Buffs’ playoff hopes take a hit

The Greybull Buffs saw their playoff hopes take a major hit on Thursday, losing to Wind River 49-0 in Pavilion to drop to 2-3 in Class 1A West Conference action.

The loss put the Buffs in a tough spot, desperately needing not only a win, but a convincing one over Riverside on Friday night to extend their season beyond this week.

The Buffs will pick up a win by forfeit over St. Stephens in week eight, which will make them either 5-3 or 4-4, depending upon the outcome of their matchup with the Rebels.

Greybull couldn’t get anything going against the Cougars, who could end as the conference champion and No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

The Buffs produced 98 yards of offense — including just 35 from a rushing attack that had been their bread and butter — while giving up 467 to the Cougars.

Cooper Frederick accounted for 203 of Wind River’s yards, gaining 81 on 20 rushing attempts while completing 7-of-12 passes for 122 yards.

Two other backs, Braden Tatro and Chris Burke, also had big rushing games, gaining 90 and 70 yards, respectively, for the victorious Cougars.

“They have 11 seniors over there and have been a highly successful program,” said Coach Jeremy Pouska. “With that, I know the score doesn’t reflect it, but our squad came out, competed well, didn’t give up and kept up the intensity.

“It’s hard to keep Cooper Fredrick in check.”

The Greybull offense, meanwhile, sputtered for a second straight week. On the ground, the Buffs were credited with 35 yards on 21 attempts.

 “They put a lot of pressure on us,” said Pouska. “We had a couple of snaps that were a little wild and those created big opportunities for Wind River. But give them credit. They did a great job of containing our running game and making sure our backs were accounted for.”

Isaak Gaytan led the way with 27 yards on nine carries.

Quarterback Caden Hunt completed 9-of-15 throws for 63 yards.

While the Buffs prefer a run-first attack, Pouska said it was encouraging to see his sophomore quarterback “hit some receivers and get a little momentum going through the air” against a senior-laden defense.


This week

The Buffs will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the Rebels when the longtime rivals square off Friday night at 7 p.m. in Greybull.

The team’s three seniors, Jesus Rodriguez, Isaak Gaytan and Joel Miller, will be honored at 6:30 p.m.  It’s also homecoming week at GHS, although the crowning of the king and queen won’t take place until Saturday afternoon’s volleyball match at Buff Gym.

The Buffs won eight straight over the Rebels between 2008 and 2020,but have dropped the last two. In 2021, the margin was razor thin, 14-12.  But last year it was not, as the Rebels rolled 48-8.

“We’ve studied a lot of their film and they’re gelling well,” said Pouska. “From film, it’s apparent that a strength of theirs is, when their offensive linemen are blocking, they stay on duty and maintain their blocks well, which sets up good running lanes for Ty (Strohschein).

“We have to come playing aggressively on defense and play physical football. Containing (Strohschein) behind the line of scrimmage is the goal this week.”

Pouska believes the Buffs can still make playoffs, but it’ll take at least an eight-point win over the Rebels to give them a realistic chance.

The Rebels close out the season playing Big Piney, so if they win out, they could finish as high as second in the conference.  The Buffs have already dropped games to Big Piney and Rocky Mountain.

“All we know for sure is that we want a win over Basin and to finish the season strong,” said Pouska.  “The guys have shown a lot of growth this year.  I still believe the best is yet to come and am proud of where the program is going.”’

AD Nolan Tracy has announced that there will be JV game in week eighth.  St. Stephens will be the opponent and it will be a six-man contest.  Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19.


Wind River 49, Greybull

RUSHING — Greybull 21-35 (Isaak Gaytan 9-26, Wyatt Didrickson 4-20, Lucas Bolzer 5-11, Caden Hunt 3-(-25), Caiden Sorenson 1-3.

PASSING — Greybull: Caden Hunt 9-of-15 for 63 yards and 1 interception; Cord Edeler 0-of-6 for 0 yards and 1 interception.

RECEIVING — Bolzer 4-23, Gaytan 2-26, Joel Miller 2-5, Jesus Rodriguez 1-9, Didrickson 1-0.

DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS — Didrickson led with 14 points (12 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles), followed by Gaytan with 13, Rodriguez with 11 and Sorensen with 10 (including 3 forced fumbles).