Three Wranglers snag All-Conference honors

By Robert Galbreath, rgalbreath@pinedaleroundup.com
Posted 12/1/22

Pinedale High School (PHS) senior Ethan Jensen earned 2A All-State and 2A West All-Conference honors. Juniors Jake Hammer and Dustin Larsen each achieved 2A West All-Conference recognition.

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Three Wranglers snag All-Conference honors

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PINEDALE – The Wyoming Coaches Association released its final postseason awards before Thanksgiving, posting its 2022 high school football All-State and All-Conference selections.

Pinedale High School (PHS) senior Ethan Jensen earned 2A All-State and 2A West All-Conference honors. Juniors Jake Hammer and Dustin Larsen each achieved 2A West All-Conference recognition.

Jensen played safety, tailback, kick returner and punt returner over the course of the season.

PHS Head Football Coach David Thrash praised Jensen as “one of the cornerstones in the program” for both offense and defense.

“Ethan led the team in defensive points and played any position that was asked of him on offense,” said Thrash. “He showed every day how much he wanted the program to find success by giving the maximum effort in each play, forcing those around him to bring out their best.”

Jensen leaves “big shoes to fill” on the team, Thrash added.

“Ethan showed the character of wanting the program to carry on by being the first to congratulate others for their efforts and execution,” Thrash said.

Excelling offensively, Jensen tallied 312 all-purpose yards for the season, averaging 44.6 yards per game.

Jensen’s top offensive performance was against Rawlins on Sept. 2 with 128 rushing yards. The senior made a 76-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter – the second longest run recorded statewide in the 2A Conference in 2022.

Jensen finished the season with 78 defensive points. He totaled 48 tackles, 6.9 per game, including one tackle for loss.

Hammer proved a force to be reckoned with in multiple positions on the gridiron – middle linebacker, quarterback, kickoff and kick return.

Hammer was the “center point” of the Wrangler defense as middle linebacker, said Thrash.

“Jake showed his determination and intensity every play by filling his reads so that he was the one to deliver a hit and not receive a hit,” Thrash added.

Thrash looks forward to Hammer’s return to the football field as a senior.

“Jake brings a happiness and love for the game that helps teammates to do the same,” Thrash said. “His focus on improving his technique is paying off on his performance as well as his confidence in the playbook.”

Hammer completed the season with 70 defensive points. He made 46.5 tackles, including five for loss and one sack while averaging 6.6 tackles per game.

Stepping into the varsity quarterback position for the first time, Hammer achieved a 57.1-percent pass completion rate.

A consistent, powerful force on both the Wrangler offense and defense, Larsen played weakside linebacker, tailback-fullback, kickoff, kick return and long snapper.

“Dustin took on the challenges put in front of him in terms of learning a new playbook on both sides of the ball,” said Thrash. “He showed a determination for bringing his best every day. His efforts brought up those around him to increase the level of intensity at practice. Dustin plays downhill and lowers his shoulder to take on opponents of any size across from him.”

Thrash is “excited” to have Larsen back on the gridiron as a senior.

“I look forward to the growth that he makes in the offseason,” Thrash added.

On offense, Larsen totaled 29 all-purpose yards and 27 rushing yards for the season. Switching seamlessly to defense, Larsen earned 67 defensive points. He made 42 tackles, averaging six per game, including two tackles for loss. Larsen recovered one fumble and broke up one pass.