Driving north on Main St. in Stratford, Texas, you’ll eventually dead end right into Stratford High School.
That means Stratford High School is literally the center of the small town (pop. 2,017) located just 12 miles south of the Oklahoma border.
Stratford head coach Matt Lovorn believes it’s an appropriate location to say the least.
“Our community, it’s a farming community, and you don’t have a close city next to us, so there’s not a whole lot to do up here at times,” Stratford head coach Matt Lovorn said. “On any Friday night, the whole town shuts down and our community is just great support.”
Stratford is coming off a memorable 2021 season as the Elks brought home their fourth state title in school history with a 39-27 win over Falls City in the 2A Division II State Title Game. It was Stratford’s first state title since 2008.
“When they love the work that they do, they will do great work. They were created with love, they are loved, and they are meant to share this love.
Love prevails over everything.
ALL GREAT THINGS ARE BUILT WITH LOVE!”What an amazing football season. pic.twitter.com/AcCQAHktQw
— Matt Lovorn (@MattLovorn) December 20, 2021
Lovorn said it was especially meaningful to bring another state trophy back to a town where the school is ingrained in the fabric of the community.
“It’s a big deal, not only for the kids and coaches, but the program and the school and the community,” Lovorn said. “We’ve got such a small town up here in the Texas Panhandle where everything centers around the accomplishments of the kids at the school. Our young men represented us well and did things the right way.”
2022 will look a little bit different for the Elks as they move up to 2A Division I for the first time since 2017.
However, there will be some familiar faces as Stinnett West Texas, Panhandle, and Sanford-Fritch were all in the Elks’ district the last time they played in 2A Division I.
Class 2A Division I
District 1
Highland Park
Farwell
Panhandle
Sanford-Fritch
Stinnett West Texas
StratfordDistrict 2
Floydada
New Deal
Olton
Post
Sundown
Tahoka— Pete Christy (@pchristy11) February 3, 2022
Lovorn said he and his Elks are ready to test their mettle in the new division.
“It’s been a little while since we’ve been in that district, but it is our old division,” Lovorn said. “It’s more or less for us just another challenge to move up a division and still continue to have success. I think our team is really looking forward to it.”
And even though the Elks graduated quarterback Cody Rinne and wide receiver Dru Jones, two of the stars from last year’s title game, they still have some impact players returning.
At the skill positions, running back Zane Burr is back (1,297 rushing yards, 22 TDs in 2021) as well as receivers Mauricio Duran (294 receiving yards) and Alfredo Duarte.
4th and Goal. AGAIN.
This time the Elks will NOT be denied! Zane Burr wills his way into the end zone. @JackBox | @uiltexas | #UILState | #UILonBally pic.twitter.com/UCObGIB0HA
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) December 16, 2021
Offensive line will be another strength for the Elks as Julio Castillo, Ben Paez, and Emiliano Alvarez all return.
Behind that offensive line, Lovorn feels confident in his team’s quarterback situation heading into the year. After a breakout freshmen year where he racked up 183 total tackles from his linebacker position, Bryce Braden will flip over to the offensive side to lead the Elks behind center.
Lovorn knows there might be some growing pains at first, but he believes Braden has what it takes to lead the Stratford offense this year.
“He’s a tremendous leader and mature beyond his years,” Lovorn said. “It’s going to take a little bit of time and patience for him to get used to playing quarterback because it has been over a year since he has, but he is going to do a great job for us.”
Even with the offense returning key players at several positions, Lovorn is most excited about his defense.
The Elk linebacking corps will be stacked with all four of last year’s starters returning in Burr (157 total tackles), Bryce Braden (183 total tackles) and his brother Luke (74 total tackles), and Adan Duran (73 total tackles).
On the defensive line, Lovorn said he expects Alvarez, Castillo, and Paez to start. None of the three started a year ago, but all three saw significant playing time in 2021.
With all of that returning experience from a year ago, Lovorn said the front seven should be a huge strength for the Elks this fall.
And as the Elks head into a crowded 2A Division I field, Lovorn said it will be important for his team to go week-by-week, focusing on making strides every time they take the field.
“We’re going to be focusing a lot on ourselves and continuing to improve each game, especially during that pre-district schedule,” Lovorn said. “We’ve got to keep getting better through district and, if we get fortunate, in the playoffs. Our hope is that we can focus on the things that we can control and continue to get stronger through the season.”
2022 Stratford Elks Football Schedule
(Bold designates District 1-2A Division I matchup)
8/26 vs. Spearman
9/2 at Sunray
9/9 vs. Gruver
9/16 at Vega
9/30 at Perryton
10/7 vs. Farwell
10/14 vs. Panhandle
10/21 at Sanford-Fritch
10/28 vs. Amarillo Highland Park
11/4 at Stinnett West Texas
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