Countdown to Kickoff: Stratford Elks

STRATFORD, Texas (KFDA) - The Stratford Elks are the most recent Texas Panhandle team to win a state championship, back in 2021.

They’re not just recent winners, though. In the last 50 years, the Elks only have four losing seasons.

In 21 days, they’ll look to continue their tradition of giving opponents nightmares.

“We say all the time, ‘It’s not what you preach, it’s what you tolerate,’” head coach Jon Murphy said. “Our standard’s gonna be based on physicality and tradition and integrity, and we’re gonna try to do things right. That’s what’s made Stratford special: how hard we play and how much we care about each other.”

Since the turn of the century, the Elks have 18 seasons with double-digit wins. The standard of excellence stems from the community.

“You don’t get no place like it,” junior wide receiver/safety Darius Jones said. “Stratford, the community, the people, they just raise the standard every year.”

In a town where football is everything, senior year is unforgettable.

“You’ll think about it the rest of your life,” senior linebacker/tight end Jackson Carroll said. “I’m just wanting to lead these guys the best I can for the town, for the coaches, for the people.”

With a star senior class departing last year, the Elks won’t be the same, but the Stratford culture isn’t going anywhere.

“We’re always gonna try to evolve a little bit, and still not lose our soul,” Murphy said. “We want to keep ourselves a Stratford Elks team. More than just X’s and O’s, we’ve talked a lot about who we are and who we want to be.”

Stratford football schedule

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