You want efficient football? Try this: Elk River’s offense has punted twice all season. Both came in the fourth game.

The Elks, one of eight remaining 4-0 teams in Class 5A, are trampling opponents under foot. A stable of capable runners have combined for 2,107 rushing yards — averaging 8.9 yards per carry — and 25 touchdowns.

“We’re not as one-dimensional in terms of ball carriers,” Elks coach Steve Hamilton said.

Senior running back Zach Ernst leads the parade. Great vision and Ernst’s ability to be both physical and elusive helped him gain 807 yards on a ridiculous 13.4 yards per carry average and score nine touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Trent Pink, whom Hamilton regards as “one of the best athletes in the state,” ranks first on the team with 10 rushing touchdowns and second with 336 yards (9.1 per carry). Senior Devell Miller presents another explosive running option (330 yards, 8.7 per carry).

Athletic ability is not just confined to the backfield. Hamilton lauded the offensive line for its speed. The big guys are also fast learners. Elk River starts two sophomores and a freshman up front.

Conversely, the Elks’ defense is loaded with veterans. The starters have been stingy, allowing a combined 34 points through the first three quarters of games this season.

Solid two-way play will be important going forward. A Northwest Suburban Conference game with Totino-Grace awaits Oct. 3. And potential Section 6 playoff opponents include fellow unbeatens St. Michael-Albertville and Rogers.

But Hamilton likes his team’s skills and intangibles.

“This is the most fun group of kids I’ve ever worked with,” Hamilton said. “We need to finish strong, and I think we can.”

Cross-country success

North metro cross-country runners and teams enjoyed success at two of Minnesota’s most prestigious meets Saturday.

The Irondale boys and girls’ teams each placed in the top 10 at the Apple Valley Eagle Invitational. Filipos Gilbert led the way for the ninth-place boys while Michelle Meyer paced the eighth-place girls’ team.

The Milaca Mega Meet, the largest in the state, included strong efforts from the boys’ teams representing Elk River (fourth), Andover (sixth) and Mounds View (ninth).

Totino-Grace sophomore Kevin Dado won the individual 4A race in a time of 16 minutes, 9.7 seconds. Others in the top 10 included Osseo senior Mitch Cramer (fifth) and Andover senior Nathan Engstrom (sixth).

Among girls’ teams, Andover placed fifth, one spot ahead of Totino-Grace. Maple Grove finished ninth.

 

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574