April has brought Cowboy football back to Laramie with the annual spring intra-team scrimmage opening the season in Laramie on Thursday afternoon.
Originally planned for Saturday in Cheyenne, inclement weather moved it to Laramie, next to the ongoing stadium renovations. Despite the different moving pieces, the game came together in front of a small assembly of Pokes fans.
An array of familiar faces suited up, along with the incoming recruits and transfer athletes, each sent to either the Brown or White squads. The anticipated arrival of QB Evan Svoboda was on display, but his Brown team offense encountered struggles in the beginning of the game against the White squad. White put up a field goal early, but that would be all the scoring in the first quarter.
After a series of three-and-outs, a fumble recovery would be the energy needed to get the Brown offense moving, aided by the rushing tandem of Harrison Waylee and North Carolina transfer DJ Jones. Jones would take the ball across the goaline for the first touchdown of the game.
Not long after however, White would respond in the form of a Sam Scott touchdown run, making it 10-7. Svoboda and his Brown squad would have several opportunities to add points before half, but the score would remain stagnant heading into the break.
DJ Jones was the first half standout for the Brown squad, racking up 72 yards on the ground, while also posting a 35 yard catch and run right before half. For White, Chris Durr Jr., the WR recruit out of Chicago, was targeted a bevy of times, and ended the first half with 8 catches and 82 yards.
Sawvel opted to shorten the second half of the scrimmage to take pressure off the players and make sure no one would risk an injury. Nevertheless, both teams battled out another 24 minutes, with more players being able to get reps. John Hoyland nailed a 47-yard field goal and Svoboda connected with Kayden LaFramboise for a 37-yard TD strike with about two minutes remaining to give the Brown squad the 17-10 win.
Coach Sawvel had lots to talk about after the game, but performances from Chris Durr and DJ Jones were a main focal point.
A lot of work still has to be done up to the fall football season, but Sawvel is hopeful for the young WR Chris Durr.
“He’s a really good young man and has a great attitude,” said Sawvel, referring to Durr. “He showed up today and he will definitely be an impact for us, provided he does the things he needs to do [over the summer],” he said.
For DJ Jones, Sawvel was impressed from what he has seen and appreciates such an experienced presence transferring to his team.
When asked what he liked about Jones, Sawvel didn’t hesitate, “Everything.”
“This guy is uber competitive and really mature,” he said. “I’m a big fan of his.”
Cowboy football wraps up spring camp this Friday, and will take some time before returning for the summer, where they will start truly prepping for the fall season.
