CHEYENNE — The Rock Springs Tigers will remain on the road Friday when they travel to face Cheyenne Central, searching for their first win of the 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. TRN Media will also provide a free live HD video stream on SweetwaterNOW’s Facebook page.
Rock Springs enters the game 0-5 on the season, while Central is 3-2. The Tigers are coming off a 21-6 loss to Kelly Walsh in which the Trojans controlled the clock with a ground-heavy offensive attack.
Central presents another challenge on the ground. The Indians average 269 rushing yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry, ranking second in Class 4A in both categories behind Natrona County. Natrona ended Sheridan’s Wyoming-record winning streak at 59 games last week.
Central also leads Class 4A in total offense, averaging 345 yards per game and 6.6 yards per play. Both figures rank second in the state behind Natrona County. The Indians also lead 4A with 16 first downs per game.
A major part of Central’s rushing attack is Tyrone Richards, who averages 187 rushing yards per game, the highest mark in Class 4A. Rock Springs hope to counter with Boston James, who is averaging 104.2 rushing yards per game, good for fourth in 4A. James went down with an injury against Kelly Walsh and did not play the second half.
The Tigers will also look to Kaleb Praytor to help slow Central’s ground game. Praytor leads Class 4A in defensive points per game at 8.8, with no other player averaging seven or more. He also leads the state in tackles for loss with seven and has added a sack and a forced fumble this season.
While both teams have been productive offensively in different areas, defense has been a challenge for each team. Central allows 293 total yards per game, while Rock Springs allows 312, ranking seventh and eighth, respectively, in Class 4A.
Neither team has created many turnovers, with Central and Rock Springs each recording three takeaways this season.
For Rock Springs, the game comes after a difficult stretch that has included losses to Sheridan, Laramie, Cheyenne East, Thunder Basin and Kelly Walsh. The Tigers scored six points in the second half against Kelly Walsh after Max Gard connected with Ezra Horgen for a 14-yard touchdown.
Rock Springs will look to carry that late offensive production into Friday’s matchup while trying to contain a Central offense that has consistently moved the ball on the ground and produced first downs.
Kickoff between the Tigers and Indians is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday in Cheyenne.
