The West Elk Patriots and head coach Ian Denton fell to South Sumner 70-6 in Week 7, dropping to 1-6 on the season.

West Elk has faced two tough opponents during its two-game road trip in Weeks 6 and 7, with those teams combining for a 13-1 record.

Denton says the Patriots got some help from returning players who had been sidelined with injuries, including their starting tailback, Ryatt Griesel, who had been out since Week 2, as he came up with several big plays, including a touchdown. 

The Patriots will square off against Erie this week, a team they haven’t faced since 2009. Denton says the Red Devils have quick, athletic players, and West Elk is looking forward to the matchup on Senior Night. 

The clash between the Patriots and Red Devils will be just the fifth meeting between the two programs in the last 55 years. West Elk will look to pick up its second win of the season in the regular-season finale.