Rock River Plays First Ever Football Game

Rock River played their first ever football game as they took on the Kaycee JV in Kaycee Saturday.

The Longhorns lost the contest by a score of 51-81.  But, Rock River coach Kyle Stucky said it was a great day even being on the road.

"It was such a good experience for our players and fans today and to be a part of the first ever football contest in school history is something that I will cherish for a long time.  I am very proud of our kids.  We suited up 8 kids and all 8 of them played their tail off for 40 minutes!  We had great fan support and the host team, their fans, and PA announcer did such a nice job of making this experience a special day.  Kaycee's fans were honking horns and giving applause anytime our kids did something well or when we scored.  The PA was repeatedly complimentary of our kids throughout the entire game and the Kaycee fans were exemplary and complimentary to our parents and fans who made the trip.  The kids learned alot about themselves today and about the game of football and we are excited for the next opportunity to take the field."

Highlights: Sr. Keith Smith scored the first ever touchdown in school history and found the endzone a total of six times throughout the afternoon with runs of 26, 16, 34, 6,11, 2.  His rushing totaled152 yards on 17 carries.  Jr. Corey McCallister accounted for 14 points with two touchdowns and an extra point field goal.  Corey scored on a 6 yd run in the 4th quarter and also on a 56 yard pass from Keith Smith to end the game as time expired.  McCallister ran the ball 18 times for 104 yards and also had 3 catches for 96 yards.  Keith Smith threw the ball 22 times connecting on 6 for 170 passing yards.  Ryne Sanchez scored on a pass reception for a PAT to round out the scoring for the Longhorns.  The Longhorns gained 442 total yards from scrimmage in their first ever game.

Defensively the Longhorn were led by the Smith brothers.  Keith led his team with 10 unassisted tackles 4 pass deflections and a blocked PAT. Sopomore CJ Smith was second on the team in tackles with 8 unassisted and he too blocked a PAT.  Fr. Scott Broyles also blocked a PAT and intercepted a pass in the endzone on a PAT try.  Corey McCallister and Jaden Krabbenhoft were also cited for their defensive play with 6 and 3 unassisted tackles a piece.

The Longhorns will take the field this Wednesday at 5pm at Laramie High School to take on the LHS Freshmen.

Thanks to Kyle Stucky for the stat and game information.