Here’s a look at the Stratford Elks heading into the 2024 football season. Take a listen to head coach Jonathan Murphy in the video at the link above.

2023 resume

Head coach: Jonathan Murphy, second year at Stratford, 14-1. Second year overall.
2023 Record: 14-1 overall, 5-0 in District 1-2A Division I. Class 2A Division I state semifinalist finalist.

Returning starters 

Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Season opener: 7 p.m. at Abernathy, Friday, Aug. 30.

Players to watch 

Bryce Braden, 6-foot-3, 225-pounds, QB-LB, Sr. 

There aren’t many players that have the size, speed and toughness that Braden possess. The four-year starter and captain of the tradition-rich Elks has only gotten better each and every year especially his junior season where he threw for 1,968 yards, ran for 1,398 yards combining for 48 touchdowns. Defensively was equally impressive, as Braden racked up a team-best 184 tackles with 11 sacks. For his career, Braden is closing in on 500 tackles sitting at 471.

Julio Valdez, 6-foot-2, 190-pound, WR-LB, Sr.

Valdez became a huge compliment to Bryce Braden on offense with his size and great hands with the ability to break tackles and make defenders miss. Valdez ended his fantastic junior year snagging 47 catches for 1,065 yards with 11 touchdowns. Defensively, he was also another big compliment to Braden making 129 tackles to go with seven sacks.

Chase Lantelme, 6-foot, 150-pounds, WR-QB-DB, Soph.

Lantelme gives the offense plenty of options and versatility with his ability at wide receiver and play quarterback when need be. As a freshman last year, Lantelme had 339 receiving yards with three touchdowns while throwing for 508 yards.