PINEDALE – Speed, strength, talent and grit all converged on the gridiron as the Big Piney High School Puncher football team overwhelmed conference rival Greybull to post a 47-0 Homecoming victory on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Big Piney fans packed Puncher Stadium under a clear blue sky.

“It was a great Homecoming weekend with the volleyball team winning two conference games and that energy carrying over into our football game,” said Head Coach Jeromy Moffat. “There was a buzz around the stadium and I am thankful to the community, booster club and school for the support.”

A flawless Puncher offense established a commanding 27-0 lead in the first quarter.

“The kids came out ready to go,” said Coach Moffat. “We knew Greybull was a young team, so we wanted to jump them early. I was proud of how all the (Big Piney) kids controlled the game from the opening kick. The big fellas up front once again dominated, and (senior) Caden Clifford blew the game open with some long runs.”

An airtight Big Piney defense shut out Greybull, holding its opponent to under 100 yards.

“I am proud of the gang for their attitude and effort on defense,” said Coach Moffat. “(Senior) Dylon Woodward dominated the game from defensive end. He has matured into one of the top defensive players in the state.”

The first quarter opened with Greybull in possession. Woodward and senior Zack Murphy made a tackle for no gain. Big Piney recovered a fumble by Greybull and gained possession.

Receiving a handoff from senior quarterback Champ Snively, Clifford broke tackle and swept into the end zone for Puncher touchdown no. 1. A good kick by senior Roger Young put Big Piney ahead, 7-0.

The Puncher defense stopped Greybull’s second drive with tackles by Young, senior Preston Bennett and Ferguson. Woodward blocked Greybull’s punt.

Taking possession, Clifford took Snively’s handoff and rushed 27 yards into the end zone for Big Piney’s second touchdown. Young delivered a perfect kick and the Punchers pulled ahead, 14-0.

A tenacious defense ground down Greybull’s subsequent drive, including tackles by sophomore Zeferino Zuniga, Murphy, Snively and senior Jerrett Fear.

Picking up possession, Big Piney reached the end zone for a third time. Snively sent the ball spiraling to senior Seth Stoutenburg for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Young’s kick sailed through the goalposts, widening Big Piney’s lead, 21-0.

A tackle in the backfield by Woodward forced Greybull to punt on its ensuing drive.

The Puncher offense gained possession. Clifford grabbed a handoff, churned across midfield and picked up 64 yards before crossing the goal line for a touchdown.

The Puncher defense blasted away at Greybull with a tackle by senior Karsyn Gurr and a sack behind the line of scrimmage from Woodward.

The second quarter commenced with the Punchers reaching the end zone. Stoutenburg bulldozed up the middle for Puncher touchdown no. 5. Young’s kick further tilted the scales in Big Piney’s favor, 34-0.

The Buffaloes attempted a pass on their opening drive in the second quarter. Sniffing out the play, Ferguson intercepted the ball and raced into the end zone to score the Puncher’s sixth touchdown.

Big Piney controlled the scoreboard at halftime, 40-0.

Early in the third quarter, Clifford caught the handoff and rushed 41 yards into the end zone. Young completed a kick and Big Piney led, 47-0.

Big Piney’s second string saw action in the fourth quarter. The Puncher defense included tackles by senior Ivan Silvas and freshmen Gerardo Galvan, Zach Ferguson, Zavier Clifford and Cache Hall. On offense, Zach Ferguson played quarterback while Zavier Clifford, Galvan and senior Jackie Meador ate up yards.

Big Piney hits the road to take on conference rival Wind River on Thursday, Sept. 21.

“The top of the conference is on the line this week and this will be the biggest game of our season to date,” said Coach Moffat. “We have had this one circled on the calendar since last season and we will be ready to go.”