PATRICK SCHMIEDT Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 am
The story of Moorcroft's football resurrection is fairly short and simple.
New players, great size and a bunch of talent have all blended well for the Wolves this fall. With that basic mix, the Wolves have jumped out to a 4-1 start and they're in position to win the Class 3A East Conference championship.
Today, the third-ranked Wolves have their biggest test of the season - a home date against second-ranked Glenrock. The winner grabs a stranglehold on first place in the conference and gains an inside edge on home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Glenrock, which has played in four state championship games the past six years, is used to these types of games. Moorcroft, which hasn't posted a winning season since 2001, isn't.
Just don't tell the Wolves they don't belong.
"The kids are talented," Moorcroft coach Steve Richter said. " … We felt we could have been actually 5-0 if we had got our act together against Big Horn.
"I think the kids expected (success). … They've accomplished most of their goals right now, but they're definitely not finished. We've got more to go."
The Wolves added some players who last fall had concentrated on rodeo and also picked up some help via the transfer route. They restructured their coaching staff over the summer, then molded their size, speed and skill into one of Class 3A's best teams.
Meanwhile, Glenrock has started strong, just as expected. The Herders have outscored their five opponents 165-55 on their way to a 5-0 start; they lead all classifications with 407 rushing yards per game and have three backs with 578 yards or more already this season.
Even so, Glenrock coach Ray Kumpula said the Herders can't afford to overlook the Wolves, who give up only 47.8 rushing yards per game, best in 3A.
"I think the kids realize how important this game is as far as what they want to accomplish this year," he said. " … (Moorcroft) has improved so much, you can tell, as far as their offensive scheme and their defensive discipline. I'm very impressed with what the coaching staff up there has done."
Moorcroft has been battling a flu-like sickness this week that kept five starters out of practice on Tuesday. Still, the excitement surrounding the Moorcroft community for the program's biggest game of the season is noticeable, Richter said.
"The last few years there hasn't been much (success)," he said. "Now people are starting to take note. … It's generated a little bit of excitement (in the community).
"They're kind of starting to pay attention. It's been real nice."
Contact high school sports coordinator Patrick Schmiedt at (307) 266-0615 or patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.
Game Tracker
WHAT: Glenrock (5-0, 2-0 3A East) at Moorcroft (4-1, 3-0)
WHEN: 2 p.m. today
WHERE: Wolves Field, Moorcroft
LAST TIME THEY MET: Glenrock beat Moorcroft 47-0 on Oct. 5, 2007, in Glenrock.