ELKINS Young Elks making progress

Elkins coach Bryan Hutson said in the preseason that lack of depth and inexperience could be problem areas for his team. Low numbers are still an issue, but his players now have four games under their belt and a three-game winning streak.

Junior quarterback Kain Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in a 36-16 win over Waldron to open 4A-4 Conference play. The Elks (3-1, 1-0 4A-4) jumped to a 29-0 halftime lead and cruised from there.

“We are only dressing 28, 29 kids, so depth is always going to be a concern,” Hutson said. “The kids are finding their niche. Kain Johnson has come in at quarterback as a first-year starter and really led well. He’s done well throwing the ball and with his feet.

“He’s competitive and makes great decisions. He’s a natural with the ball in his hands. These kids have played together for so long growing up. It looks like backyard football at times. It’s kinda cool.”

Johnson has completed 67 percent of his passes for 691 yards. He’s thrown 8 touchdown passes and no interceptions, along with a team-high 193 yards rushing. He’s also ran for four touchdowns.

Junior Cody Drummond has been a two-way standout. The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder leads the team in receptions with 14, including 3 TDs. He also 10 tackles (7 solos). The Elks have bounced back from a loss to Greenland to win three straight, outscoring opponents by a combined score of 119-22.

Elkins plays host to Dover on Friday for homecoming, which can also cause trouble. But Hutson said it’s been good thus far.

“You worry about the distractions as a coach, but so far our kids have been really focused,” Hutson said. “I’ve been really proud of them and their effort.”