Bobcats finish season with win over Pinedale

The Bobcat varsity football team’s season came to close in Pinedale on Friday, October 26. Even with their win over Pinedale, the Cats finished the season with a record of 5 and 3 overall, and 4 and 3 in West Conference – sitting in fifth place, just out of earning a playoff spot. They came in just behind fourth place Worland by a mere tie breaker.

Because the Cats had lost to Worland earlier in the season, the Warriors hold the tie breaker, and will move on to the playoffs as the number 4 seed in the 2A West Conference – behind Mountain View, Lovell and Cokeville.

Going in to the game in Pinedale, the Cats knew that their playoff hopes were riding on Kemmerer being able to overcome Worland, however, Worland won that contest on Friday by a score of 35 to 6. News of Kemmerer’s loss came to the team in the second half of their game against the Wranglers, but the disappointment did not prevent the Bobcats from finishing a good game in Pinedale.

Before the game, coach Boone Bowker commented, “I am really proud of the way the seniors on this team led the way in the game against Mountain View last week. In Pinedale, we can only control what we can control. We need to dominate, and finish the season on a positive note.” And, dominate they did.

The Cats never trailed in the game, leading at halftime by 14 to 7, and ending the game up over Pinedale by a score of 33 to 14. Indeed, the Bobcats played a complete game, that was only marred by some untimely turnovers, for which the Wranglers were not always able to capitalize.

Several Cats gave outstanding performances. Senior Zane Stam had another great game, with 16 carries for 133 yards, and 2 catches for 16 yards – complimented by two interceptions on defense. Senior Dell Dukes made his presence known with a 60 yard punt return for a touchdown on the Cats first possession and followed up later in the game with a 40 yard kick-off return.

Junior Cruz Mascorro made a hard hit sack in the second quarter, that forced Pinedale to have to punt away the ball. Junior Bridger Peil had 4 carries for 47 yards, including a 46 yard touchdown run. Junior Armani Dukes had a quarterback keeper for a touchdown.

Senior Chris Arends wrapped up the Bobcat’s scoring with a long reception, that set up another catch for a touchdown with 14 seconds left on the clock. It was his first touchdown of his high school career and capped off many great contributions he has made to the football program.

While the Cats are understandably disappointed to have not made the playoffs, their winning season was the first for the team since 2013.

Coach Bowker said, “We were just 2 and 7 last year and finished this year at 5 and 3. That’s a good improvement. We are definitely moving in the right direction, and we have some underclassmen that are ready to step up, and lead this team.”