The 1-7 Green River Wolves hit the road this past Friday for their final game of the 2024 football season. They took on the number-one ranked and undefeated Star Valley Braves at Star Valley’s home field on their Senior Night.
Star Valley’s strong football presence was reflected in their undefeated record and a huge roster of 174 players to the Wolves’ 109. The Braves also have 43 seniors compared to Green River’ s 11, and a number of big players, all of which has enabled them to dominate again this season.
Even with the dominating numbers, Green River’s Head Coach Blaine Christensen felt his players were prepared to play hard, despite also having three of their top players out with injuries. The key to the game for Coach Christensen was to continue to fight all game.
The Wolves won the coin toss and elected to kick to Star Valley, who got a good return to the 42 yard line to start the game in excellent field position.
Star Valley mounted an eight-play drive, which resulted in a pitch and run for 15 yards, a touchdown, and a quick 7-0 lead. On the next series, an untimely fumble was recovered by Star Valley. With a short field, the Braves scored and took an early 14-0 lead.
Star Valley scored three more times to up their lead to 35-0, but the Wolves had not given up. Green River scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Max Hintz to Dylan Taylor, but the Braves came back with a score of their own to up their lead to 41-7 at the half.
Despite a couple of longer drives and playing hard, the Wolves were shut out in the second half and the Braves finished the regular season undefeated with a 61-7 win.
After the game, Coach Christensen emphasized how he was proud of his team for always practicing and playing hard and spoke of the importance of developing character as an important attribute, which his players are taught and have learned. The team and Coaches will also miss their graduating seniors who have helped provide leadership.
“I am proud of our guys,” Christensen said. “I am proud of these seniors and thankful that they put their trust in me and this coaching staff. It is never easy when a new coach comes in. I believe we have set a great foundation for the future. Our kids know and understand the standard of 3A football. They understand that this offseason is huge for the development of our program. I know our kids will work hard this offseason, It’s just the type of people that they are. I look forward to watching them compete in other sports.”
Coach Christensen also wanted to express to the community that the Wolves football team saw growth all throughout the season.
“Even though the scoreboard the last two games did not show it, our kids competed all year,” he said. “This thing will take time, and we know we are on the right track! I personally will never cheat the process of building this thing to what it can be. Stay patient because we are on the right track. Go Wolves.”
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