The Natrona County Mustangs Varsity Football Team are going into the postseason with a 7-2 record, ranking third in the state after having dominated with a strong running game and stiff defense. 

Except for Sheridan and Cheyenne East, the NC defense has held their opponents to two touchdowns or less, and the offense’s running game has stacked up an average of 33 points per game over the regular season. With a win over Thunder Basin, NC secured the home field advantage and will match up a second time with the Camels tomorrow at Cheney Alumni Field. The Mustangs already handed Campbell County a home-field loss earlier in the season, outscoring them 41-6.

Looking back to a mid-season game against Rock Springs, it was evident Natrona had already matured into a physical team that loves to run the ball and tire out their opponents with relentless drives downfield.  Quarterback Wyatt Powell was quick to credit this after the win against Rock Springs. “We showed our toughness. We just out toughed ‘em. We just pounded ‘em.” said Powell. 

A highlight of the Rock Springs game came when Bionca Gomez, #35 wide receiver and corner, was able to make a historic play as the first female Mustang to get a tackle. “It was third down, they were running it up the side. I hit the slot receiver, then I went right in the pile,” said Gomez.  

After the Rock Springs game, Head Coach Steve Harshman explained that his team was focused and determined to “keep working, keep getting better. That’s the name of the game.” 

Fast forward to their last game of the regular season, against Thunder Basin, and it’s evident the team has improved.  “We just showed ‘em what we’re capable of,” said NC lineman Samuel Stephens. He characterized his team’s style as “ground and pound, more physical, wearing out opponents.” Stephens explained his team could tell the Bolts lost initiative after NC’s second touchdown. “We were just the stronger team and wore them down.”

Natrona hopes to keep up this physicality as they move into the postseason. They play Campbell County on Friday, with kickoff at 6pm on NC’s home field.