True Grit: Wolves tough against champs

The Green River High School football team made it clear from the start of last Friday nights home game against Powell -- they were going to give it their best for the full 48 minutes.

And while the Wolves fell short to the three-time defending state champion Powell Panthers 31-10, Green River head coach Don Maggi was pleased with how hard his team played throughout the game.

"I don't think we've had a game where all four quarters we competed as hard as we could and fought adversity to do things right. They did that," Maggi said. "We didn't win, but I thought it was a step in the right direction with our young kids. They are learning to compete and growing up. I was proud of their effort."

Looking at the stat sheet, Maggi was pleased with his defense and giving up 185 yards rushing to Powell on 46 carries.

Earlier in the season, he said the team was burned on the run,especially in the season opening loss to Riverton.

"We have done a much better job on that aspect," he said. "Our kids did really well on defense."

Because some of the younger players on the team are not as strong yet as their junior and senior opponents, Maggi said they have been focusing on making them better technicians and having them play aggressive. He added they were in more of an attack mode against Powell and this helped them maintain at the line of scrimmage.

This week, the Wolves will once again need a strong performance against the run as they look for their first win of the season against the Jackson Broncs (4-0, 1-0 3A West) who currently lead the state in rushing.

Maggi said he'd be surprised if Jackson passes more than four or five times.

"They run, run, run. They've got about four plays and you see them again and again," he said.

This week in practice, Maggi said they will be trying to replicate those plays and said because the Broncs have a couple of bigger running backs they will be in a good spot if they can control them at the line of scrimmage and do not want them to get "down hill".

Offensively, the fourth-year coach said the team needs to finish drives. Against Powell he said Gage Hunt got an interception and the Wolves got the ball inside the 10-yard line, but they could not capitalize.

"When we have the opportunity, we need to score," Maggi said.

Green River will be without senior Tanner Trumble, who was injured against Powell.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. at Wolves Stadium.