It’s the type of game the Laramie Plainsmen have been hoping for this late in the season, and Friday night they finally get an opportunity.

The fourth-ranked Plainsmen host the top-ranked Gillette Camels on Laramie’s Senior Night at Deti Stadium.

Yes, there have been big games at the end of a season for the Plainsmen the last few years, but those have been to qualify for the playoffs. The last time Laramie played a game this significant was in 2005.

This meeting has a lot at stake. Gillette’s trying to hold on to the number one seed in the playoff race. They’ve also won 15 straight against the Plainsmen. Laramie has won four straight for the first time in 16 years. They’re fighting to host a playoff game for the first time since 2000.

Laramie knows it’s a big challenge. Head coach Chuck Syverson realizes the ranked-piece is a nice accomplishment for his team, but knows there’s much more to this match-up.

Gillette comes in with the top offense in 4A that averages nearly 400 yards and over 37 points per game. The Camels are allowing 264 yards and almost 16 points per game on defense.

Laramie’s at 296 yards per game offensively and 18.6 points per game, but they’re vastly improved on defense, as LHS only gives up 285 yards and 17.9 points per game.

One key match-up will be the number two pass offense of Laramie against the Camels fifth-rated pass defense.

The game also features top two all-purpose players in 4A in Taylor Dodd (242.9) of the Plainsmen and Austin Clemetson (214.4) of Gillette. Dodd anchors the Laramie offense, while Clemetson is in a multi-dimensional threat on the ground, catching passes and returning kicks.

With this being the final regular season game, Laramie will honor their 14 seniors prior to the game. That ceremony is scheduled to start about 6:30 p.m.

It’s the 39th meeting between the Plainsmen and the Camels. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. from Deti Stadium.

KOWB (AM 1290) will provide live coverage of the game. The broadcast is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. with David Settle and VerDon Hoopes on the call.

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