Warriors refuse to fold in big win over No. 5 Buffalo

BUFFALO - If one thing has been made certain in the young 2016 Worland High School football season, it is these Warriors are going to battle through any and all adversity.

On the road again against the WyoPreps No. 5 ranked Buffalo Bison the Warriors not only fought back to win 28-21, after being down 21-13, but also spoiled homecoming for BHS.

At the end of the first half Buffalo led Worland 14-13 and starting the third quarter things seemed to bounce in favor of the Bison. There was a muffed punt by senior Daniel Arazia that Buffalo recovered for a touchdown and a 21-13 lead.

On their next possession Worland started putting together a promising drive but the Bison defense held strong forcing a punt. On the punt Buffalo returned it for a touchdown, well it would have been a touchdown had it not been for one piece of yellow laundry. The punt return was called back for a block in the back by Buffalo. The touchdown that was not gave the Warriors new life, the defense forced a punt and the offense marched down the field and scored on a Brad Lyman rushing touchdown.

Still down two after the touchdown the Warriors went for the two-point conversion and converted on a hard fought run by Araiza, tying the game at 21-all.

Buffalo's offense would not do much on their next series but Worland's offense would also be forced to punt. On the ensuing punt Buffalo's returner muffed the punt and the Warriors jumped on the ball at around midfield.

The Warriors would grind out the next few plays and on fourth and five, senior quarterback Talon Lloyd ran 20 yards to the Buffalo 9 yard line. With the offense humming Lloyd ran in the touchdown to put his team up 28-21.

On their next offensive possession Buffalo fumbled the ball on a bad pitch, which Worland recovered and proceeded to run precious time off the clock. The Warriors turned the ball over on downs on Buffalo's 19 yard line with only 51 seconds reaming.

Worland's defense held Buffalo forcing them to turn the ball over on downs, setting up the victory formation for Worland's offense.

WHS football coach Todd Weber was prideful in just how hard his team battled all night. "It was tough on me," joked coach Weber. "These kids are doing an amazing job. They hung in there, kept themselves in the fight. We told them at halftime if they kept doing their jobs things would break their way.

"Defensively, they settled in and made solid tackles, the defensive line had good push and our attitude became more aggressive ... It takes time to build a program but we're progressing each week and that's what I'm looking for. We got a big win and they're figuring out they can play and beat anyone," said coach Weber.

Next week the Warriors return home for homecoming week against 3A West conference opponent Jackson. Kick off is at 7 p.m.