Red Arrow BBQ two-time local high point cooker

WORLAND - Jerrad Scott of Red Arrow BBQ of Worland won his second Jim Blake Memorial Award at the Wyoming State Championship BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Aug. 17.

Scott won his first Jim Blake award, which is given to the local high point cooker, in 2016, his first year competing.

He said he got his love of barbecuing by watching Barbecue Pitmasters. "I wasn't much of a cooker back in the day," he said. He watched the pitmasters and "all the good food they were making" and wanted to try his hand at it.

"I don't know how many briskets I ruined," Scott said, adding that he began barbecuing in part to learn to cook and in part for a desire to compete. "Once I learned how to cook, over the years I tried new things."

Scott said he loves competing, even though he only competes in a one to two contests each year. "It's a great community of people. We have met some awesome people. It's fun every time you can get together," he said.

He added that he would love to do more competing if he can fit it into his schedule.

He will be competing in Casper in September and, after taking the Kansas City Barbecue Society judging class, will be judging a competition in Glendive, Montana, this fall.

"It will be neat to see the other side of the spectrum, to see what's coming and what the other judges are expecting," Scott said.

Scott said his favorite meat to cook is ribs. "I'm a rib guy."

Scott said this year, winning the Jim Blake Memorial Award was as special as the first time, because this is the first year he won the award while vending and competing. He said last year was the first time he vended and competed and he felt on some meats he concentrated more on the customers than the competition.

"We're still learning [balancing vending and competing]," Scott said.

He said he is honored to receive the award and feels the festival is a great event for Worland.

"It's always a good time, such a great event that brings people to Worland," he said.

As for the Red Arrow BBQ name, Scott said he is an avid bow hunter and "if you take a shot and you are successful you will have a red arrow at the end."