Photos: Elkins Tops Grafton 44-21 on Homecoming Night

GRAFTON, W.Va. — Elkins continued its strong start to the high school football season Friday night, defeating Grafton 44-21 at McKinney Field. The result improved the Tigers to 5-1, while the Bearcats moved to 3-3.

The matchup brought together two Big Ten Conference programs as Grafton celebrated homecoming in front of the home crowd.

Elkins entered the game riding a three-game winning streak and extended that run to four with the victory. The Tigers have put together wins over Lewis County, Buckhannon-Upshur, Philip Barbour and Grafton since their only loss of the season against Moorefield.

For Grafton, Friday's game followed a narrow 27-26 loss at Berkeley Springs the previous week. The Bearcats opened the season with wins over East Fairmont, Lincoln and Hampshire after a one-point loss to Philip Barbour.

Friday night's game was also the centerpiece of Grafton High School's homecoming celebration. Caylee Abel was crowned the 2026 Grafton High School Homecoming Queen during the evening's festivities. Grafton High School had scheduled the court presentation and coronation for halftime of the game.

Elkins will return home to face North Marion on Friday, Oct. 9. Grafton has an open week before returning to action against Robert C. Byrd on Friday, Oct. 16.

Photos by Ben Queen