Elkhart Ground Game Leads Elks Past Grapeland, 35-20

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

ELKHART — The Elkhart Elks opened the 2026 football season with a strong performance on the ground, defeating the Grapeland Sandies 35-20 Thursday, Aug. 27, at Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium in the first Messenger Game of the Week.

Elkhart was credited with 325 rushing yards and five total touchdowns in the non-district contest.

Dalton Walker led the Elks’ ground attack with 248 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. He averaged 14.6 yards per carry and broke loose for a 67-yard run during the game.

Although the Sandies came up short on the scoreboard, Grapeland coach Jordan Wood identified several players who stood out during the season opener.

Wood pointed to Diego Fajardo as one of Grapeland’s top performers.

“We know he’s a great player, and he showed that again,” Wood said. “He’s a really good player for us.”

Wood also praised three sophomore linemen who started for Grapeland and handled the demanding work in the interior of the offensive line. Brodey Ellis, Cash Huff and Ethan Deleon were each recognized for stepping into important roles during the game.

“We also have three sophomore linemen that started for us that all stepped up and played really well,” Wood said. “Those three interior linemen, as sophomores, played really well. The offensive line’s a tough spot to play, especially as a young guy, and they did a good job.”

The Elks will also be back in action Friday, Sept. 4, traveling to Anderson-Shiro for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]