A New Chapter of Laramie Football Begins Friday [VIDEO]

After 15 days of preparation the high school football season is here. The 2017 Laramie Plainsmen host No. 5 Kelly Walsh Friday night at Deti Stadium.

It’s the start of a new era for Laramie Football. The off-season brought about change when Chuck Syverson stepped down in May after four years. The job was given to a long-time assistant with the program, Clint Reed.

Coming off a 4-6 season in 2016, Laramie returns a solid core. Reed takes over a squad that has four starters back on both sides of the ball and 17 total letterwinners returning. That includes senior Garrett Worden, who was an All-State defensive end last season.

New head coach Clint Reed has changed some things offensively, but kept some of what they ran under Syverson, especially some the short passing game. The defense hasn’t changed. It’s anchored at all three levels with Worden up front, senior Daylon Puckett at linebacker and junior Jason Upton at safety.

Reed visited with KOWB’s David Settle about his team, their preparation for this game and the Trojans.

Kelly Walsh is led by senior tight end and linebacker Joey Geil (31), senior quarterback and defensive back Caige McComb (16) and running back and linebacker Brock Spiegelberg (8).

These two teams had different strengths a year ago. KW out-rushed Laramie by 40 yards per game, while the Plainsmen doubled the Trojans through the air. They were similar in points per game, LHS at 18.7 and Kelly Walsh at 16. Defensively, the Trojans had an advantage in pass defense by 25 yards per game. The two were nearly even in rushing yards allowed and points given up per game.

It’s been eight years since the Plainsmen won a season opener and three since their capture their home debut. Kelly Walsh won 18-15 in Casper last October in the regular season finale for both. Prior to that, LHS had won three straight in the series.

The Plainsmen take on the Trojans in the season opener for both. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

KOWB will air the game live on the radio (AM 1290), online or mobile with the radioPup app. David Settle and Dan Bleak will call the action. The broadcast will start at 6 p.m.