When Wyoming High School running back C.J. Hester touches the ball, the end zone is always a threat.
So when the senior Western Michigan commit, who's averaging 173 yards per game on offense, got his hands on the ball with an early first-quarter interception while playing defense Friday, no one was surprised he took that turnover in for a score.
Hester's 56-yard interception return was the first of his two touchdowns during Wyoming's 49-0 drubbing of Taylor in Cincinnati Hills League play. The Cowboys breezed to 7-0 on the season.
Wyoming running back C.J. Hester runs the ball during the first half of a high school football game with Taylor Yellowjackets Friday, Sept. 30, 2022
"When I saw the ball, I was like 'I need to catch this and take it to the house,'" Hester said. "My eyes got big, heart started beating. "
Hester's beating heart wasn't the only thump felt Friday night. Wyoming found success early on offense, had multiple contributions from a large slew of playmakers, and took care of the pigskin to polish off 48 minutes of clean football.
But despite putting up gaudy numbers offensively, the Cowboys' defensive efforts may be even more impressive. Friday's shutout was Wyoming's sixth of the season. The Cowboys have given up just seven points the entire season and are outscoring opponents 265-7. Their dominance, according to coach Aaron Hancock, is simply a product of preparation and attention to detail.
"I think our kids have a good focus on what they have to do to be successful and we go out there and do it as one unit," Hancock said. "We're just taking each play one at a time and that's our focus."
After Hester got things rolling for Wyoming on its opening drive, his fellow backfield mate, D.J. Gray capped off the possession with a 14-yard touchdown run. Hester added a 12-yard touchdown run after his interception return and before fans could blink, Wyoming rushed to a 21-0 lead.
Taylor (3-4, 1-2 CHL), had its hands full with Hester and company and some early turnovers didn't help.
"Wyoming is the standard right now in our league," Taylor coach David Dransman said. "They're disciplined. They do what they do very well. They're very well-coached. When you're playing a team like that, you've got to chip away. You've got to take some shots. Turnovers are going to hurt no matter what, but with a team like that, you can't hurt yourself too much."
Wyoming wide receiver Will Svendsen (10) runs the ball after a reception as Taylor running back Leland Jones-Royalty (32) and wide receiver Jace Kurre (12) pursue during the first half of their high school football game Friday, Sept. 30, 2022
With a lopsided score, backup quarterback Jack Randman got in on the Cowboys' scoring, tossing two long touchdown passes to Jason Schwartz and Will Svendsen during the second quarter. Right before the half, Quaid Hauer connected with Svendsen for a 52-yard touchdown pass with only 52 seconds remaining to go up 42-0 at the break. The lone score in the second half, during a quick running clock was Joel Hancock's 70-yard scamper to the house.
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