Road woes continue as Herd falls to Wheatland

The Herders put up a valiant fight against the Wheatland Bulldogs on the dogs’ home turf Friday Sept. 25, but ultimately the game got away from the Herders after the second quarter and the team was never able to regain their footing.

Glenrock was able to get out to an early lead, when star running back Dustin Simmons found his way into the end zone on a goal line run.

After another touchdown in the second quarter, Glenrock had a 14-6 lead and seemed to be in a good rhythm.

From there things went down hill fast.

“They scored three touchdowns on us in the last five minutes of the first half,” head coach Ryan Collier said. “We just couldn’t stop there momentum going into the half.”

Simmons found the end zone again early in the third quarter to bring the team within striking distance, and seemingly take the momentum back.

“We came out right away and scored on our first possession and thought things were going to get rolling a bit,” Collier said.

“Then we made a couple assignment misses on defense and they went right down and scored taking the momentum back. 

An early theme has been established thus far into the season for the Herders.

Glenrock has flourished when at the Rock, winning both of their games in front of the Herder faithful.

On the road, however, it has been a different story. 

Glenrock fell to a tough Torrington team, who look more and more like championship contenders as weeks pass, back on Sept. 11.

The defense seems to struggle the most on the road, allowing total points, compared to just 26 at home.

“Our biggest issue is with some of our platooning  that we’re doing,” Collier said. “Our kids get tired and start making a lot of mental errors.

“When we’re fresh and firing off the ball we’re tough to beat.”

Glenrock will enjoy the comforts of home this week when they host Newcastle for their homecoming game. 

Newcastle has struggled so far this season, with no wins in their first four games, but will present a different look on offense than the Herders have seen thus far.

Collier expects them to employ unique formations and shifts to run the ball effectively.

With it being homecoming, Collier is cognizant of the potential distraction.

“They definitely don’t want to lose their homecoming game. I tell them that outside of the football program is for them to be high school kids and celebrate homecoming and have fun.

“For that two, two and a half hours that we have them on the football field  they have to ultimately focus on what we’re doing.”

The team will be without starting quarterback Jonah Young, who suffered a dislocated shoulder this past weekend.

Kickoff will be 6 p.m. Oct. 2.