WyoPreps Game of the Week: #5 NC at #2 Sheridan [AUDIO]

A series that first began 100 years ago, Natrona County versus Sheridan is the WyoPreps Big School Game of the Week on Friday night.

Both teams enter off a loss last week on the road.

Second-ranked Sheridan is 4-1 after a 24-21 setback against No. 3 Cheyenne East in the Capital City.

The No. 5 rated Natrona County Mustangs are 3-2 following a 17-14 loss at top-ranked Rock Springs last week. NC’s two losses this season are by a combined four points.

WyoPreps talked with Natrona head coach Steve Harshman and Sheridan’s head coach Jeff Mowry. Both had some similar keys to tonight’s game and were very complimentary about the other team. Harshman spoke about concerns with health and injuries with his squad but likes how they’ve continued to battle. He wants to see more improvement from the Mustangs. Coach Mowry touched on how his young team has more experience, especially in some big games, leaders stepping up, and being at home for this key game.

Both teams want to establish their running attack. Natrona is fourth and Sheridan fifth in rushing offense this season. The Mustangs are at 184 yards per game, while the Broncs are at 177. Add in the passing attack, and these two are separated by just 10 yards per game on offense, 356-to-346.

Defensively, NC leads Class 4A. The Mustangs allow only 247 yards and a 4A best 7.6 points per game. It’s been tough to move the ball against Natrona’s defense. Sheridan gives up only 266 yards and 13.6 points per game.

Turnovers and field position will be key in the one.

Tonight is the 114th meeting between the rivals, according to wyoming-football.com. Natrona has a 59-48 lead in the all-time series. There have been six ties. The two schools have split the last 22 games with each other. Sheridan does lead at home, 30-20 with three ties. Last year, the Mustangs won in OT in Casper, 38-31.

It’s a 7 p.m. kickoff at Homer Scott Field in Sheridan.