Tom Dodge
A district title is one of the goals every team sets back in the summer drills and weight-room workouts.
When the No. 8 Elton Indians (4-0, 2-0) visit St. Edmund (4-1, 2-0) Friday night, the Blue Jays have a chance to move closer to that coveted trophy.
The battle won’t be easy against the undefeated Indians, according to St. Edmund head coach Andy Hargroder.
“They are the best team we have played all year,” the Blue Jay coach said. “We are going to have to execute perfectly with no mistakes and no penalties.”
Elton is coming off a one-sided 47-6 homecoming win over Hamilton Christian.
Darnell Robinson scored on a 5-yard run and added a 57-yard touchdown run.
A 27-yard touchdown pass from Keshawn Lyons to Derrick Finnley and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Eric Wilson to give Elton a commanding 26-0 lead.
After Hamilton Christian scored a touchdown on to close the gap to 26-6 at the break, Elton’s Finnley returned the opening kickoff of the second half 90-yard for a touchdown to give the Indians the 32-6 lead.
After a HC fumble, Lyons hitting Kervondrick Scott on a 81-yard touchdown pass to give Elton a 40-6 lead to end the third quarter.
Robinson added a 75-yard run to cap the 7-6 victory.
“They are more balanced than most high school teams,” Hargroder said. “What ever they want to do, then can do.
“They are a very talented team.”
It is senior night for the Jays as eight players will be recognized prior to kickoff.
“It is only my second season with them,” the coach said. “But they understand we are trying to build a program and not just have a good team this season,” Hargroder said.
“We are trying to do more than just the fundamentals of football – we are teaching how you are supposed to deal with life.
“These seniors have stepped up as leaders and are helping keep the team focused on and off the field,” Andrus said.
“Several of them don’t see much time on the field,” the coach said. “But they are at practice every day, work hard and doing the right thing. I really appreciate those guys.”
The Blue Jays had 375 yards rushing in the 55-27 win at South Cameron last week, including a 150-yard performance by Luke Doucet.
“When ever you can put up that many yards, you have to credit the offensive line for doing their job,” Hargroder said.
In other District 4-1A games, Basile (2-3, 1-1) entertains South Cameron (0-4, 0-2); Grand Lake (1-3, 0-2) visits Merryville (1-4, 0-2) and Oberlin (4-1, 2-0) hosts Hamilton Christian (1-3, 1-1).