The Inter-Mountain photo by Joey Kittle First-year Elkins coach Jimmy Hankins instructs his team during Monday’s game at Liberty. The Tigers visit Robert C. Byrd this evening.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Joey Kittle
First-year Elkins coach Jimmy Hankins instructs his team during Monday’s game at Liberty. The Tigers visit Robert C. Byrd this evening.

ELKINS — Elkins makes the trek to Harrison County for the second time this week when it battles Robert C. Byrd at 7 p.m. today in a Big 10 Conference matchup.

The Tigers, in the coaching debut of Jimmy Hankins, dropped a 33-6 decision to Liberty on Monday night, and now face a stern task against the Flying Eagles, who return a strong nucleus from last year’s squad which defeated Elkins in the 2020 state quarterfinals.

The Tigers managed just a late touchdown run by senior Tommy Williams in the loss to the Mountaineers. Williams had a team-high 39 yards on the ground.

Sophomore quarterback Todd Vandevender added a 26-yard completion to Blake Lane, which came on the scoring drive.

Running backs Javier Roserio and Isavir Sweezy also figure into the offense.

RCB, meanwhile, will be making its season debut after last week’s game against Keyser was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocol.

The Flying Eagles return one of the state’s top running backs in 6-foot, 218-pound senior Jeremiah King, who scored 24 touchdowns in 2020.

Senior fullback Aidan Morris is also expected to see plenty of carries.

Junior Nick George takes over at quarterback for the graduated Xavier Lopez.

George’s top receivers include seniors Nathaniel Junkins and Jaidan Willis, along with junior Braylon Hilliard.