Wolves take a loss in Jackson

Head coach Don Maggi's prediction about Jackson Hole's Theo Dawson causing problems for the Wolves football team came true last week.

Dawson, who posted more than 300 yards against Green River Friday night, was the primary work horse involved in Jackson's 26-15 victory. Maggi said Green River competed well against the Broncs and worked hard at containing Dawson, which held the teams to a tie game during the first half.

The two teams played in wet, rainy conditions in Jackson Hole Friday night. The rain created problems for both Green River and Jackson Hole as a wet ball would frequently result in botched plays for both quarterbacks. The first half was a back and forth affair as both teams struggled to post a score. Green River would be first to the end zone through a pass from quarterback Tyler Vendetti to Candon Croft at 5:24 left in the first quarter.

The scoring drive came courtesy of Malik Kalivas, who recovered a wet, fumbled football dropped by the Jackson offense.

After an encroachment call on the Jackson defense, the following PAT from Chance Hofer gave the Wolves a seven-point lead over the Broncs.

That lead would be short lived however, as a 64 yard touchdown from Dawson would tie the score at the end of the first quarter. The tie would remain until the end of the first half. Maggi said the Wolves matched the physicality brought on by the Jackson Hole team, but failed to maintain that physical presence throughout the game. A key play for Jackson came at the start of the second half, where a kickoff return by Dawson resulted in an 88 yard touchdown run.

A failed extra point attempt would hold the Broncs to a 13-7 lead over Green River after the first 12 seconds of the quarter.

While the Wolves struggled to come up with a second scoring drive, Jackson Hole was able to pad their lead with another two touchdowns in the second half. While Jackson was able to add another point on its second touchdown, they attempted a two-point conversion on their final touchdown of the night ended in failure, holding Jackson's score to 26.

A late touchdown for the Wolves, coming from Vendetti, helped close the gap. The Wolves also made a two-point conversion attempt and were successful in that bid, ending the game with 15 points. Green River takes on Star Valley in the first of two home games that will take place at Wolves Stadium.

"It'll be nice to be home," Maggi said.

Maggi said the Star Valley squad runs a similar defense to Green River and has a good quarterback, which will force the Wolves to look at better pass-run defense. Maggi said the team is working to improve their blocking for the game as well.

"Hopefully it pays off Friday," Maggi said.