Quarterback Tyler Vendetti runs past the Rawlins Outlaw defense towards a touchdown Friday night in Rawlins. The Wolves won the night 33-20 in their first game away from Green River.
The Wolves got their first taste of victory this season in Rawlins after defeating the Outlaws 33-20 in their second non-conference game.
The Green River High School Football Team (1-1) came out strong against Rawlins, and posted 20 points within the first half. An extra point attempt on the third touchdown was blocked by the Outlaws.
The Wolves defense made a few interceptions in that first half, with Riley Yeager and Blake Gelinas picking the ball away from the Outlaws in the first quarter. Head coach Don Maggi said the defensive line performed well throughout the game, creating turnovers for the offense to take advantage of.
The Wolves nearly held the Outlaws to a scoreless half, however a touchdown and extra point from Rawlins with 5 seconds left in the half brought the score 20-7.
The third quarter saw a back and forth battle between the two teams. The Outlaws received the ball at the beginning of the second half, but was unable to shake a strong Wolves defense and was forced to punt at the end of their first possession.
During the third quarter, Maggi and Activities Director Tony Beardsley voiced loud complaints toward the game's officiating crew. Wolves players were on the receiving end of questionable tackles by the Outlaw defense, with one play ending in a tackle on quarterback Tyler Vendetti were the tackler did not get off of Vendetti immediately after the play ended. Maggi later said there were a number of calls he disagreed with, but added those calls were outside of the team's control. Maggi said he prefers to focus on areas where he and his team do have control of the situation.
"We're going to control the things we can control," Maggi said.
The Wolves and Outlaws would continue a back and forth battle until Vendetti ran the ball to a touchdown with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter, extending the Wolves' lead to 20 points.
The Wolves faced an invigorated Rawlins team during the fourth quarter. The outlaws were able to make a second touchdown against the Wolves with 7:42 remaining in the quarter. A Wolves fumble at 5:30 left in the game ultimately resulted in a third touchdown for the Outlaws at 4:28 remaining, though the extra point attempt failed for the Outlaws.
However, Rawlins' hopes for a comeback win evaporated when Drew Wilson ran the ball into the end zone with 42 seconds left in the game. While the field goal attempt was no good, Green River sealed the game with 33 points to the Outlaws' 21.
Maggi said he was pleased with how the team performed. The football coaching staff made changes to the offensive line, moving Delaine Maiers to perform as the center.
Maggi said while Maiers had no previous experience with the position, he did a great job. Maggi said the defensive side also did a great job, saying Blake Waite and Gage Hunt both made standout performances.
This week, the Wolves return home and play Torrington in their homecoming matchup. The game starts at 7 p.m. at Wolves Stadium.
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