MOUNTAIN VIEW – The Pinedale High School Wrangler football team made a determined stand against Mountain View, the No. 1 seed in the 2A West Conference, on the road on Friday, Oct. 13.

While the scoreboard favored Mountain View, 42-7, both the Wrangler offense and defense made solid plays throughout the game. Following a tough first quarter, the Pinedale offense made significant gains, culminating in a touchdown.

The Wrangler defense shut Mountain View down for most of the second quarter and hammered away at the Buffaloes’ offense in the second half.

“The Wranglers fought hard against the No. 1 team in the conference and played an overall good game,” said Head Coach David Thrash. “They were able to put together some good defensive stands and several drives with one leading to the end zone. All around, the growth these young men are making is very exciting to watch and be a part of.”

Mountain View flexed its muscle in the first quarter, scoring three touchdowns.

Undaunted, the Wrangler defense closed rank on the Buffaloes’ first drive of the second quarter. Sophomore Cale Dauwen and junior Branson Simmons made a sack behind the line of scrimmage. Defensive pressure by Simmons and sophomore Wylee Willson resulted in an incomplete pass.

Simmons led a tackle for no gain and junior Garrett Scobey took down Mountain View’s runner in the back field.

Senior Dustin Larsen and Willson led additional tackles. Sophomore Boeh Gamble caught the Buffalo quarterback in the back field, resulting in a fumble. Fellow sophomore Quincy Mika took down Mountain View’s receiver for no gain, forcing the Buffaloes to punt.

Taking possession, sophomore quarterback Ian Rigo completed a 20-yard pass play to sophomore Kolbyn Jaquez for a first down. Rigo delivered another pass to sophomore Landon Fornstrom for a second first down.

Rigo faked a handoff to Larsen and gave the ball to Dauwen. Shifting into high gear, Dauwen charged up the left side of the field into the end zone for a Wrangler touchdown.

Senior Brody Hamby kicked in a field goal for a point after touchdown.

Pinedale stopped Mountain View’s ensuing drive, consisting of tackles by Willson and senior Jake Hammer and coverage on a pass by senior Bodie Jensen.

On Pinedale’s first drive of the third quarter, Jensen and Dauwen gained enough yards for subsequent first downs.

Mountain View managed to score another touchdown before the Pinedale defense responded on the Buffaloes’ ensuing drive with tackles by Fornstrom and Jensen. Dauwen recovered a Buffalo fumble.

A long run up the left side of the field by Dauwen on Pinedale’s opening possession in the fourth quarter led to a first down.

A determined Pinedale defense halted Mountain View’s final two possessions of the game, including tackles by Mika, Jensen, senior Dodge Normington, Gamble and sophomore Daxton Zook.

Pinedale closes out the regular season hosting Rich County, Utah, for Senior Night at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.

“Heading into the last home game of the season, the mentality is positive to finish the season with momentum going into winter sports,” said Coach Thrash. “We look forward to celebrating our seniors and veterans on Friday at 5:40 p.m.”