Olsen helps Cavs get back on track

By DAVID BUCK
Star-Tribune staff writer

Chase Olsen is back, and so are Wyoming's winning ways.

It might not be a coincidence.

After missing the last six games with a knee injury, the offensive lineman shook off nerves and rust to help the Cavalry end a two-game losing streak and win their American Indoor Football Association postseason opener 51-26 over Arizona on Friday at the Casper Events Center.

"Being my first game back, I was a little nervous, but it's great to get this win, especially at home," Olsen said.

All three of Wyoming's losses this season came while Olsen was sidelined, who hardly could have returned at a better time -- or any faster.

Olsen had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on June 16, a procedure that generally requires four-to-six weeks of recovery.

"I kind of gave them a deadline that I'd like to be back for the Fourth of July game," Olsen said. "(Physical therapy) went really smooth, (I) worked hard and came out and was able to play.

"I was really thankful the doctor cleared me. They braced me up and the team is glad to have me back and I'm extremely happy to get back and come out with the victory. It feels great."

Even better, he was able to play the entire game and reclaim his position from John Strand up front.

"John Strand is a great football player, no doubt about it, but Chase has two years of experience with us," Wyoming coach Dan Maciejczak said. "When you get hurt and the possibility of never being able to play football again hits you, it kind of sets something off in you where you don't take anything lightly, and he didn't."

Wyoming's offensive line allowed pressure early in the game, which helped cause one of Matt Strand's interceptions. The protection improved and gave the Wyoming quarterback plenty of time in the second half to lead the Cavs offense to four touchdowns.

"It's good because our chemistry, what we worked on so long, is back," Cavs center Ray Gilmore said. "Not taking anything away from the other guys, but we have a connection, a chemistry. I know what he is going to do.

"It was just great having him back at my side."

STILL PROUD: Despite the loss, Arizona coach Andrew Moore was still pleased with his team's season. The Adrenaline finished the year 11-4 and were the only team in the West Division to beat Wyoming twice.

"Our offense wasn't clicking like they normally do," Moore said. "... This is our first year and we made it to the playoffs. I'm proud of our guys."

Though he didn't know who the Cavs would play in the next round, Moore said Wyoming has a strong shot at winning the Western Conference -- and possibly the AIFA Championship Bowl.

"I think Wyoming's got them," Moore said. "I hope Wyoming goes in there and shows them what the West is about."

SEEING YELLOW: For as much as Wyoming's defense helped in the victory, it had just as many chances to hurt the team.

The Cavs had 10 penalties for 97 yards, tying a season high for penalties and setting a new mark for penalty yardage. Eight of the penalties were on the defense, and Arizona earned nine first downs because of the violations.

WASCHE IT DOWN: Defensive lineman Rodney Wasche earned fans discounted beer during the third quarter when he sacked Arizona quarterback Chad DeGrenier for a loss of 12 yards. Wyoming offers discounted beer for 5 minutes after the Cavs' initial sack in each half.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE: Bryan Ragsdale, a country music artist from Green River, performed on the field before the game and during halftime. He played "Go Cavalry," a song he wrote for the team, and "What Heroes Do," a song he wrote after Sept. 11.

Contact sports reporter David Buck at (307) 266-0596 or david.buck@trib.com.

Cavalry Tracker

FRIDAY: Wyoming 51, Arizona 26

UP NEXT: The Cavalry play the winner of Saturday's late Columbus (Ga.) at Mississippi game in the AIFA Western Conference championship. The date and time of the conference championship game wasn't available by the Star-Tribune's press deadline.

WELCOME BACK: Wyoming offensive lineman Chase Olsen returned Friday after missing the final six games of the regular season with a knee injury. He had surgery on June 16 to repair his torn right meniscus but recovered quick enough to play in the playoffs.

HE SAID IT: "I kind of gave them a deadline that I'd like to be back for the Fourth of July game. (Physical therapy) went really smooth, (I) worked hard and came out and was able to play." -- Olsen.