ROCK SPRINGS – For the first time in three years, the Rock Springs Tigers will not be in the playoffs. The Tigers struggled offensively all night and the Natrona Mustangs took advantage of turnovers to blast Rock Springs 56-0.

Natrona jumped out to a quick lead while Rock Springs’ first drive was stalled by penalties. This led to an interception, giving the Mustangs the ball right back. Natrona took advantage of the turnover and found the endzone with 5 minutes left in the first quarter. The Tigers punted on the next series and Natrona marched back to the endzone and went up 21-0.

 The Tigers first drive of the second quarter didn’t look much different as they punted right back to Natrona. Sean Willmore hoped to spark the Tigers, intercepting a Natrona pass. No such luck as Rock Springs’ offense went three and out.

The Tigers defense was able to stop Natrona, but Rock Springs fumbled the punt and the Natrona offense marched back onto the field. A few plays later Natrona strolled in to increase the lead, 28-0.

With two minutes left until the half, the Tigers finally were able to cross midfield. It was short lived though as the Tigers punted back to Natrona. With 1:30 left until the break, the Natrona offense did not waste any time as they tried to put points on the board before halftime. With 22 seconds left, the Mustangs did just that to take a 35-0 lead. The Tigers kneeled on the ball to end a brutal first half.

The Natrona offense took the field to start the third quarter and pushed their way into Tiger territory.  Just as it looked like the Mustangs were going to score again, Rock Springs forced a fumble and took over possession. Again, the Rock Springs offense stalled and they gave the ball right back to the Mustangs. Before you could blink an eye, Natrona was standing in the end zone to increase the lead, 42-0. Carlos Salcido tried to get the Tiger offense on track, as he moved the ball close to midfield but another interception gave the ball back to Natrona.

The Tiger defense picked up the pressure and was able to force Natrona to punt, but the first play of the Tigers drive was intercepted and Natrona returned the ball for another touchdown, adding seven more at the end of the third quarter to make it 49-0,

Both teams started getting the younger players in the game and with 2:30 left, Natrona broke through again to make the score 56-0. With the seniors playing their last high school game, the clock ran out on the Tiger season.