Wolves fall to Worland in close game

On a beautiful late summer evening this past week, the Green River Wolves, with a record of 1-2, took on the visiting Worland Warriors with a similar 1-2 record. The special night was also the "Hall of Fame Game." There was a huge crowd on hand for the celebration and to watch the Wolves and the Warriors.

The game started with Green River receiving the kickoff, but three plays later the Wolves had failed to pick up a fist down and they had to punt. Worland then got the ball, but after the Green River defense allowed a first down they were able to come up with a pass interception by sophomore Dax Taylor that stopped the drive and the Wolves took over. The Wolves' offense once again went three plays and out and had to punt. The Wolves' defense, which has been the team's strength all season, rose to the occasion once more. But penalties and a series of fumbles stopped the drive and the first quarter ended with no score by either team.

Worland mounted a longer drive, aided by a penalty against Green River for running into the kicker, but once again the Wolves' defense saved the day as Worland's field goal attempt was blocked by senior Garrett Smith. Worland, however, was able to score with just 4:37 left in the first half to take a 7-0 lead which they were able to take into the locker room at halftime.

There was an extended half time with fireworks, the Hall of Fame celebration, and performances by the Green River High School band, the Wolves Cheerleaders, and the Wolf Pack Dance team and young dance camp dancers, all of which entertained the large crowd.

Green River kicked to Worland to start the second half, and the two teams exchanged possessions several times without scoring until Worland eventually kicked a field goal to up their lead to 10-0. The two teams exchanged offensive possessions again, and it was not until there were about 5:35 minutes left in the fourth quarter that the Wolves' offense was able to run the ball in by senior Jaxxson Gomez to narrow the lead to 10-7. The two teams each had another offensive possession without any scoring. The game ended as Worland took a knee on the five-yard line instead of trying to run the ball in. The final score was 10-7, with both the statistics and the actual play being even closer than the score indicated.

Green River turned the ball over on a fumble while Worland turned it over on an interception. The Wolves had eight penalties while Worland had twelve. The Wolves offense came up with some big play, as did their defense, which was the same for Worland in this very close game.

After the game, Head Coach Blaine Christensen was once again pleased with effort of his defense. He also pointed out the improvement of the offense but noted how they need to continue to improve and not turn the ball over. Still, he was pleased with the effort put out by both the offense and the defense throughout the game right to the end.

The Wolves will hit the road this week to take on the number-three ranked 3A team the Powell Panthers on Friday, Sept. 22, slated to start at 6 p.m.