LARAMIE – The Mountain View High School team’s defense proved why the Buffalos are the top-ranked defense in the state during Glenrock’s opening drive in the Class 2A state championship game at War Memorial Stadium.

On-fourth-and-two, Mountain View recorded a stop and took over at the Herders 30-yard line. Kimball Madsen followed with a 25-yard run to place the Buffalos in the red zone, but Mountain View ended up missing a 30-yard field goal.

The momentum quickly turned when Glenrock running back Tucker Bopp took the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score as the Herders took a 7-0 lead with 6:41 to play in the first quarter.

Mountain View had a quick response.

Sophomore co-quarterback Brent Walk connected with senior Harlan Benedict to tie the game at seven with 1:46 to play in the opening period.

Bopp followed with a 44-yard run to give Glenrock a 14-7 lead with 11:08 in the second quarter. Ian Arnold followed with a five-yard carry as the Herders took a 21-7 lead with 5:16 left in the first half.

Mountain View gained some momentum when Jason Stoddard returned the ensuing kickoff to the Glenrock 48-yard line.

Madsen entered the game at quarterback, a theme for Mountain View this year, and ran for 26 yards in his first carry under center. Madsen then followed with a 15-yard touchdown run to make it a 14-21 ballgame with 3:29 to play in the second quarter.

The celebration was short-lived for Mountain View as Payton Steinmetz returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards to give Glenrock a 28-14 halftime lead.