Shiloh Christian 35, Elkins 22

ELKINS — After jumping out to a 20-0 lead, Shiloh Christian found itself in a dogfight as Elkins outscored the Saints 22-15 in the last three quarters to create the final margin at John Bunch Jr. Memorial Field.

The Saints (1-0) scored twice before the Elks (0-1) even touched the ball thanks to successful onside kick after Broc Berus hurtled a pair of defenders on his way to the end zone on a 48-yard reception. Connor Reece passed and ran for touchdowns to complete the Saints’ dominating first quarter performance.

“We knew (the onside kick) was coming, but they’re just so good at what they do,” said Elkins first-year coach Chad Harbison. “They got couple of plays early on us, but I think once we settled down and did what we were coached to do, we started playing ball.”

Elks senior quarterback Jake Strode spearheaded the comeback attempt. Despite being sacked nine times, Strode finished with 271 total yards to go along with three touchdowns, including two rushing. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 221 yards.

“We knew they were a very good football team coming in,” said Shiloh Christian third-year coach Jeff Conaway. “(Strode) was a gamer. He scrambled around and made some big throws down the field.

“They’re going to win a lot of games this year.”

Connor Reece was 17 of 23 passing for 290 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed 8 times for 69 yards and another score. Berus accounted for 140 total yards and two touchdowns. With starters Tyler Roth and Jake Nelson out with injuries, Jaret Russ led the Saints with 8 receptions for 136 yards.