The Braves had two opportunities to try and tie the game as they trailed the homestanding Jackson Broncs 21-14 but could not finish either drive. The home team then squeezed the remaining time out of the game with timely runs to win their first game in the series since 2014.
Star Valley struck first as Brant Nelson found Zac Patterson for a touchdown pass but the Broncs answered with a drive that lasted less than 90 seconds, capped off by a Clancy Meagher touchdown run. It was the first points of 21 straight the Broncs would score as they rode the running of Brody Hasenack and Sadler Smith to another touchdown just before the half to take a 14-7 lead into the break.
Using the opening possession of the second half to their advantage, the Broncs scored again to push their advantage to 21-7.
Star Valley showed a lot of heart as they answered back with a big drive of their own, throwing their way down the field. Nelson finished with nearly 300 yards passing on the night and two touchdowns, the second of which went to Tristan Kleeman. Both Kleeman and Winston Green finished with over 90 yards receiving.
The Bronc defense however would not allow any more and stifled the Star Valley running game to just 53 yards on 25 carries. After a slow start, Hasenack finished the game with 33 carries for 197 yards and a catch for 28 yards and a touchdown as well as the third down conversion that iced the game. Smith finished with 86 yards rushing and 96 yards passing.
The win dropped the Braves to (1-4)(0-1) on the season but the road doesn’t get any easier. Literally. The team will be in Powell next Friday night on their longest trip of the season where they will face a Panther team fresh off a 14-0 defeat to the Cody Broncs. The Broncs improve to (4-1)(1-0) and will be on the road in Green River next weekend.
Scores provided by wyopreps.com
Green River 23 Evanston 20
Buffalo 14 Rawlins 8
#3 Cody 14 #1 Powell 0
#5 Douglas 38 Riverton 14
#2 Jackson 21 #4 Star Valley 14
Lander 41 Worland 21
Pinedale 6 Cokeville 41
#5 Big Piney 6 #3 Lyman 0
Lovell 23 Thermopolis 20
#4 Torrington 17 #2 Upton-Sundance 14
#1 Central 62 South 15
#4 East 16 Sheridan 14
Rock Springs 21 #5 Natrona County 7
#2 Thunder Basin 55 Campbell County 7
