Plainsmen Pull-off Comeback and Top #5 Trojans, 29-26

Three touchdowns in the final 6:26 of the game by Laramie helped the Plainsmen to an unbelievable upset of the 5th-ranked Kelly Walsh Trojans Friday night at Deti Stadium. Laramie trailed by 19 and rallied with 22 unanswered points for a miraculous 29-26 victory on Senior Night.

Down 26-7 in the fourth quarter, LHS capitalized on a Kelly Walsh fumble. Four plays later, Junior Nate Hill found Senior Kollin West wide open on a halfback pass from 36 yards out for a touchdown. After Drew Burman converted the 2-point run, the Plainsmen pulled within 26-15.

Laramie (3-6) recovered the ensuing onside kick, but Burman was intercepted for the third time just two plays later. After forcing a punt by the Trojans, LHS had the ball at their own 42-yard line. A big 38-yard catch and run by Logan Johnson put the Plainsmen at the KW 15-yard line. The next play saw Burman take it in from 15-yards out on the ground. He also added another 2-point run which got Laramie within 26-23 with 2:45 left.

The Plainsmen recovered another onside kick at midfield. A second 38-yard pass play from Burman to Gavin Worden had Laramie at the Trojans 9-yard line. Two plays later, Burman connected with Worden on an 11-yard score with 1:15 left, and the Plainsmen had their first lead of the game.

Kelly Walsh (5-4) threw four straight incomplete passes and turned the ball over on downs.

LHS was able to run out the clock for the stunning victory. It marked the first win at home this season and sent the seniors out on a high note.

The Trojans built the 26-7 lead behind two touchdown runs by Austin Sullins, a t-d run by Kurk Durtsche and a pair of Seth Romsa field goals. Laramie's only score came late in the first half on an Andy Pearson to Burman 16-yard touchdown pass out of the wildcat formation.

The Plainsmen finished with 290 yards of total offense. Burman accounted for 249 total yards with 78 rushing, 155 passing and 16 receiving. He ran for a touchdown, passed for one and caught one. LHS won despite five turnovers, and they had a punt blocked that set-up KW's second touchdown.

Kelly Walsh ended up with 310 yards of total offense, which included 260 on the ground.

Next up is the first round of the 4A State Playoffs. Laramie qualified with the win and will be the seventh seed. Their first round playoff game with be at #2 seed Sheridan. The game day and time are to be determined.