JACKSON, Wyo. — Not much worked for the Jackson Broncs in their loss Friday night to the Pocatello Indians. After trading early touchdowns—both teams on their opening drives—Pokie dominated in every aspect of the game on their way to a 30-14 win.

Pocatello answered Jackson’s opening TD with one of their own and then three more before the half ended to take a 27-7 lead into the locker room. Jackson made a bid to get back into it, dominating the 3rd quarter and getting a touchdown before they began pushing too hard and started committing turnovers.

The Indians played well on both sides of the ball. Gunslinger Zach Park exploited a weak Broncs secondary that allowed receivers like sophomore Krue Hales to get behind them on more than one occasion. Park bought himself extra time rolling out by design and throwing accurately on the run. He also extended plays with a slippery elusiveness for a 5’9”, 145-pound quarterback.

One of the few times the Broncs managed to get Pocatello’s QB Zach Park on the ground. Photo: Tammy Urkoski Griebel

Defensively, Pocatello’s leading tackler was as advertised. Linebacker Hunter Killian ran amok on the Indians’ side of the ball and the secondary was very, very good. Even when Broncs QB Sadler Smith had time, no one was open. the Pokie D played conservatively and did not surrender the big play all night.

And the Broncs didn’t help themselves either. Dropped passes were a huge issue. Turnovers plagued the hometown team in the second half—two interceptions and a fumble halted Jackson drives before they could get started.

Brody Hasenack had another good day running the football. The Broncs front four was again stout.

But this one was less about the Broncs giving one away and more about the Indians coming to town and earning their third victory of the young season.

Pocatello moves to 3-0—their best start since 2011—while Jackson falls to 2-1 and a tie for second place in the 3A West behind the undefeated Powell Panthers. Douglas and Cody are also 2-0.

Broncs head to Riverton (1-2) for a must-win game against the Wolverines before returning home on September 25 for the showdown with the Star Valley Braves (0-3).