RAWLINS – The Pinedale High School Wrangler football team kicked off the regular season with a bang, overwhelming the 3A Rawlins Outlaws, 48-12, at an away game on September 6.

Explosive plays by a tenacious Wrangler offense resulted in three touchdowns in the first quarter while an airtight Pinedale defense shut out Rawlins in the opening 12 minutes of regulation.

“The Wranglers started fast and put constant pressure on all parts of Rawlins’ offense, defense and special teams to jump out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter,” assistant coach Mike Gregory said. “The offense established a consistent rhythm behind the senior-led offensive line, with (junior) Cale Dauwen putting up 80 rushing yards and scoring twice in the first 12 minutes. The pass game contributed chunk plays led by quarterback (junior) Ian Rigo.”

Rawlins fumbled on a possession in the first quarter. Junior Wylee Willson swept in to return the ball for Pinedale and sprint 36 yards into the end zone for touchdown No. 3.

The Wranglers controlled the scoreboard in the second quarter with three additional touchdowns to establish an overwhelming 42-6 lead at halftime.

“The Wrangler defense and an aggressive special teams forced multiple turnovers throughout the first half, leading to good field positions and additional scoring opportunities, with Dauwen finding the end zone a total of five times in the first two quarters,” Gregory added.

Pinedale scored a final touchdown in the third quarter, sealing the Wranglers’ victory and allowing younger players to enter the fray in the fourth quarter.

Dauwen tallied 172 yards rushing on 25 attempts throughout the game against Rawlins, resulting in six touchdowns. Rigo completed six of 10 passes for a total of 47 yards.

Junior Sergio Duarte-Villa posted 28 yards rushing on six plays. Fellow junior Ryder Siefkes collected two receptions for 18 yards.

On defense, linebackers Willson and junior Porter Kemp combined for a total of 53 defensive points. Defensive lineman and senior Cash McCann tallied 17 defensive points with one sack. Cornerback and junior Daxton Zook intercepted a pass.

“Overall, the staff was very pleased with how all phases of our program performed Friday,” Gregory wrote. “There is still a list of adjustments and improvements we will make in preparation for a Kemmerer team this week that appears to be very improved from last season, but we want to make sure to celebrate this big win and our first 2-0 start in a number of years.”