East Knox High School

Blake Elliott has been a standout player just about every time he hits the gridiron, whether it has been scoring touchdowns or stopping players in the backfield on defense. Last week in the opening round of the Division VI, Region 23 playoffs he was dominant on all fronts, and he is this week’s Athlete of the Week.

No. 9 East Knox (7-4, 5-2) was fueled by a four touchdown performance by running back Blake Elliott, leading the Bulldogs to a 35-17 win over No. 8 Martins Ferry (5-6. 0-2) in the first round of the Division VI, Region 23 state football tournament.

No. 9 East Knox Bulldogs (6-4, 5-2) at No. 8 Martins Ferry Purple Riders (5-5, 0-2)

No. 12 East Knox was swept by No. 6 Madison Christian in the Division IV Central 1 District/Sectional tournament on Oct. 18, finishing off the Bulldog volleyball season with a 5-15 record. They were 4-9 in Knox Morrow Athletic Conference play.

Danville (10-0, 7-0) faced Eat Knox (6-4, 5-2) in what Coach Matt Blum dubbed the "Mud Bowl", and while the Bulldogs fought KMAC’s top team through overtime, the Blue Devils finished the season undefeated with a 14-12 win.

Jax Lester threw for three touchdowns and Blake Elliott ran for two scores to lead East Knox (6-3, 5-1) to a 42-28 win over KMAC rival Loudonville (3-6, 2-4) for their second straight win.

Danville (6-16, 3-9) and East Knox (5-14, 4-9) went head to head in KMAC volleyball action on Oct. 10, and Mykenzie Neitzelt of the Blue Devils put together an all-around great performance to knock off the Bulldogs 3-1.

Blake Elliott had a monster day for East Knox (5-3, 4-1), rushing for 205 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs to a 35-0 shutout over KMAC rival Fredericktown (3-5, 2-3).

East Knox (5-13, 4-8) took on Mount Gilead (0-19, 0-12) on Thursday, and made quick work of the KMAC rival Indians in a 3-0 sweep.

East Knox (3-12, 1-7) continue to struggle as the season winds down, going 0-2 last week against a pair of KMAC foes.

Mount Vernon News local football scoreboard Sept. 15

Heading into Friday night's KMAC-opening game vs. Centerburg the East Knox Bulldogs were 1-2, starting with a 14-0 win over Northridge before enduring a pair of losses.

When it comes to high school sports, East Knox volleyball coach Kelsey Walters sees the experience as an opportunity for personal and athletic growth. A key ingredient in the mix is to recognize that progress is more important than perfection from teen student-athletes.

This week, OHSAA post-season competition takes center stage as softball and baseball players rise to the top. Our Athletes of the Week are Maddy Cotsamire (East Knox softball) and Grant Bentley (Northmor baseball).

Teams from 14 schools ran, jumped and threw at the Fredericktown Invitational on April 28 and the visiting Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets won both divisions, taking home the most gold. East Knox Bulldog runner Nathan Streby was a two-time winner, as was Fredericktown track and field leader Elsa Hoam.

Our Athletes of the Week are Natalie Smith (East Knox softball) and Landon Spearman (East Knox baseball).

A red hot player, and a return honor earned by a perfect diamond performance. Our Athletes of the Week are Chesnee Fairall (Centerburg softball) and Bryar Householder (East Knox baseball).

Coming off a 15-6 season in 2022, in which they finished third in the KMAC with an 8-4 conference mark, and with a solid group of returning players, the East Knox High School baseball team is brimming with confidence entering the 2023 season.

East Knox High School Softball Coach Jake Urey brings a philosophy to his work that reinforces the idea of living in the present and doing the best you can do all the time.

Last week, milestones, gritty performances and hard work paid off in local action. Our Athletes of the Week are Ella Divan (East Knox basketball) and Matthew Bland (Mount Gilead basketball).