Bobcats come home with a win

Friday night, the Hot Springs County High School football team returned to Thermopolis with their first win of the season under their belts, taking Moorcroft 23-20.

Coach Mathew McPhie said there wasn't a change in play style or positions that made a difference; it is simply the team is getting better. The players, he said, faced some difficult teams at the start of the season. Additionally, they are learning a new system and there's new staff.

But, it looks like things are coming together for the Bobcats. McPhie said the goal is for them to be the best team they can be, and he expects they will get better week in and week out.

As for Friday's game, McPhie noted defense played aggressively and was very tenacious. He pointed out Clemens Abbott nailed a field goal for the team, and Jonathan Harvey blocked extremely well on offense and tackled well on defense. Harvey has averaged 5.8 tackles per game, assisting in 20 more, but against Burns he had 12 solo tackles during the game.

The Bobcats three touchdowns came from rushing yards with the boys running for 174 yards during the game. Cullen Becher made two touchdowns and Milton Peden made one. Eight fumble recoveries helped the Cats earn their first win of the season. The pass defense had a 56 percent completion rate against Burns 49 percent.

Going into homecoming week, McPhie sees it as another opportunity for the players to have a good week of practice. He's told them they should not get on the bus or on the field without an attitude of winning. It's not just about showing up and playing a good game, he said. It's about preparing, and this week he plans to do just that.

Thermopolis, who is 1-3 overall, will be up against the Burns Broncs, also 1-3 overall, for homecoming on Friday at 7 p.m.