Warriors host No. 2 Cody in home-opener

The season-opener did not go as planned for the Worland Warriors football team in Powell on Sept. 1.

The Warriors fell 51-0 to the WyoPreps No.4-ranked Powell Panthers 51-0.

"We've got to continue to find ways to get better," said WHS football coach Patrick Sweeney. "We will get better. I think Powell made us better. Cody will make us better this week. We just have to stick together. Got to stick together and use it as motivation and use it as an opportunity to learn."

Masen Decker led the Warriors in rushing with seven carries for 23 yards. Ryan Deniz had one catch for 33 yards and Will Slagle had two receptions for 25 yards.

On defense, Roman Parra led the Warriors' defense with 15 points (nine assisted tackles and three solo tackles). Decker had 14 points with three assisted tackles, two solo tackles, a pass breakup and an interception.

As disappointing as the loss was, the Warriors did have positives from which to build. The defense forced multiple third-and-longs, the offense had flashes and special teams covered well.

"Defensively, we had opportunities to stop the run. We did stop the run when everybody was doing their job. We got Powell into long downs. We just got to finish third-and-long and fourth-and-long and get them off the field.

"Offensively, when we block and get to our assignment, we did a good job. This is Mason's first year at QB. He did really well, given how Powell is such an aggressive, experienced team. He made good reads, and we're going to have to grow on that side of the ball for sure. I thought special teams went pretty well. They were very aggressive on kickoff return and kickoffs. We punted pretty well after we got one blocked," said Sweeney.

For Week 2, the Warriors host the No. 2-ranked Cody Broncs at 7 p.m. at Warrior Stadium - the second of three non-conference games for the Warriors.

Offensively, Worland will look to find a rhythm and consistency while the defense and special teams build on what they did well in Cody.

"Defensively, when the offensive line gives us a tip or tell on the play. We trust that and trust each other to get the job done. Offensively, we're going to see a different front this week. Cody's another excellent team. If we communicate the front and commit to understanding how we want to block this team this week. We're going to be a lot better.

"Special teams wise, we've put a huge emphasis on it. We've got to continue to do what we did last week, a lot of effort, a lot of execution. We'll keep sharpening the special teams. Right now, that's our best phase of the game, which is OK. The defense isn't too far behind. The offense has to find an identity and get rolling here," said Sweeney

Cody lost quite a bit to graduation but is still a formidable team. The Broncs are coming off a 56-7 win over Riverton in Week 1.

"They're really sharp; they play together and play for each other," said Sweeney about Cody. "Offensively, we definitely got to be able to run the football effectively. You have to block and account for everybody because they're flying to the football and playing selfless defense. Defensively, we've got to stop the run first. Then, on those long downs where they pass it, we have to be able to get off the field."