By Jason Parshall
Sports Editor

JACKSON — The Worland Warriors fell to the Jackson Broncs 1-0 in their final game of the regular season Saturday, heading into the State 3A Boys Soccer Tournament with an overall record of 4-5-3.

Warrior head coach Joe Kelley said “We defended pretty well. The goal they got was on a direct kick that we gave up an ill-advised foul close to the box and they were able to head it in.

“It wasn’t our best effort by any means. But it was a little different for us playing on their artificial turf. The ball plays a little bit faster so it took us awhile to kind of adjust to that. The passes were a little hard until we got used to it. There were just a bunch of little things that we could have done better. And we didn’t do what we have been doing. We didn’t pass the ball as well as we have the last few weeks. That hurt us quite a bit.”

The Warrior JV won their final game of the season, beating Jackson 2-0. Ethan Ryan scored both goals in the game. The first came off a penalty kick in the first half and the second was assisted by Cason Cruz-Nicklas in the second half.

“This was one of our best games of the year,” JV coach RJ Christensen said. “We really controlled the game throughout. Jackson didn’t have very many opportunities. We were able to play the entire team. It was a nice way to end the season. We’re really excited about what these kids will produce at the varsity level over the next few years.

“Plus Cason made an appearance in the game and got the assist. He’s been on the injured list all season and was able to get some game time. So he’ll be able to go to state and help us out and that’s great.”

Worland will begin the state tournament Thursday when they face Lander at 2 p.m. in Laramie. The Warriors took on the Tigers Apr. 15, winning 3-2.