The Big Horn Rams opened their practice field on Friday night for a scrimmage against the Cody High School football team. The event, held at Sheridan High School’s stadium, provided both squads with a chance to test new plays, evaluate player depth, and build community support ahead of the 2026 high‑school football season.
Game Highlights
Coaches from both programs emphasized the importance of the scrimmage as a low‑pressure environment where players could focus on fundamentals. The Rams, led by senior quarterback Jake Miller, executed a balanced offensive attack, mixing short passes with a strong running game. Cody’s defense responded with aggressive blitzes, forcing several three‑and‑out series for the Rams.
Defensive standouts included Big Horn linebacker Tyler Hart, who recorded three tackles for loss, and Cody safety Marcus Reed, who intercepted a pass in the second quarter. Both teams rotated many underclassmen, giving younger athletes a glimpse of game‑day responsibilities.
Coaching Perspectives
Big Horn head coach Mark Stevens praised the effort, noting, “Our guys showed great discipline and a willingness to adapt. Scrimmages like this are essential for building chemistry before the first official game.” Cody’s coach, Lisa Ramirez, added, “We’re pleased with the intensity the Rams brought. It pushes our players to elevate their performance.”
Both coaching staffs used the scrimmage to assess conditioning levels and identify areas needing improvement, such as special‑teams coverage and red‑zone efficiency. The coaches plan to hold additional intra‑team practices before the season opener in early September.
Community Support
Local fans gathered in the stands, cheering for both teams and showing strong community spirit. Parents, alumni, and former players highlighted the event’s role in fostering local pride and encouraging youth participation in athletics. The scrimmage also served as a fundraiser, with a portion of ticket sales supporting the Sheridan Youth Sports Foundation.
Photographer Clint Wood captured the action, offering a visual record of the night’s key moments. Fans can purchase high‑resolution images of the scrimmage through the linked gallery, with proceeds benefiting local sports programs.
Looking Ahead
With the scrimmage concluded, both the Big Horn Rams and Cody High School will focus on refining their playbooks and conditioning regimes. The Rams are slated to face their first regular‑season opponent, the Laramie Lions, on September 5, while Cody will open against the Cheyenne Broncos on September 7.
As the high‑school football season approaches, the community looks forward to a competitive schedule that promises exciting matchups and continued development for young athletes across the region.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
