We must be able to run the ball better as this opens up the passing game, too. We have to be able to tackle better, especially in the open field. Blocking and tackling will be points of emphasis this week.”

Coach Russell Stienmetz

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Torrington hosts Wheatland on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m.

GERING – Explosive plays resulting in touchdowns by the Torrington High School Blazers at the beginning of the first and second halves of the opening week scrimmage against Gering came up short in overcoming a 21-point run by the Bulldogs late in the first quarter.

Despite solid plays by both the Blazer offense and defense, Torrington ultimately fell to Gering, 34-14, on Friday, August 30.

Overall, the Blazers tallied 278 all-purpose yards against Gering, including 183 yards passing.

The away game provided an opportunity for Torrington to gauge what it needs to work on before the first game of the regular season against Wheatland on September 6.

“We must be able to run the ball better as this opens up the passing game, too,” coach Russell Stienmetz said. “We have to be able to tackle better, especially in the open field. Blocking and tackling will be points of emphasis this week.”

Senior Ryan Moorehouse made his first appearance as varsity quarterback for the Blazers on Friday.

“Ryan commanded the offense well for the first outing of the year and this gives us a place to start at and build from,” Stienmetz added. “We must be better this week than last week.”

Gridiron grit

Gering began the first quarter in possession but were shut down by a solid Torrington defense.

Seniors Andrew Haffner and Kaden Romig tackled the Bulldogs’ runner on the first play. A tackle by junior Landre Greiman resulted in a loss of yards for Gering.

Gering’s quarterback lined up for a pass. Senior Mac Hibben leapt up and intercepted the ball at the 45-yard line.

Taking possession, Moorehouse completed a pass to Greiman at Gering’s 16-yard line. Greiman carried the ball to the two-yard line.

Moorehouse handed the ball off to Braddy in the next play. Braddy churned up the remaining two yards into the end zone for a touchdown.

A kick by junior Holden Hackett resulted in an extra point and Torrington found itself ahead, 7-0, less than two minutes into the game.

Gering recovered and took control of the gridiron for the remaining eight minutes of the first quarter with the Bulldogs scoring three subsequent touchdowns.

Gering led, 21-7, as the second quarter commenced.

The Torrington defense shut down Gering’s only drive in the second quarter, including tackles by Braddy, Hackett, Andrew Haffner, senior Jeramiah Haffner, junior Colby Sandusky, senior Brayden Hime, senior Tyler Nicolay, senior Nathaniel Stull and junior Keeng Aleman-Velazquez. Pressure by Andrew Haffner, Jeramiah Haffner, Nicolay and Stull broke up several passes.

The halftime score favored Gering, 21-7.

Torrington scored its second touchdown on a sustained drive to open the second half.

Greiman returned the kickoff to Torrington’s 24-yard line. Moorehouse completed a pass to Stull at the 31-yard line.

Moorehouse kept the ball on the next play, sweeping up to the 44-yard line.

Greiman took a handoff and charged across midfield to Gering’s 47-yard line. Braddy and Greiman drove the ball to Gering’s 40-yard line over the next two plays.

Moorehouse completed a 13-yard pass play to Hibben. Another pass to Stull brought the line of scrimmage to Gering’s seven-yard line. 

Moorehouse wound up a pass to Hibben in the endzone for a touchdown. Hackett kicked the ball between the goalposts and Torrington whittled Gering’s lead down to a single possession, 21-14.

Gering responded with two touchdowns to widen its lead, 34-14, as the third quarter ended.

The Blazer defense shut out Gering in the fourth quarter with tackles by Hime, Romig, Jeramiah Haffner, Nicolay and sophomore Drew Kramer. Sophomore Aaraon Chavez led a pack of Blazers in a tackle for loss during Gering’s second drive of the final quarter.

Overall, Moorehouse tallied 47 yards rushing on 13 plays. The senior quarterback completed 16 of 35 passes for 183 yards. Stull carried the ball 36 yards rushing on two plays with Greiman rushing 14 yards, also on two plays.

Stull completed seven passes for 38 yards. Hibben caught five passes for 35 yards and Greiman completed three passes for 83 yards.