Home cooking for Hanna

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Miner football team got their first taste of home cooking Friday and kept at their winning ways against the Normative Services Institute Academy (NSI) Wolves, who were down from Sheridan.

It was the Miners' homecoming game and before the competition started, Carbon County Search and Rescue had a helicopter drop off the game balls for the upcoming football and volleyball matches.

After the game balls were given to HEM football head coach Zach Scott and volleyball head coach Jackie Jones, the competition began.

The Miners had strong production from a very balanced team winning 73-20.

The cylinders for offense were up and running early for a 50-13 halftime lead.

During the halftime break, Kit Felton, HEM music director, conducted the largest band to come on the field in 20 years. The homecoming court was announced and then a special tribute was given to Eva and Dan West, who were HEM's 2018 super fans.

The second half, the Miners did allow the Wolves to score, but answered with 23 points.

Shane McGraw completed his three passes for a total of 82 yards with one touchdown. Tylor Goodro, the only left handed high school quarterback playing in Wyoming, completed two of his three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Connor McGraw was the receiver for both touchdowns.

S. McGraw scored three rushing touchdowns in addition to his passing duties. Goodro also scored a rushing touchdown. C. McGraw rushed for a touchdown and Andrew Scott also had a rushing touchdown.

"Offensively, NSI is very explosive and our defense stepped up today and did an amazing job," Scott said. "We were a team effort again."

On defense, Goodro and S. McGraw had eight tackles apiece. Devon Grosstick had seven. There were four interceptions. C. McGraw, Grosstick, Scott and Brendon Reeves got one each. S. McGraw and Goodro both had fumble recoveries.

"We continue to grow and I am really proud of these kids," Scott said. "Everybody rose to the occasion today."

Scott wants his team and fans to know he thinks this team is remarkable.

"This doesn't come around all the time, I hope they understand that and understand that if they keep this effort up, it could be special," Scott said.

Scott said he was happy with how well the team played before the homecoming crowd.

"It was awesome," Scott said. "It is exactly what they needed to be on the road we want to be on."

The next scheduled game is Kaycee, the defending state champs, at noon on Oct. 13 in Hanna.