Lone Peak senior quarterback Frankie Starz (6) drops back to pass against Park City, while freshman Pierce Farr (53) and senior Nick Wade (50) block Park City defenders Friday night. PHOTOS BY BRANDON WALKER
BIG SKY – The Lone Peak Big Horns’ Homecoming game was spoiled Friday night by the visiting Park City Panthers. Park City scored first and never looked back en route to a 40-14 victory over Lone Peak.
Light
rain and 41 degrees at kickoff didn’t deter a sizeable crowd from coming out to
support the Big Horns, but both coaches knew the inclement weather would impact
the game.
“We’re
a pass first team unlike most teams in our division,” said Lone Peak Head Coach
Adam Farr. “Near snowing conditions is not conducive to our offense
especially.”
On
the opposing sideline, Park City Head Coach Mark Rathbun was concerned about
his players’ ability to grip the ball. “I was a little concerned that we
wouldn’t be able to hold onto the ball very well, but it turned out alright,”
Rathbun said. “The kids did a nice job fighting through the adversity.”
Lone
Peak kicked off to begin the game and came out strong on defense forcing Park
City into a punt situation on the opening drive. On the ensuing snap Lone Peak senior
Nick Wade slipped through the defensive line and tackled the kicker before he
could punt the ball away, giving the Big Horns possession and the momentum.
Immediately
following the turnover on downs, Lone Peak was unable to generate much on
offense. They could not convert on fourth down so the game remained scoreless.
Both teams traded possession for the remainder of the quarter until Panthers’ senior
quarterback Carson Baker found wideout and fellow senior Garrett McMillen in
the end zone to make it a 6-0 game at the first intermission after the Panthers
came up short on their 2-point conversion.
Park City Junior Garrett Zimdars (20) evades Lone Peak defenders Friday night as the Panthers defeated the Big Horns 40-14.
“We
were in the game early on for sure,” Farr said. “We thought going in that we
would match up pretty well with them. We just didn’t execute on deep passes and
a couple key turnovers really were the difference in the game.”
The
second quarter brought with it more rain and a flurry of points. The Big Horns
started with the ball, but went three and out on their opening drive, resulting
in a punt. Park City proceeded to drive down the field with a variety of pass
plays by Baker.
With
8:37 remaining in the half Baker found McMillen for another touchdown to put
the Panthers up 12-0. Once again Lone Peak stopped the Park City 2-point
attempt. After a Big Horn fumble, Park City took control of the ball on the Big
Horn 24-yard line. Baker connected with senior receiver Colton Knutson with
6:42 to play in the second quarter for the third Park City touchdown. The
Panthers could not punch in the 2-point attempt leaving the score 18-0.
Lone
Peak commanded the ball for the next five-plus minutes of play as they drove
the length of the field. Senior quarterback Frankie Starz capped the drive with
a 3-yard rushing touchdown then found senior receiver Austin Samuels for the 2-point
conversion, bringing the score to 18-8 with 56 seconds left in the half. Park
City responded quickly as Baker threw a touchdown pass to junior receiver
Tucker Johnstone, as time expired in the quarter. After another failed 2-point
attempt, the Panthers went into the half leading the Big Horns 24-8.
Lone Peak Senior quarterback Frankie Starz (6) winds up to throw, while another Lone Peak player blocks a Park City defender Friday night. The Big Horns were defeated 40-14.
Lone
Peak forced Park City into three turnovers in the third quarter, recovering two
fumble and intercepting Park City’s Baker. One of the takeaways, however,
resulted in the Big Horns possessing the ball on their own goal line. Park City
stifled the Big Horn offense forcing a safety and bringing the score to 26-8.
The
teams traded touchdowns to begin the final quarter. Baker found the end zone
from 6 yards out for Park City then missed another 2-point conversion. Lone
Peak took over and scored when Starz connected with Samuels with 4:47 remaining
in the game. The Panthers stuffed the Big Horns’ 2-point attempt leaving the
score 32-14. Just 40 seconds later, Baker found senior receiver James Wetmore
for a touchdown. Baker rushed to convert the 2-point try and capped the scoring
at 40-14.
Rathbun
was pleased with his teams poise. “I’m just really proud of the boys for how
they responded and stepped up after the loss that we had last week,” he said. “We
needed to refocus and come back and they did a really nice job doing that. I’m
proud of them.”
Farr
was optimistic of the outcome and his teams’ performance. “I don’t think the
score was indicative of how well we competed and how close we are, talent-wise,
with that team.”
Lone
Peak (1-3) is off this coming week. They will travel to face Absarokee at 7 p.m.
on Oct. 4.
Virtual podcast with Big Sky Bravery
A special interview with Josh McCain, Founder and President of Big Sky Bravery and his brother-in-law, Jeremy Keller, whom he started the Big
Event Details
Virtual podcast with Big Sky Bravery
A special interview with Josh McCain, Founder and President of Big Sky Bravery and his brother-in-law, Jeremy Keller, whom he started the Big Sky Bravery program for.
"The Arctic to Yellowstone: A Conservation on Climate"
A roundtable conversation featuring Dr. Cathy Whitlock, Max Lowe, Twila Moon and Kristin Gardner; moderated by Todd Wilkinson. Screening of Max Lowe's film, "Bare
Event Details
“The Arctic to Yellowstone: A Conservation on Climate”
A roundtable conversation featuring Dr. Cathy Whitlock, Max Lowe, Twila Moon and Kristin Gardner; moderated by Todd Wilkinson. Screening of Max Lowe’s film, “Bare Existence.”
"Lessons Learned from my Disability during the COVID World"
Featuring a virtual discussion with Rob Balucas, Lane Lamoreaux, and Seth Dahl. Screening of Seth Dahl's trailer to his film,
Event Details
“Lessons Learned from my Disability during the COVID World”
Featuring a virtual discussion with Rob Balucas, Lane Lamoreaux, and Seth Dahl. Screening of Seth Dahl’s trailer to his film, “Flowing Air.”