MEEKER | Meeker Cowboy football was on the road last weekend, making a trip over the mountains to Limon, Colo. In search of a victory over the Badgers after last November’s defeat in the playoffs, the Cowboys came up short, losing 25-16.
“The kids did a nice job,” commented head coach Shane Phelan, “There is room for improvement, and we have identified things to build on.”
Trailing at the half, the Cowboys were down 12-0, but there was still a lot of football left. The goal at the start of the third, according to Phelan, “was to try and narrow the gap offensively, slow them down defensively, but it was not enough.” The Badgers had “a heck of a defense,” said Phelan, “and they are a running team but their quarterback threw well.”
The Cowboys recovered an onside kick, converting for a score, and attempted a second time but it “didn’t work out,” said Phelan.
“We gave up a touchdown in the third and in the fourth the Badgers were able to put together a successful drive,” he added.
It was 90 degrees outside at the start of the game, but the heat did not slow the Cowboys and they continued to play hard the entire time, fighting to close the 19 point gap to three at one point in the fourth. All 16 points earned by the Cowboys were put up in the fourth, but time ran short, and it ended with a second loss on the season and record of 1-2.
This week is another bye for Meeker football.
“They will use this time to focus on improving,” Phelan said. The next game is only the second home game of the season, Meeker is hosting Grand Valley on Sept. 28, and will mark the beginning of league play.
“Grand Valley is a big high school, with good athletes with great skills,” said Phelan, “looking forward to the start of league play.” The Cowboys are also “excited to see past players,” commented Phelan as the team “will be honoring the 1968 Cowboy team, a team that made it to the state playoffs with the leadership of Coach Tucker.” The game will begin at 7 p.m.
By Tiffany Jehorek | Special to the Herald Times
