MEEKER | Grand County, Utah, came to town last week for Friday night lights. With only one common opponent, Ignacio v. North Fork, the team prepared and planned to do what they do.
The opening drive for the Cowboys showed some holes in Moab’s line and secondary with a score by the Cowboys that came just two minutes into the game.
“We were efficient on offense, didn’t miss many tackles, and won the turn over war, which was a recipe for victory,” commented head coach Andy Coryell.
Ryan Sullivan led the Cowboys to the 46-14 victory and a running clock early in the third quarter. Sullivan had a 90% completion rate averaging 13.6 yards, the highest of the season, The offensive line of Jacob Simonsen, Teagan Sheridan, Noah LeBlanc, Judd Harvey and Tate Kerchel worked holding back the defense and allowing the rushers to put up 200 yards and receivers 122 yards through the air in just over two quarters of varsity play.
Lead rusher Wyatt Powers is also now top scorer for the Cowboys adding two more rushing touchdowns for a total of six on the year. Powers racked up 116 yards rushing and seven receiving.
Also scoring six for the Cowboys was Jace Mobley, Cade Blunt, Jake Blazon, Said Rodriguez and Hayden Shults.
The Cowboys scored efficiently and effectively each time the varsity had possession.
The Red Devils were able to score and move the ball easier when the JV took the field. This was primarily due to the small team Moab brought with them and that their varsity remained on the field for the entire game.
The offensive stats for the Red Devils do not reflect the job that the varsity defense did to the Moab offense.
“We knew the tight end was good and our plan was to take that away and we got it done,” said Coryell.
Harvey and Buzz Clatterbaugh led the team defensively. Harvey had 11 tackles and one sack, Clatterbaugh had 10 tackles and two sacks. It was a tough day for quarterback Austin Paris as he was sacked three more times by Quintin Simpson, Simonson and Leblanc.
Coryell was able to get nearly every one of the 50 boys on the field.
“Our time ran a little short and unfortunately we didn’t get everyone some varsity playing time,” commented Coryell.
JV play of the day was when Cade Mills was back to punt for the Cowboys, the line broke down and he scrambled but was still able to get a successful and well placed kick off.
The Cowboys are now off for a week as Roaring Fork canceled their season after it started. Next up is homecoming when the Cedaredge Bruins come to town for a Friday game.
“Cedaredge is improving,” said Coryell, “Like Aspen they played mostly sophomores last year that are now juniors and they have a new coach.”
The Cowboys will take the field with a 7 p.m. kickoff for homecoming on Sept. 29.
