Indians thump Plainsmen

By Wyoming Sports.org

CHEYENNE -- The Laramie Plainsmen continued to struggle against some of the top teams in the state, falling to second-ranked Cheyenne Central 36-0 Friday at Riske Field.

In their last three games against top-ranked Gillette, Casper Natrona and Central, the Plainsmen (1-3) have now been outscored 105-14. It was also Central's 10th straight win over Laramie.

While the Plainsmen showed some improvement in moving the football against the Indians, turnovers killed any momentum this time. Laramie turned the ball over six times, including four times in 11 plays in the second half alone.

The Indians, 4-0, took advantage most of the time. Central also used big plays to get on the scoreboard.

The Indians took a quick 6-0 lead scoring less than two minutes into the game. Central quarterback Connor Long hit wide receiver Kyle Gott with a 16-yard touchdown pass to cap a 5-play, 80-yard drive.

Laramie then turned the ball over on downs to give the Indians prime field opposition, when punter Jon Sorenson tried to a fake punt and was stopped a half-yard short near mid field.
The Indians took it to the end zone on just four plays and used a little trickery, as receiver Josh Borm threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to fellow receiver Kevin Cox.

Central then made it 20-0 in the second quarter in a 62-yard run up the middle by Mike Davis.

The Plainsmen had their best drive of the game nullified when Central picked off Sorenson in the end zone with just 15 seconds left in the first half.

Laramie then gave the Indians two more quick chances to score in the third quarter and Central obliged. On just their second play, Laramie fumbled and Central moved five plays and 35 yards for the score on a 21-yard pass from Long to Grott. Two plays later the Plainsmen fumbled again and the Indians scored on an 18-yard run by Davis. With 8:40 left in the third quarter, the Indians led comfortably 33-0.

Central actually got the ball back two more times because of Laramie turnovers, but missed a pair of field goals. The third time was a charm for Borm, as he connected from 34 yards out after another pass interception.

The Indians finished with 412 yards of total offense -- 227 yards on the ground and 185 through the air. Davis led the way, rushing the football just nine times for 135 yards and his two scores. Long was 10 of 19 passing for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

The Plainsmen finished with 201 yards of offense -- 149 on the ground and 52 through the air.
Senior halfback Dan Estes led the way with 44 yards on 13 carries, while senior fullback Charles Swearingen added 43 yards on nine carries. Sorenson finished with 39 yards on 15 carries.
Sorenson was 5 of 13 passing for 42 yards and the three interceptions. Billy Hysong was 1-of-2 for 10 yards.

Estes had three catches for 27 yards.

Laramie will look to get back in the win column Friday when it hosts Evanston, beginning at 7 p.m. at Deti Stadium.