JACKSON, Wyo. — The Riverton Wolverines had no idea the size of the can of whoop up they were in store for when the Jackson Broncs stepped off the bus.
After a week of practice hearing about what they did wrong last week against Pocatello and warnings not to look ahead to Star Valley, the Black & Orange surrendered the game’s first touchdown and then responded with 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8; eight of their own!
The 57-7 win was even more impressive than the beatdown the Braves issued in getting their first win of the season against Rawlins—a 48-8 score there.
Jackson dominated in every aspect of the game. In areas where the Broncs might have been expected to struggle, they held their own. The enormous offensive line for Riverton did not push Jackson around. In fact, Henry Berezay, Will Pew, Jack Brown, and company were able to stuff Riverton’s running game with little trouble.
With play in the pits bogged down, linebackers Henry Hershock, Colter Dawson, and Clancy Meagher were free to flock to the ball carrier with their speed.
The much-maligned secondary was better Friday. A pair of sizeable receivers—Jared Lucas (6’5”) and Lucas Engle (6’6”)—were kept in check for the most part. Corner Fort Crain Evenson, the most victimized of the secondary unit this season at 5’9” made a huge stop on fourth down with a sure tackle. He and Sam Scott were good in coverage all night.
And the offense!
Brody Hasenack was a beast. Combining speed and power, Hasenack runs bigger than his buck-fifty might imply and he hits the hole so quickly, he’s by linebackers and exploding into the secondary before defenses can even react.
Credit the offensive line for blowing open running lanes and protecting Sadler Smith all night. Smith threw two touchdown strikes to Sam Scott. Dawson also had a big day receiving. Everything the Broncs wanted to do offensively worked.
The win sets Jackson up to face down their nemesis in the Star Valley Braves. Star Valley is off to an uncharacteristic 1-3 start but, like the Broncs, they always save the best game of the season for their rivals.
