Elks deny Lions homecoming victory

WESTSIDE -- A day of celebration turned to sorrow for the Gravette Lions when the visiting Elks from Elkins came back from a first-quarter deficit to take the win by four.

The Lions started off strong with a pair of touchdowns by Kyler Austin, but the Elks were not about to give up and later in the quarter were out in front with two touchdowns and PATs.

By the end of the first half, the Lions again held the edge, 26-21, but the Elks scored another TD and PAT in the third, making it 28-26, Elks.

And in the final quarter of the game, both sides picked up a pair of TDs, with Elkins adding PATs, as well.

In the end, missed conversion attempts made the difference, giving Elkins the conference win, 42-38, and adding a sour note to the Gravette homecoming celebrations.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette junior Rhett Hilger goes airborne in an attempt to escape an Elkins tackle during play in Lion Stadium on Friday.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette's Kyler Austin runs one into the endzone with Elkins' players in persuit during play in Lion Stadium on Friday night.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL With the help of blocking by Ian Leonard, Karl Bontrager runs the ball downfield for the Lions during play in Gravette on Friday.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette quarterback Rhett Hilger looks for an open receiver during play against Elkins at Lion Stadium on Friday.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gravette's Kyler Austin puts an end to a run by Elkins' quarterback Kayson Drummond during play in Lion Stadium on Friday night.