The Torrington High School Blazers continued their winning streak with a decisive conference victory against Rawlins.
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TORRINGTON – The Torrington High School Blazers maintained their winning momentum with a 5-1 victory against the Rawlins Outlaws in their home opener on April 5.
A fast and furious Blazers offense netted four goals in the first half, while a solid Torrington defense held Rawlins to a single goal.
The Blazers scored a fifth goal in the second half while the Torrington defense completely shut out the Rawlins offense from scoring.
“Overall, I’m happy with getting a conference win – we keep moving things along,” coach Gabe Bartlett said. “In the first half, the Blazers really got into it and did well against Rawlins. The game slowed down a bit in the second half and we didn’t score as many goals as we could have.”
The Blazers will spend the week preparing for two home conference games against Worland and Buffalo.
“Worland and Buffalo will be a test for us,” Bartlett said. “We will have to play at our best, but I think we can beat them both.”
The Torrington offense dominated the first half. Juniors Skyler Thomas and Elijah Hatch kept the pressure on the Rawlins defenders with shots on goal.
Hatch and sophomore Anthony Arnusch attacked the Outlaws’ defense. Hatch passed the ball to Arnusch and Arnusch kicked in the Blazers’ first goal.
Rawlins responded with a goal, briefly tying the game, 1-1.
A powerful kick by senior Greysen Shields from midfield prevented Rawlins from making a significant gain on the Outlaws’ subsequent attack.
Taking possession, Hatch deftly maneuvered the ball down the field to net the Blazers’ second goal, assisted by Arnusch.
Rawlins attempted to score a second time, but junior goalie Ayden Shimic was waiting and made a save. Defensive hustle by juniors Kaiden Riggs and Carter Blevins and sophomore Jace Schlagel kept Torrington’s side of the field clear for the remainder of the first half.
Hatch struck inside Rawlins’ zone to score his second goal, once again assisted by Arnusch.
Thomas kicked a goal into the net as the first half came to an end. Arnusch made the assist.
The halftime score favored Torrington, 4-1.
Hatch, Arnusch, Shields, junior Nataniel Stull, sophomore Beaux Shimic and senior Leo Belli each made at least one shot on goal in the second half. Hatch scored the lone goal for Torrington in the second half, assisted by Arnusch.
Final stats included three goals by Hatch and one apiece from Arnusch and Thomas. Arnusch connected four assists and Hatch one.
The Blazers host a rematch against conference rival Worland on April 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Torrington hosts Buffalo for a conference game on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. at the the Old Wiseman Field. The Blazers host a third home game against Scottsbluff on Tuesday, April 16 with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
