Some of the same issues from Zero Week cropped up again during Star Valley’s Week One contest as they hosted the Preston Indians on Friday.
Double-digit penalties and special teams miscues hurt the Braves badly in the second half as did the arm of junior quarterback Brecker Knapp who passed for 293 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-15 Indian victory.
Senior wideout Cole Harris got things started quickly for the visitors as he took a slant route 63 yards to pay dirt on the game’s second play from scrimmage.
Star Valley was able to score as well as Lucas Chappell caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brant Nelson to knot things up at 6-6.
Harris outraced the Braves’ defense again in the second quarter as he caught a perfect pass from Knapp for a 43-yard score.
The home team was able to answer again as Tristan Kleeman brought in a 46-yard circus catch to give the Braves first and goal. Chappell pounded it in and the two teams were tied 13-13.
Similar to last week, the visitors were able to hurt the Braves right before halftime. Knapp connected with Chevy Nelson from 17 yards out to take a 19-13 lead into the locker room.
Momentum swung hard to begin the third quarter as the Preston defense held Star Valley to a three-and-out and then hit Tyler Lindhardt for another pass play of over 40 yards to set up a two-yard plunge from Tait Rawlings. A two-point conversation made the score 27-13.
Twice in the second half the Braves saw a punt attempt go haywire. One turned into a net of ten yards and the other was simply blocked and recovered. On the latter, the Knapp found Nelson for another touchdown, this time on a 39-yard go route and a 34-13 lead.
Star Valley did get a safety on a botched Preston snap for a 34-15 final.
The Braves hit the road next week to face the Sugar-Salem Diggers (2-0).
• Scores Courtesy of wyopreps.com
Laramie 35 Gillette 22
Cheyenne Central 38 Kelly Walsh 12
Sheridan 63 Cheyenne South 8
Thunder Basin 41 Rock Springs 21
Cheyenne East 34 Natrona 27
Lander 28 Green River 7
Powell 41 Worland 6
Cody 44 Riverton 23
Wheatland 50 Kemmerer 0
Glenrock 48 Pinedale 20
Thermopolis 22 Tongue River 7
Lovell 26 Big Horn 0
Douglas 20 Torrington 7
Evanston 36 Mountain View 21
Cokeville 34 Rich County (UT) 6
Jackson 50 Bear Lake 21
