November 24, 2021 Issue, Page 1 of 16

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Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 Weekday Edition Big Elks in Class 4A Football Semi-finals By Kerry Hookstra Elk City is on a roll. Football has taken a major step up in the 2021 season as the Big Elks approach a rematch with Clinton Nov. 26 at Southwest Oklahoma State University. The 7:00 p.m. showdown pits the 10-2 Elk City crew against the 11-1 Red Tornado. Clinton’s lone loss came in their season opener at Woodward. They have a 10 game winning streak including a defeat of the Big Elks at Clinton, Elk City dropped their District opener to Bethany in a contest that was closer than the final score indicated. ‘The Big Elks rumbled over Grove 45-24 at Ridgerunner Field Nov. 19 while the Red Tornado downed Bristow 30-7. On the other side of the Semi-final bracket Poteau and Tuttle will hook up after Poteau took care of Blanchard 45-14 and Tuttle shut- ‘out Wagoner 28-0. Grove had flashes of brilliance in three scoring drives but the “bend, don’t break” Elk City defense held them to just a field goal over the remainder of the game behind a team leading 12 ‘The Big Elks explode on to the field in tackles from Sammy Leal. Offense was in high gear for the Big Elks with 539 total yards. the playoff game against Grove where they ‘The ground game was again led by Daylon Thompson with 275 won 45-24, With the win the Big Elks (10- yards and one touchdown. Jason Crouse gained 18 with a td 2) advance to the next round against the and Corey Culver rushed for and a TD. Mason Price picked up Clinton Tornadoes (11-1) on Friday. 12 yards. Culver was a high percentage passer completing 9-11 for Kickoff will be at 7 p.m at the South- 226 yards and three TD’s. Drake Hughes led the way with four western Oklahoma State University in catches covering 159 yards and a trip to the end zone. Alex Weatherford. Photos courtesy of Salena Dixon. Cherry grabbed two tosses and scored once while Price made two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Playing on a neutral field with leadership from 14 seniors “We are the Cinderella story” gives Elk City confidence to avenge the regular season loss to Clinton. The Brown and White fans will be in abundance at Weatherford Friday night as the Big Elks have advanced to be- come one of the top four teams in Oklahoma Class 4A Football Elk City Athletic Director says the Elk City Football team is a for 2021. story of perseverance in the face of adversity Elk City Fire Department By Shonda Little University Football Field in Weatherford,” Hunt said. “Grove is a good five-hour drive from Elk City, and we played to a full house responds to If Elk City High School Athletic Director Brian Hunt knows any- thing, it is the fabled stories of Elk City sports. of Elk City folks on Friday. So I expect that there will be an even bigger presence of Elk City fans next Friday. I mean, we are all so single-unit fire at After all, he himself was a graduate of ECHS in 1985 and very proud of this team anyway, and then we know precisely what the much involved in the teams of his time. His wife Lisa, a 1987 graduate, was a member of the 1985 ECHS girls basketball team Clinton rivalry means to Elk City. Clinton's program has always been really impressive, but our coaching staff and athletes are on apartment complex that brought home the revered gold ball. The couple met and fell in love on the old high school campus that now houses the Elk top of that challenge for this year. These guys have been working seven days a week at this effort the entire season, even before ECED Assistant Chief warns of City Board of Education. “When you know, you know,” he said about his longtime mar- that, honestly.” Hunt says the last time that the ECHS football program has made seasonal fire dangers riage. The same seems to apply to his chosen career in coaching it to the semi-finals was in 2005. and education that eventually led him back to Elk City eight years “We played Clinton then, too, at OU’s stadium. We didn’t advance ago. that year, but this year is not that year. We know thisis our time,” After the Big Elks commanding victory over Grove on Friday he said. night, the “Cinderella” team now advances to play the Clinton Hunt knows all too well what facing Clinton in the regular season Red Tornadoes in the 4A State semi-finals next Friday. and the playoffs feels like, both as a coach and a former player. “We will kick off at 7 pm at the Southwestern Oklahoma State See Elks page 2. Elk City Chamber of Commerce president Firefighters respond to the fire. Courtesy photos. encourages residents to enjoy Black Friday By Shonda Little and Small Business Saturday Sales in Elk City By the time Elk City Fire Department crews finally returned to the firehouse late Sunday evening, the well-trained staff had By Shonda Little want or need here in town,” Brown said. responded to three calls in a short six-hour period. Brown also referenced “Pink Friday,” which is being held by the ECED Assistant Chief and Public Information Officer Brian Everett-Blake Society, 580 Threads, and The Vogue Boutique. Pierce said that volume of calls is relatively commonplace for “There will be a lot going on in town on Black Friday and Small “If you spend a certain amount, you can get a pink t-shirt that the local agency, especially during the colder months. Business Saturday in Elk City,” Elk City Chamber of Commerce says, ‘Shop Local.’ There are sales throughout downtown next “We do definitely tend to go on more house fires this time of President Katherine Brown said, “In fact, some of our business- week. They have them kind of strategically staggered, so no one year,” Pierce explained. “A big culprit to that is alternative heat- es are starting out on Thanksgiving night. We want to keep our store has lines that are too long at one time. All retailers have ing sources. People are also in the house more due to the cold business here, and our retailers are doing our very best to bring been great about working together in that way. As soon as that weather, which leads to more opportunities there. On the am- anything you could possibly want right here out your front door. is over on Friday, everyone will roll seamlessly into Small Busi- bulance side, we also see an increased volume of sickness. That And, don't forget that Christmas in the Park will also be starting ness Saturday. You will see a lot of ‘Deep Down’ savings,” Brown isn’t even a Covid thing. We have long seen an increase in germ- this week.” advised. related illnesses during the winter months. So far, this has been ‘The sales will begin for some stores late Thursday evening. While Among the retail available, Brown listed women’s, men’s, and a very mild, if not outright warm, fall and early winter. How- the downtown shopping district will be hopping for the three- children’s wear, as well as accessories, home decor, kitchen items, ever, we have no idea what January will bring. We have that day extravaganza, Brown also emphasized that several chamber floral arrangements, and specialty gifts. same caution for driving in inclement weather. A combination members outside the district are also participating. “If you don’t find what you need, our retailers have the answer “Every small town wants their downtown district to be a gem, in gift certificates. Most of us will work to make sure we can help of these things tends to keep us pretty busy. It is nothing for us. and ours certainly is one. But, our stores outside that area, like you get what you need,” she said. to go on six to ten calls in a day.” Circle A and the Mix, have a lot happening. Please don’t limit Brown praised local retailers for their efforts to anticipate the ‘The first call that the ECFD received on Sunday afternoon was your shopping to any one area of Elk City. I don’t want to forget public’s needs. toa fire at the Remington Place apartment complex. Previously one, and I know so many great things are going on. The biggest “Our local businesses work diligently to stay on top of current See Fire page 2 thing I want to stress is that you can find almost anything you See Retail page 2. Vol. 119, No. 94 LA Weather tomorrow 52/30 75 cents, 16 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com