MEEKER | The Meeker High School football team hit the road Friday night, traveling to Wiggins to take on the Tigers in a non league matchup. The two teams last met in September 2024, when Wiggins defeated the Cowboys 27-12 in Meeker.
This time, the Cowboys came up short again, falling 26-16 to open the season 0-2.
“We had a tough one Friday. We played hard, just came up a little short,” head coach Andy Coryell said. “Ton of improvement from week one. We’re gonna keep stacking good practices together and see if we can get some things cleaned up.”
Junior quarterback Cade Mills accounted for 100 total yards, rushing for 75 and throwing for 25, including a touchdown pass. He said balance was key against the Wiggins defense.
“The balance between pass and run is very important in our offense,” Mills said. “As the game gets longer the defense is expecting the run, so we have to balance it out and spread the defense with some plays in the air.”
Junior running back Said Rodriguez was the Cowboys’ biggest playmaker, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 124 all-purpose yards, two total touchdowns, a conversion, and also made an impact on defense with 19 tackles and a forced fumble.
Rodriguez said his 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter stood out to him most.
“My teammates were still giving their best despite losing by double digits,” he said. “Football is super important to me so I give it all I can. I will continue with this confidence for Gunnison and keep giving my best throughout the week.”
Senior Tristin Rollins also had a strong performance, rushing for 57 yards on offense while leading the defense with 18 tackles.
“My mindset is the same as every game — think about how I can improve and keep my head in it,” Rollins said. “As a senior, I try to keep a positive mood before and after games to motivate the rest of the team.”
Junior Tucker Chinn was another versatile contributor, recording 11 tackles (seven solo), an interception, and a forced fumble. He also returned a kickoff 41 yards.
“I just love the game and that motivates me on every snap,” Chinn said. “Our two main focuses are tackles and turnovers. Our defense saw some opportunities, and I was just in the right spot at the right time.”
Freshman Jake Grieser made an impact on special teams with a 33-yard kickoff return and a tackle. He explained what it was like to make a big play, how he has adjusted to the speed and physicality of high school football, and what he has learned from older teammates like Rodriguez, Rollins, and Chinn.
“I was just grateful to be able to contribute to the team,” Grieser said. “High school sports are much more physical, competitive, and fast paced. Our team is lucky to have great teammates and upperclassmen that are leaders both on and off the field.”
The Cowboys (0-2) will make their home debut Friday night at Starbuck Stadium against the Gunnison Cowboys (0-2). Gunnison is coming off a 47-7 loss to Delta on September 5th. Head Coach Andy Coryell explained the excitement with the upcoming home opener on Friday night.
“Pretty excited that we don’t have to ride a bus this week,” Coryell said. “But Gunnison will be another good test. JV plays Monday, and I’m excited to see the young guys get to play someone else.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday in Meeker. The Cowboys are still hunting for their first win of the season, and this time they’ll get to chase it down under their own Friday night lights. Good luck to the Meeker Cowboys as they look to defend their home turf — and give the Meeker crowd something to cheer about.
