Granger lost its top receiver (Taylor Pili) and top running back (Asi Vakalahi) from last season's team, and some people saw that as a major blow. Two brothers saw it as an opportunity.

Senior wide receiver Robbie Elkins and his brother James Elkins knew they would be called upon to step up, and they have not disappointed.

Robbie did get some varsity playing time last season. It wasn't very significant, but that didn't seem to matter in Granger's season-opening win over Kearns.

"Playing behind Taylor was great for me last year. He was a great leader and I learned a lot from him," Robbie said. "My goal coming into the season was to be that kind of a leader on the field."

Robbie lived up to that goal, tallying 188 yards and three touchdown catches against Kearns. Only one player in the state has had more receiving yards in a game this so far this season — Pleasant Grove's Skyler Munson.

Not to be outdone, James posted some big numbers in the Lancers' Week 2 win against Murray. James broke free for three touchdown runs, including one of 80 yards and another of 76. He finished the game with 235 yards on the ground.

"The running game will always be good; we just have to make sure we keep our passing game at the same level and we will be tough for any team to stop," Robbie said.

The Elkins brothers have helped make Granger's offense one of the most potent in the state.

The Lancers are averaging 51 points per game, which is second in class 5A (Jordan is averaging 54.5 points per game). Granger is also 2-0 for the second straight season. Every other Region 2 team has already dropped at least one contest.

"Those two are grinders," Granger coach Cecil Thomas said. "James will have plenty of big games, and Robbie makes our passing game more of a force. Our offense is much less one-dimensional than the one that was here last year."

It is still the preseason, so the Lancers aren't looking too far ahead. Still, the Elkins brothers have helped make Granger a team that can't be overlooked in Region 2. If Robbie and James continue to put up big numbers, the Lancers have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years. —

Lancing the opposition

Granger senior receiver Robbie Elkins had 188 yards receiving and three touchdown receptions in the Lancers' season-opening win against Kearns.

Robbie's brother James ran for three touchdowns and 235 yards in Granger's Week 2 win over Murray.

Granger is currently second in class 5A in scoring with 51 points per game.