ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs Tigers will return home Friday looking to turn several competitive stretches into their first victory of the season when they host Thunder Basin.
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. TRN Media will also provide a free live HD video stream on SweetwaterNOW’s Facebook page.
Both teams enter the matchup at 0-3, but Rock Springs has shown an ability to move the football on the ground while relying on its defense to keep games within reach. The Tigers are averaging 188 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth in Class 4A, and 243 total yards per game compared with 231 for Thunder Basin.
Boston James has been the Tigers’ leading rusher through the first three games, averaging 108 yards per game at 5.8 yards per carry while scoring one touchdown. Kaleb Praytor is averaging 47 rushing yards per game and has the Tigers’ other rushing touchdown, while Jernee Padilla is adding 33 yards per game on the ground.
The production from the running game has been important for a Rock Springs offense that has had stretches of difficulty putting points on the board. Against fourth-ranked Cheyenne East last Friday, the Tigers took a 3-0 lead in the second quarter and held the Thunderbirds scoreless through the first quarter before East scored with seven seconds remaining in the first half and eventually pulled away for a 31-3 victory.
Rock Springs’ defense has also provided opportunities throughout the season. Praytor has led the Tigers in defensive points and is averaging 8.3 tackles per game, including 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Ezra Horgen has been active behind the line of scrimmage as well, recording 3.5 tackles for loss and half a sack while also contributing a fumble recovery and a pass deflection.
The Tigers will face a Thunder Basin offense that has taken a different approach to moving the football. The Bolts rank third in 4A in passing offense, averaging 141 yards per game through the air, but have completed 45.7% of their passes and have committed eight offensive turnovers through three games.
Thunder Basin has scored fewer than 10 points per game entering Friday’s matchup, while also receiving production from the ground. Zander Kumm is averaging 80 rushing yards per game at 5.3 yards per carry and has been the Bolts’ defensive leader in tackles, averaging 7.7 per game. Thunder Basin also has three players with negative rushing totals on the season.
For Rock Springs, the matchup presents another opportunity to build on the defensive performances that have kept the Tigers in games while continuing to establish their ground game. The Tigers have moved the ball better than their record might indicate, but converting those opportunities into points will be a key part of Friday’s matchup.
