(Afton, WY) – Lander’s season came to a close in Afton Friday as the Tigers fell to Star Valley 37-3 on the Braves’ path to a 4-peat as 3A state champions. The outcome wasn’t unexpected, but the Tigers had hoped to tally up more on the scoreboard against the western border powerhouse.
Lander showed moments of life throughout the game – a 50-yard pass from Paxon Hollingshead to senior wideout Sawyer Nachazel, an 80-yard kick return by Parker Burton, and some shots through gaps by Cody West at running back. But Star Valley worked like a well-oiled unstoppable machine on offense – opening up the game with an 80-yard touchdown run on their first offensive play – setting the tone for a long night for the defense in green.
Costly turnovers in Star Valley’s defensive half prevented the Tigers from gaining any momentum to put points on the board. Lander’s only points in the game came in the form of a brilliant 47-yard field goal from Caleb Andrews, right down the center with enough distance to have gone for over 50.
While they’d hoped Friday had gone differently, the Tigers should hold their heads high for the winning season of football they put together. An 8-2 record and their first playoff win in 21 years is a long, long way from their winless season just two years ago.
“Credit goes to the senior class,” said head coach Jim Burton after the game. “There’s been so much hard work and dedication over their time as football players, especially over the last three years.”
One of those hard-working seniors, Cody West, was given the chance to shine this year, stepping up into the starting running back role with Brayden Baker’s season-ending knee injury. West broke the school’s all-time single-season rushing record, gaining over 1000 yards on monster game after monster game for the Tigers.
“I’m gonna miss playing with this talented group of young men,” said West, reflecting back on the season.
Lander will look to lean on its senior class next year as it aims to build on the momentum it has created with Lander football.
“I’m planning on being back next year, but it’s up to the discretion of the school board and those around me,” said Burton. “If it works out, I’m looking forward to finding ways to get the most out of next year’s senior class and seeing what we can do to maximize their talents.”
h/t Carl Cote, County 10