ELKIN - Elkin and Starmount opened their Mountain Valley Conference slates in big ways Friday night in Week Three.

The Buckin’ Elks surpassed last season’s win total with a huge 42-20 win over East Wilkes in “The Clash of the County Line.”

Powered by four touchdowns by quarterback Josh Strickland, Elkin jumped out to a 28-0 lead before scoring late to put the game out of reach.

Strickland connected on three touchdown passes on the night, two to Sam Lane and one to Chris Hudspeth, and plowed in from one yard out on a QB keeper.

Running backs Jamiles Hayes and Kody King rounded out the scoring on the night.

Quarterback Zach West scored two touchdowns to lead the Cards. The junior found Jathan Sales in the endzone before running it in late in the third quarter.

Jordan Niten added East’s final score in the final minute of the game.

In Boonville, Starmount blanked Yadkin County rival Forbush in the annual Unifi Bowl, 49-0.

Running back Chaston Martin continued his hot start with two first-half touchdowns. Signal-caller Samuel Stone broke free on a thrilling 64-yard scoring to help lead the Rams.

The win was Starmount’s sixth-straight victory in the matchup and extended its conference win streak to 34 games.

Elkin returns to the field next Friday at Ashe County, while Starmount heads to East Wilkes.

For full recaps of tonight’s game, check out Monday’s Tribune.

Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@heartlandpublications.com.