MEEKER I Moffat County took the opening kick-off and drove to the Meeker 25 yard line before being stopped. On the Cowboys’ first play Jake Phelan ran 75 yards for a TD on an option play. The try for two points was good and Meeker led 8-0.
It was a tight battle all the way, with fine defensive play, especially in the secondary late in the game stopping the Moffat passing attack. The deep defenders did a good job, led by Connor Pfister, who a big interception at a key time and Robby Jensen who had a couple of key pass knock downs on long passes to seal the victory. Tristin Pelloni also made a couple of big plays down the stretch, fighting off a 6-4 pass receiver to stop a long drive.
Leading in tackles was Matt Fantz, who also had an interception; Jake Henderson, Truman Titler, Justin Giao, Ty Pollock, Dillon Frantz and Tayler Slaugh. Tony Collins also made a number of key plays for our defense.
The Cowboys played two quarterbacks: Jake Phelan and T.J. Shelton. Phelan scored three touchdowns and Shelton scored one. Phelan ran for 185 yards on 22 attempts plus had a long 60 yard run called back. He hit three of 9 throws for 137 yards. He hit on long throws of 37, 45 and 55 yards. Tristin Pelloni started the passing off with a 45 yard catch that set up a touchdown, then Phelan hooked up with Shelton for a 55 yard TD pass. Phelan kept a drive alive with a 37 yard throw to Justin Giao.
Fumbles hurt the ‘Boys, one coming on the two yard line going in for a touchdown. There were three more at mid-field plus an interception.
The Black and Gold got good play from Adrian Shroyer, Ty Dunham, Costin Pallach, Kash Atwood, Matt Frantz, Jeff Wagner, Connor Pfister, Robby Jensen, Dillon Frantz, Nakoma Bailey, Tayler Slaugh, Ruben Roybal, Jake Henderson and Tony Collins.
Twenty-four (24) young men played in this contest and makes the future look bright for the Cowboys.