Picking one’s opponents to win or lose is sometimes a risky business. I for one never want to provide bulletin board material for another team. I’ve seen that backfire badly for one of the Braves’ playoff foes two years ago, and it wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was 57-0 ugly.

So, I just want to emphasize that I have no affiliation with Star Valley High School as a coach, adviser, or even as the guy who yells that we should throw the ball more. Also, if you’re looking for a Braves prediction, keep looking, I’m not going to go down that road. I think we’re going to win every week, so there’s your prediction. Also, the Cowboy state is competing with almost every state that we touch this week in 4A, with Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Nebraska on the slate. After a thorough pasting from Utah last weekend, I’d like our teams to earn back some inter-state respect. Without further delay, here’s the Dahl E. Llama’s Week one picks:

Hardin, MT @ Cody Broncs - The team from Big Sky country knocked off Cody by 19 points last year. This game is at home and the Broncs return a lot of players. I think this is the year they sqeak past them. Llama says - Broncs - 24-21

Teton, ID @ Jackson Broncs - Teton was absolutely lit up in Snake River last weekend, 55-12. Jackson showed they could be tough defensively with a 14-6 scrimmage loss to 5A Evanston last weekend. Break out the orange Kool-Aid for the Broncs this week. Llama says - Broncs (again) 34-10

Lander @ Buffalo - Typically one of the toughest places to play, the Bison should be able to run at will on the Tigers unless something has drastically changed in the off-season. Look for a close game after one quarter with Buffalo pulling away for a big win. Llama says - Bison - 38 - 13

Powell @ Lovell - I know the Bulldogs are a tough group, but if the Powell line can protect their signal-caller like I think they can this week, look for a big week from the Panther offense. That being said, this could be a trap game for Powell in the road. Llama says - Panthers - 27-13

Worland @ Thermopolis -This is the third straight year in which the Warriors have two of their first three games with a 3A school. Look for a lopsided score from the road team who should be pretty stout on defense. Llama says - Warriors - 42-7

Riverton @ Douglas - This is a tough game for both of these teams coming right out of the gate. Although the Wolverines struggled last year, they’ll still have a lot of pride as a 5A school on the road. Douglas has a chance to show that they aren’t ready to rebuild from last year’s runner-up squad and I think they will take advantage of it. Llama says - Bearcats - 21-13

Moffat, CO @ Rawlins - This is a huge chance for the Outlaws to show the state that their optimism is justified by beating a border war rival. I just don’t think they have the firepower for a team like Moffat who dropped a 46-0 beating on them a year ago. Llama says - Greenies - 27-6

Chadron NE @ Torrington - Torrington didn’t have any luck with the Nebraska schools a year ago, losing all three match ups, by a combined 136-34. After dropping nine straight games over the past two seasons, I just don’t see the Blazers breaking through with this game. Llama says - Huskers - 24-10

Wheatland @ Sidney, NE - Wheatland and Star Valley show you why it’s hard to come up with a classification solution with their week one match ups. One plays in Idaho and the other plays in Nebraska and they could very well meet in the playoffs again. Wheatland was the heartbreak kids against the Husker state last year, losing to Gering by just a single point. I think Wheatland, despite my perceived bias against them, will prove their optimism is justified by winning on the road in week one. Llama says - Bulldogs - 17-13

Don’t like them? Be sure to comment. I’ll be updating my win/loss throughout the season, right after the Cowboys’ win over Virginia this Saturday. This is the Llama reminding you, it’s okay to lose your voice, it WILL come back again.