LINCOLN — To say Tyler Casebolt was impressive you would need only to ask the Lincoln announcer. During the Junior Elks 14-8 win over the Wolves the announcer could be heard describing the running back/linebacker as "Tyler Thunderbolt" and "Tyler Lightning Bolt." Whatever the compliment bestowed Casebolt was a thorn in the side of Lincoln during the entire game.

In the first quarter Casebolt served notice that he would be difficult to contend with. Offensively, the Elks powered the ball up the middle of the Wolves defense as Casebolt reeled off several runs ending with nearly the entire Lincoln population in on the tackle. Defensively, Casebolt patrolled sideline to sideline delivering hits and hurrying throws.

Elkins began the scoring early in the second quarter as Mitchell Clark scampered 12 yards to pay dirt.

Later in the same quarter Clark again ran loosefor a touchdown. With the Elks facing a fourth down and inches at the Lincoln 39 yard line the nimble quarterback attempted to gain the needed distance but ran unmolested to the end zone for the longest quarterback sneak in history. The Elks concluded the half with a 14-0 scoreboard bulge.

The second half featured more of Casebolt.

Each time Lincoln signal caller Cheyenne Vaughn would make a spectacular positive yardage gain, Casebolt would answer on the next play with athundering hit for a loss.

Lincoln managed a score with 3:44 left in the game.

The Elks, needing to run out the clock, could manage a slim fifteen yards of real estate with those coming on a penalty.

Lincoln, receiving the ball following an Elkins punt at their own 8 yard line began a 12 play drive that ended inside the Elk 10 yard line ensuring Elkins of a thrilling 14-8 conference win.

Junior Lincoln coach Brad Harris was disappointed in his team's first league loss. "We beat agood Greenland team last week and knew we were in for a tough go at Elkins. It was an exciting game."

Junior Elkins coach Thurman Shaw cited the offensive line as the key to victory. "The offensive line played their best game of the year tonight.

They opened holes when we had to have a few yards and did a whale of a job.

The game came down to the end. We made the plays when we needed to."

Elk Mitchell Clark was sore following the game.

"That was a hard hitting game of football. We came out and knocked them off the ball and got our running game going. The line did a great job of making sure we had running room."

Elk Sonny Robb echoed Clark. "We knew going in they had a very good quarterback and it would be important for us to control the clock and make some plays on defense."

The Junior Elks continue the conference schedule as they host Mansfield in their next action.

Sports, Pages 6 on 10/08/2009

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