The I-40 rivalry between the Elk City Elks and the Clinton Red Tornadoes is as old as both cities’ schools.
It is simply forever — an annual passage for virtually every sport both schools offer to their students.
While both teams always vie to bring home that Elk Red-Blam win each year, the losses seem most bitter when they are close.
That was the case for the Elk City Elks last week in the schools’ 2024 game.
The stats show that the game couldn’t have been closer. These boys — both teams — left it all on the field.
Ultimately, the Elks were behind when the clock ticked out the final seconds.
The Red Tornadoes barely edged out a 21-24 victory.
ECHS Head Coach Maynard didn’t give many quotes, but that should be expected when you take a heartbreak loss from your rival in that way.
The loss for the Elk City boys wasn’t for lack of effort and talent.
The first quarter let fans know this was gonna be a tight game with a 7-7 finish.
Second quarter had Elk City up 14-7.
The Elks added another TD in the third quarter, giving them a 21-7 advantage.
But like all good sports rivalries, the Clinton boys got back in the game in the fourth quarter. They eventually overtook the Elks, gaining a tight 24-21 win.
When asked if this was an important game as a rivalry or for play-off standing, Coach Maynard said, “Yes, it was Clinton. Lost second consecutive district game and a big game for playoff seeding.”
He also added, “Kids played as hard as they could.”
