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Senior quarterback Brandon Gualtiere and senior wideout Zac Dreffs set new school records for passing and receiving yardage, respectively, in the Elk Rapids Elks' run to their second straight appearance in the state playoffs.

It was the top sports story of 2007.

The Elks, who had qualified for the Division 3 playoffs for the first time in school history in 2006, weren't through.

In two more firsts, the Elks hosted Grayling in the opening round of the districts and knocked off the Vikings for the second time in 2007 to register their first playoff win.

Menominee ended the Elks' season the next week.

Elk Rapids, which finished 6-3 in 2006 to earn an automatic berth in the playoffs, started this season 6-0 ... which included a thrilling 29-23 overtime victory at Grayling in a key Lake Michigan Conference game. But the Elks hit a speed bump on a soggy field at Boyne City, with turnovers playing a key role in their 26-15 loss to the Ramblers.

The next week, Traverse City St. Francis spoiled the Elks' chances of sharing the league title in a game played at Don Glowicki Field.

In a stroke of good fortune, the Elks drew Grayling in the opening round of the playoffs. Since they defeated the Vikings during the regular season, the Elks hosted the game.

Striking for two quick touchdowns in the first half, Elk Rapids shut down Grayling the rest of the way in locking up its first playoff win, 14-2. Menominee ended the Elks' season with a 46-0 victory in the district championship game the next week.

Elk Rapids finished the season 8-3, including the playoffs, and while the Elks suffer heavy graduation losses, the future remains bright. Two of the biggest spots to fill will be those of Gualtiere and Dreffs, who became one of the school's hottest passing combinations ever.

Gualtiere, used only sparingly at quarterback in 2006, finished the 2007 season by throwing for 1,330 yards.

Dreffs not only set a single-season record with 828 receiving yards, but he had a two-year total of 1,245 yards.

He also was the team's primary kick returner, establishing new school records in punt return yardage (189) and kickoff return yardage (425). "Zac kept you awake during football games," Schindler said. "You certainly knew when we threw him the ball."

Dreffs not only was named First Team All-State, but earned a nomination as one of the eight best players at his position in the entire state.

The Elks had eight players receive All-Conference recognition, include four First Teamers.