PREVIEW: Top-ranked East takes on the Laramie Plainsmen in Week 3

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - To this point, Cheyenne East’s season may be surpassing high expectations. The Thunderbirds currently hold the top rank in 4A,, and have yet to show many signs of slowing down, both literally and figuratively.

“I think the team’s come out and we’ve played all three phases of the game. I don’t know if we’ve had complete phases in each game, but I would tell you our offense was rolling in one, and our defense was rolling in two, and our special teams were rolling in three. I think all three teams made a presence in each game,” said Chad Goff, East’s Head Coach.

Their offense has yet to score below the 30 point mark so far, and is largely powered by the teams speed, which earns continues praise at every corner.

“I think in any athletic, speed kills. We’re very blessed to have some fast kids on our team this year, and they do good things with the ball in their hand. Not only are they fast, they have great hands, they have great moves, so it’s very important,” said Coach Goff.

“The biggest obstacle that they cause for us is that they’re just so fast. They’re fast in everything that they do, and they execute everything that they do so well,” said Laramie’s Head Football Coach Paul Ronga on his Friday night opponents.

Laramie, on the other hand, have yet to find their first win of the season. There schedule has been far from light, as three of their first four opponents currently hold a spot in 4A’s top five.

“When we look at the schedule as a staff, we understand that we’re going into that right off the bat, and so it is difficult to maintain that leverage when the outcomes have been what they have. With that being said, we just continue to stress to the players that we’re in this to win it, and that it is a long season and that we have a second half ahead of us,” Coach Ronga said of the strong opening schedule.

Despite the slow start, Ronga mentioned that the roster still has spots for optimism. Coach highlighted the base of athleticism that his roster has as a key strength for the team.

“I think we’ve got good skill players. Laramie is blessed with a lot of athletes and skill players that can do many different things and are multifaceted. So that would be in the skill position offensively, and at the linebacker position defensively.,” said Coach Ronga.

This game will be played at Okie-Blanchard Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 PM on Friday night.

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