker) runs hard and he got hurt this year fighting for extra yards and gets his ankle wrapped up,” Blackmon said.“ He goes as hard as he can every play and does a good job of taking care of his body. He gets stronger and I think that will help him. He did what he needed to do and played in seven games and had 1,000 yards.”
Walker finished the year with 1,059 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in seven games. He was named a second team all-district performer.
Blackmon also recognized two other players who had strong seasons in Special Teams Player of the Year Nicholas Rodriguez and Utility Player of the
Year Jackson Denney.
Jackson is a four year guy on varsity and is a jack of all trades. He stepped into a running back role this year with Dalton gone and played some slot receiver and tight end,” Blackmon said.“ He would do whatever he had to do for the team. He never came off the field defensively. He is a great kid and works hard and leads by example.”
Blackmon said Rodriguez is an all-around renaissance man.
“ Nick is a guy who is going to be Valedictorian,” Blackmon said.“ He was a five event qualifier in track at regionals last year, he is in the band and our Special Teams Player of the Year. We are going to miss him and is a great locker room guy and a leader for us.”
14 WINTER EDITION 2026