For every lull in action, the players on the Soroco football team like to keep their blood pumping with a rally cry.

The man who takes on that responsibility is senior Gavyn Salberg, who puts it on himself to make sure his teammates keep the energy up.

He’s always searching for something to pump the team up, and on Friday, Sept. 3, it was “Where’s the ball?”

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“We were at practice yesterday and Bradley (Hoskinson) got the football like it was a hot potato, and he goes, ‘Wheres the ball?’” Salberg said. “So, we all just start yelling, ‘Where’s the ball?’ and throwing it around like it’s a hot potato.”

Salberg thought it would be a great idea to continue that phrase into the game to throw off their opponents, and the cries worked in a big way as the ball was usually in Soroco’s possession.

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The Rams were able to collect their first win of the season in a dominant 38-8 rout of the visiting Gilpin County Eagles. 

Forcing an early punt, the Rams had great field position as senior quarterback Lucas Koler and the offense took the field for the first time.

A Gilpin County penalty put Soroco in the red zone, and a 15-yard rushing touchdown from senior Bradley Hoskinson gave the Rams an early 8-0 lead after a successful 2-point try. 

The team built off that momentum and dominated the first half. 

Junior receiver Trey Louthan pulled in a 35-yard reception to set up Hoskinson for another touchdown that he pounded up the middle through Gilpin County’s defensive front late in the second quarter, making it 16-0.

Not even 30 seconds later, Hoskinson found the endzone again, this time on defense with a scoop-and-score touchdown on a Gilpin County fumble to extend the lead by halftime to 24-0. 

“It felt really good,” Hoskinson said. “We’re all flying around together. It feels good flying around with your brothers. “

The Rams got off to a slower start in the second half, and despite Gilpin County’s offense facing a full field, the visitors found a hole and took the ball down the field for an 80-yard gain.

Not long after, the Eagles scored their first and only touchdown of the game. 

Aside from one big play, Soroco’s defense had an answer for nearly everything Gilpin County threw its way.

Head coach Casey Hill was blown away by the team’s ability to dominate in all three phases of the game. 

“It was the same thing I saw last week, we basically came together,” Hill said. “We come together a little bit better each week, and guys are filling in when other guys go down. That’s all you can ask for.”

Junior Dorian Hotchkiss punched in the fourth Rams touchdown of the game with 9:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. Hoskinson followed suit with another rushing touchdown, and the Rams cruised to a convincing victory. 

The team plays in Oak Creek again on Friday, Sept. 9, in a game against Dolores. 

Salberg and the Rams will likely be heard all over Oak Creek with their chants.

“I’m always that voice you’re hearing,” Salberg said. “I’m always trying to come up with something catchy to say to get everyone going, especially the line. It’s my job as a center to make sure everyone is riled up, we’re in the right headspace and ready to smack someone in the mouth.”

To reach Tom Skulski, call 970-871-4240, email tskulski@SteamboatPilot.com.