ROCK SPRINGS — The 1-6 Rock Springs Tigers head to Gillette on Friday for a crucial matchup with 2-5 Campbell County as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., with TRN Media’s pregame coverage beginning at 5 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on 97.9 FM KZWB, with Keith Trujillo providing play-by-play and Jayson Klepper on color commentary. TRN Media will also provide a free live HD video stream on SweetwaterNOW’s Facebook page.
Friday’s game carries significant weight for the Tigers’ playoff chances. A win over Campbell County would keep Rock Springs in control of its postseason path heading into the final week. The Tigers can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over Natrona County in their regular-season finale or with a Campbell County loss to Cheyenne East. A loss to the Camels this week would end their playoff hopes.
Rock Springs is coming off its first win of the season, a 69-12 homecoming victory over Cheyenne South. The Tigers erupted for five touchdowns in the first quarter and carried a 62-0 lead into halftime before finishing with 69 points. Rock Springs recorded 429 rushing yards, the most in a single game by a 4A team this season, and averaged 11 yards per play. Its point total is tied for second-highest in 4A this season, behind Kelly Walsh’s 70-point performance against South.
The Tigers’ ground game will be a key factor again Friday. Rock Springs ranks fourth in 4A with an average of 221 rushing yards per game, giving the offense a clear strength to lean on as it faces a Campbell County team that has found success through the air.
The Camels rank second in 4A in passing yards per game at 166 and lead the classification in both passing attempts and completion percentage. Campbell County averages 24 pass attempts per game and completes 62.5% of its passes, with quarterback Drew Wasson leading the passing attack. Although the Camels have come close on several occasions, they have yet to produce a 100-yard rusher this season.
That contrast between Rock Springs’ rushing attack and Campbell County’s passing game could be an important factor in a matchup with major postseason implications.
Kaleb Praytor has been a standout for the Tigers on both sides of the ball. He leads the state in defensive points per game at 16.9 and has recorded a state-leading 48 tackles, including eight tackles for loss. Praytor has also recovered two fumbles this season and scored a defensive touchdown against Cheyenne Central on a play in which he was credited with forcing and recovering the fumble.
Praytor’s offensive production has added to his impact. He ranks seventh in the state in points scored, with eight touchdowns accounting for 48 points. Against South, he rushed for 158 yards on 10 carries and scored four touchdowns, helping fuel Rock Springs’ explosive performance.
With its offense coming off a season-best performance and the postseason still within reach, Rock Springs faces a pivotal test in Gillette. The Tigers will look to carry the momentum from their win over South into a game that could determine whether their season continues into the playoffs.
