The Laramie Plainsmen Take Down Rock Springs, 37-22

The Laramie Plainsmen got their first win of the season Friday night with a 37-22 victory over the Rock Springs Tigers at Deti Stadium.

Plainsmen head coach Chuck Syverson alluded to the fact his team was upset with their performance last week.

"That game wasn't going to define us. I think this is a little more indicative of where we expect to be this year... (I'm) pretty happy with the effort out there."

The impact of senior Andy Pearson's return was significant. Pearson accounted for 180 yards of total offense and four touchdowns to help Laramie win their home opener.

Pearson ran for 116 yards and three scores and caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. His t-d runs were from 15, 11 and 11 yards, respectively. Pearson hauled in a 7-yard pass from senior quarterback Treyven Armijo in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach.

Syverson said of Pearson, "He's a really good player. He's worked hard this off-season to get to where he's at right now."

Laramie led 16-0 midway through the second quarter, when the Tigers rallied. A Matt Fowler 49-yard t-d run, plus a two-point conversion, tied the game at 16 with 8:54 left in the third quarter.

The Plainsmen responded with a quick three play, 53-yard, scoring drive. That was capped by Pearson's second 11-yard score on the ground.

Syverson added, "(We) let 'em back in the game there for a little bit and came back and scored right away; every time they kind of came back and answered us, we went right back down the field answering them. I think that's a good sign of our team."

LHS sealed the win with a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior Nate Hill.

Laramie was out-gained by Rock Springs 268-to-260 in total yards on offense, but took advantage of great field position. Seven of their 11 drives started in Tiger territory.

This marked the first time since 1999-2000 that the Plainsmen have had back-to-back wins over Rock Springs in football.

Next for LHS will be a road game at #3 Natrona in Casper next Friday night at 7 p.m.