JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. – The Jackson football team got back on the winning track last Friday in a big way. The Broncs were all business in a romp over the Pinedale Wranglers, 59 to 6.
It was a nonconference game and the first road game for the Broncs, who got off the bus eager to erase memories of last week’s loss at home against Bear Lake and hunting a victim. The Wranglers just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Jackson came out flying in the first after starting quarterback Sadler Smith was flushed from the pocket but kept his eyes downfield. He spotted a wide-open Kirby Castagno who then rumbled down the right sidelines for a 52-yard, pass-and-catch touchdown.
It was all ‘Black’ from there as the Broncs rolled to a 53-0 lead at the half. Standout running back Jaydon Cox had a huge game and did it all in one half of play. On a dozen carries, Cox ran for well over 250 yards and four touchdowns.
Peter Goettler was again a go-to target on offense and again had an interception as did defensive back AJ McCool.
O was explosive, but D was stingy
Despite the offensive outbreak, it was Jackson’s defense that came to play Friday. Pinedale tried to impose its will with a bigger offensive line by running quick hitters and option plays out of the wishbone but the Broncs interior was stout. Led by William Pew and Kevin Flores, the ‘Black Hole’ was a thing and any ball carrier that entered into it, never came out. Only Pinedale’s Colby White was able to squirt loose for a big gainer on one occasion.
Head Coach David Joyce took the opportunity to play several underclassmen in the second half enroute to his team’s second win of the season. The future replacement for Cox, sophomore Clancy Meagher, looked impressive in the second half. Sophomore Fort Evenson made at least one outstanding solo tackle on defense.
Perhaps the only part of Jackson’s game that needed an upgrade just got one. Walk-on Brady Hill joined the team as kicker. The soccer standout showed a live leg, booting a couple of kickoffs through the end zone and converting on all but one extra point attempt.
Practice points
Jackson still has to find a way to better protect its quarterback. Smith is a pure pocket passer who, if given time, can progress through his reads, find the open receiver, and deliver the ball on a rope. Unlike senior QB Pearson Evans, Smith prefers to stand and throw rather than roll out and look to run if there’s nothing downfield or protection breaks down.
If the threat of Cox running does not slow opponent’s pass rushes sufficiently on play-action passes, the Broncs may have to draw up a few more quick bubble screens to Castagno or quick outs to Goettler to keep defenses honest on third-and-longs.
Coach Joyce might also want to work on perfecting his pregame prognosis. He told Jackson Hole Radio before the game he expected the offense to put up 60 points on the rebuilding Wranglers. If not for one missed extra point, he would have nailed that forecast.
The Broncs are 2-1 on the year and begin conference play this Friday at home against Worland (0-3).
