Fourth Quarter Lifts Natrona Over East 26-3

After a defensive first half, top ranked Natrona scored three fourth quarter touchdowns to defeat fourth ranked Cheyenne East 26-3 at Okie Blanchard Stadium Friday night. Natrona remains the only unbeaten 4A team after third rated Sheridan knocked off second rated Gillette 38-14 in the Energy Bowl in Gillette.Both teams had big plays in the first half taken away because of penalties. East a touchdown brought back because of an illegal block and Natrona had a 60-yard pass play from Cody Vollmar to Josh Flanigan brought back because of a holding penalty. Two field goals were the scoring in the first half. A 34 yarder from the T-Birds Trey Herrera in the first quarter and the Mustangs Taylor King hit a 36 yard field goal as time expired at half.

King would hit a 30 yard field goal for the game's only points in the third quarter and gave the Mustangs the lead for good.

The fourth quarter would be the difference as Natrona would score three touchdowns and the Mustang defense would shutdown the East offense. Brecken Biggs directed the Natrona offense late in the third quarter and into the fourth on a seven play, 67 yard drive and scored on a 13 yard touchdown at 11:08. The Mustangs would score with 7:41 left on a Flanigan 20 yard run after Natrona got the ball on a Flanigan interception at the East 45 yard line. Cody Vollmar would come back to score the last touchdown at 1:16 on a 52 yard TD run capping a 6 play 77 yard drive.

But the story in addition to the fourth quarter touchdowns will be the Mustang defense. Holding the T-Birds Jeremy Woods to just 54 yards on 22 carries. Wood came in averaging 200 yards a game and had 1001 total yards on the season. East quarterback Trevon Hinker was 6 of 17 for 67 yards and had three interceptions.

The Champion Player of the Game, presented by Champion Windows went to NC's Josh Flanigan who for 125 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. Flanigan also had one of the three interceptions. And the Burback's Hot Play of the Game presented by Burback's Heating and Refrigeration went to Cody Vollmar's 52 yard touchdown to cap the Mustangs scoring in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs (6-0) travel to Evanston Friday night. Cheyenne East (4-2) will travel to Rock Springs.

Kelly Walsh picked up their first win of the year. The Trojans held on to beat Rock Springs 17-14 at Harry Geldien Stadium Friday night. And it kept the Trojans playoff hopes alive. Kelly Walsh will play host to Cheyenne South next Friday night in the Prep Game Of  The Week.