Brown Tops Gold, 21-14, In Cowboy Football Spring Game

The culmination of spring practice for the Wyoming Cowboys football team saw the Brown hold off the Gold, 21-14, Saturday in the Spring Game at War Memorial Stadium.

Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl said,

"There certainly were some positive things out there that I took notice of today. I think defensively, particularly our first team defense, we were pleased with the defensive front and pressure we were able to put on the quarterback... Offense, we're a work in progress."

Bohl also mentioned there were some things from the quarterbacks, and that they'll finalize a depth chart Sunday. But up until the first game, it will be fluid.

Sophomore QB Tom Thornton tossed a pair of touchdown passes, and red-shirt Freshman Safety Tim Kamana returned a fumble 73 yards to account for the Brown scoring.

Kamana said, "I saw the ball right in front of me and I picked it up. Actually, funny thing, in the mix of things somebody stepped on the back of shoe, and it actually came off a little bit. So as I am running, I'm just thinking, like, don't fall off, please don't fall off and like, don't get caught." He didn't lose the shoe, didn't get caught and it helped the Brown cash in on one of three turnovers in the game.

A pair of t-d runs by QB's Colby Kirkegaard and Sam Stratton in the fourth quarter comprised the Gold scores. They came on two of their last three drives. Stratton's was with 15 seconds left.

The Brown scored on their opening drive when Thornton hit fullback Brandon Lukenbill for a 3-yard touchdown pass. Kamana's score came on the Gold's third possession. Stratton was sacked by Sonny Puletasi and then Kamana scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a t-d. Their final score came in the third quarter. Thornton hit sophomore Trent Sewell for a 52-yard scoring strike.

The Gold out-gained the Brown 294-to-290 in total offense. Thornton finished 7-9 for 117 yards, while Kirkegaard was 6-9 for 85 yards. Sophomore Oscar Nevermann led all rushers with 54 yards on 12 carries. Jalen Claiborne caught five passes for 75 yards.

The Brown defense, which was the number one unit, ended up with 11 tackles for loss, which included six sacks. They were led by junior Eddie Yarbrough, who had 13 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Senior Devyn Harris added 12 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.

The Wyoming Cowboys begin the 2014 season at home versus Montana on August 30.

If you would like to read more on the Spring Game and see the complete stats, click here.