ELKTON — Colt Beck is at the heart of the Elks’ success.

In his senior campaign, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound quarterback/linebacker is powering Elkton-Lake Benton to one last playoff run after falling short in last season’s state semifinals to eventual champion Hamlin, 20-16.

But after Friday’s rematch with the Chargers ending in a dominant 46-14 win for Elkton-Lake Benton on Oct. 17, the Elks will enter postseason play with all the momentum in the world.

“This one has been on our mind for awhile, having them bounce us in the semis last year so we’ve just been hungry and ready for this game,” Beck said following the win. “It was exciting.”

And it was a particularly explosive night for the returning all-stater. Beck totaled four rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in the win, highlighted by a 71-yard house call to get the scoring started for the Elks.

Multi-touchdown games aren’t anything new to the three-year starting quarterback, but Beck knew he needed to have a big game to pick up the team’s biggest win of the season.

Elkton-Lake Benton's Colt Beck throws a pass in the Elks' 46-14 win over Hamlin on Oct. 17, 2025, in Hayti.

“Looking at this game on the schedule, that’s one you mark,” Beck said. “You have to go off.”

Beck has been the starting quarterback for each of the last three seasons for ELB, earning all-conference honors twice and was a 2024 all-state selection as an athlete.

He recently broke the school record for career rushing yards in the Elks’ 36-13 win over Britton-Hecla on Oct. 10, amassing 2,385 yards on the ground, breaking the previous record set by his predecessor at quarterback Ryan Krog (2,360).

Despite the overwhelming success Beck has had as a player, ELB head coach Kaleb Haas says it’s his team-first mentality that makes him special.

And while Beck has dealt with some injuries this season, he’s still willed the Elks to a 7-1 record and the No. 2 seed heading into the playoffs.

“He’s all about the team first. He doesn’t care at all about stats,” Haas said. “When he got a little bit of an injury and we decided to shut him down a little bit, kind of focus more on other kids to carry the load for the team. He was not scared at all to pass that on and he actually encouraged it cause he knew where we wanted to go and what we wanted to accomplish, he needs to be healthy for us.”

A healthy Beck benefits the Elks’ offense in more than one way. Aside from his passing and running ability, it’s an added threat that allows other players to dominate, like senior running back Eliot Erickson.

Elkton-Lake Benton's Colt Beck getting the snap in the Elks' 46-14 win over Hamlin on Oct. 17, 2025, in Hayti.

Erickson was able to take over in the second half against Hamlin last Friday, scoring two more touchdowns, including a 67-yard scamper.

“He’s a great athlete,” Erickson said of Beck. “Having him back there is really nice. He's able to throw the rock, run it. He’s a great quarterback. It’s fun having him.”

The Elks have made the semifinals two of the last three seasons and one trip to the quarterfinals in 2023, and with Beck at the helm, will try to make its first trip to the DakotaDome since 2006.

“This has been fun,” Beck said. “It’s been a little bit of a roller coaster being banged up, having guys banged up. But I love my teammates, love my friends playing here so it’s just been fun.”

No. 2 seeded Elkton-Lake Benton kicks off its playoff run Thursday night at home against No. 15 Bennett County.

“We’re excited,” Beck said. “We’re hoping to carry this momentum, I think we will carry this momentum into the playoffs and I think it’ll be a fun ride for us.”