The Kemmerer Rangers opened up their 2025 schedule with a win over the Moorcroft Wolves. 22-16 on Thursday evening. The game was played on a neutral field in Shoshoni.

According to Kemmerer coach Bart Jernigan, the ground game was key to the outcome.

“It was a very tight game with two smash mouth squads trying to get their feet under them in the young season,” he replied. “Running the ball and stopping the run were the difference in the game. We were able to make just a few more plays than they were in key moments, and that was the difference.”

Leading the way for the Rangers was Noah Parks who finished with 102 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sam Thatcher found the end zone twice himself in the effort.

Jernigan feels the team has made progress from their Zero Week scrimmage against the Cokeville Panthers.

“We struggled in many respects in our scrimmage, so I was proud to see the resilience of our boys,” he continued “Additionally, we didn’t have a whole lot to go off with [Moorcroft] having an empty zero week and a new coach. But I thought the adjustments we were able to make and the flexibility of our kids were key in getting the win.”

Coach Jernigan credited the players for digging deep to open the season.

“I was proud of the boys’ toughness and response from a rough first defensive drive,” he added. “We answered the bell multiple times throughout the game with our backs up against the wall defensively and offensively. Particularly with some key stops and clutch conversions on fourth down.”

Now in his ninth season at the helm of the squad, he also pointed out the blend of experience and new blood for Kemmerer this season.

“We have more young kids playing significant roles on the field right now than I can ever remember,” he added. “But I have been impressed with our veteran core bringing them up to speed and our youngsters’ willingness to stand up and battle.”

The Rangers will now hit the road again next Friday, September 12, as they face the Pinedale Wranglers.

“There’s a lot of things we will need to work on going forward,” Jernigan concluded. “But I’m glad we get to learn them in a win. Untimely penalties, in particular, proved problematic, and a few assignment errors caused us issues. We have to clean those things up to reach our potential. Pinedale will present a tough test next week. We are excited to kickoff conference play and look forward to the opportunity to compete and show improvement.”

All Kemmerer football games are carried on The Spur throughout southwest Wyoming on 940 AM and 105.3 FM. Audio can also be found by using the SVI News app.

2025 Kemmerer Football Schedule
Sept. 4 Vs Moorcroft (@ Shoshoni)
Sept. 12 @ Pinedale (7 p.m.)
Sept. 19 @ Thermopolis (5 p.m.)
Sept. 26 Vs. Mountain View (6 p.m.)
Oct. 3 Vs Lyman (6 p.m.)
Oct. 10 @ Cokeville (1 p.m.)
Oct 17 @ Lovell (5 p.m.)
Oct. 24 Vs Worland (5 p.m.)

• Were you at the game? Have some pictures to help with the promotion of Kemmerer High School Activities and Athletics? Send them our way at dahle@svinews.com.