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27 PREP RALLY: CLASS 4A | 8.20.2023 Get Real value in BENTON COUNTY *Southern Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS ARMLNP40215 479-273-7786 479-524-8400 www.afbic.com BENTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU 1601 SW A St Bentonville, AR 72712 2125 E Main Street • Suite 13 Siloam Springs, AR 72761 Elks now the hunted instead of the hunter HAROLD MCILVAIN II NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE ELKINS — e landscape in the 4A-1 Conference has changed quite a bit over the years. It was even more evident last year with Elkins capturing the league crown last season in dominant fashion. ey were the first program outside of Shiloh Christian, Prairie Grove and Pea Ridge to win the 4A-1 in the past 10 seasons. e Elks, who won their fourth conference title and first in outright fashion in program history, now look to create a new trend hoping to repeat as conference champions. "We want to be at the top again," Elkins coach Zach Watson said. "We would love to slip back into that spot, but we have some great football teams in our conference. We have a bull's-eye on our backs. We are the hunted aer being the hunters. We know our competition isn't resting and they are being well coached. I have a lot of respect for this league and the coaches in it. We are looking forward to that challenge." If Elkins is able to find its way again atop the league standings, it will be behind one of the more powerful offenses in the state. Elkins averaged a state-best 50 points per game and was even among the top teams in the nation. Senior quarterback Dizzy Dean started his first-ever varsity season last year and put his talents on full display earning all- See Elks, Page 29 Dizzy Dean | Elkins File Photo