It’s always a dangerous proposition to delve into the discussion between East and West. That being said, this article may very well may be construed as a West is better rant. In the end, supporters of the East who may decide this is the case may just have to tell me so.

Eastern Conference Illusions from the Dahl E. Llama (Records and points per game include 2006 playoffs)

Douglas: 2006 numbers- Offense: 27.9 ppg / Defense: 14.1 ppg / Overall record: 7-4 / State Runner-Up

It would be hard to argue with the offense of the 4A Classification and Douglas was certainly in the middle of it. The top two scoring teams (Douglas and Powell) met in the state championship using vastly different styles. The Bearcats were by far the most balanced offensive team in 4A, compiling over 1,300 yards on the ground and through the air, the only team to even come close to that task. Powell battered their opponents with over 2,000 yards rushing. Drew Hodgs and Black Richendifer combined for a deadly aireal assault and the ‘Cats were tough to stop. That being said, strong-armed accurate passers in Wyoming don’t come along often and the question for Douglas may be, who will replace Hodgs? Whatever the answer, it would appear that the Bearcats are the second-best team in the East, but the 14-12 squeaker loss to Buffalo shows that the gap may be almost closed.

Buffalo: 2006 numbers- Offense: 24.7 ppg / Defense: 13.0 ppg / Overall record: 7-3 / Lost in State semi-finals

There’s no question as to who has been the class of the Eastern Conference over the past several years. The question that remains, especially to those teams and fans residing in the West is, just how strong is the Eastern Conference. There are two schools of thought. The first being that with three straight state championship appearances and two wins over Western Conference teams, the Bison disprove that theory. Buffalo has also gone 12-4 against teams from the West over the past four seasons. The other argument centers on the extremely weak records of Rawlins, Torrington and Wheatland, who combined for just three wins between them. Whatever your preference, you can expect a confident team from Buffalo again this season. Dan Long looks to anchor their running attack which was slightly slower than in previous years. The departure of UW signee Clayton Kirven will also almost certainly be a blow to the offensive line. That being said, it’s hard to imagine Buffalo, who was very young last year, to be anything less than the Eastern Conference representative.

Rawlins: 2006 numbers- Offense: 4.8 ppg / Defense: 20.8 ppg / Overall record: 1-7 / missed playoffs

Since winning their lone state title in 2000, things have not gone well for the Outlaws. Since their best season in program history that year (they went 9-0), Rawlins has won just five games total. Their biggest problem isn’t hard to spot, their 4.8 points per game in 2006 is not a typo, but it is hard to look at. Rawlins compiled just 38 TOTAL points for their season. Any improvement for the Outlaws must begin on the offensive line and with the offense. One actually can be impressed by the fact that with virtually no offensive help, they kept their average points per game on defense to 20.8. The Outlaws are looking forward in 2007, hoping to build on their positives and take advantage of their facilities which are among the best in Wyoming. With Pinedale and Mountain View on the schedule in 2007, Rawlins will try and take advantage of their larger student population and hopefully build some confidence. It isn’t easy, as Mountain View beat them last year. There is an air of excitement to begin the season in Carbon County, an early win would do wonders for the confidence of this team. First year coach Travis Moore looks to implement his philosophy in a town where it’s been hard to build a team.

Torrington: 2006 numbers- Offense: 9.4 ppg / Defense: 40.0 ppg / Overall record: 0-8 / missed playoffs

Another first year coach in Brian Harms takes over for the Trailblazers who endured a miserable season in 2006. The good news for the Blazers is the return of many of their skill position players such as Austin Wisroth at quarterback. One thing that almost certainly must improve for the Blazers to end a nine-game skid is their running game which was dead-last in Class 4A a year ago, with just 486 total yards on the ground. With three returning offensive linemen, there is hope that this will improve the situation. A viable running game would also help an overloaded defense which tied with Lander for the worst in the class.

Wheatland: 2006 numbers- Offense: 14.7 ppg / Defense: 20.0 ppg / Overall record: 0-8 / lost in state semi-finals

All the focus on the Bulldogs has been their upset over the top-ranked Braves to begin the playoffs. While this was a program boosting moment, it seems writers and fans have forgotten how the team actually ended their season, with a 35-0 blowout in Douglas. This isn’t sour grapes, it’s a fact. That being said, the Bulldogs appear ready to take the next step in their progression with many returning players who have the memory of winning despite the odds. While the number of returning players is a nice feeling, replacing Colt Thayer at quarterback may be a daunting task. Thayer scrambled for a third down conversion on several occasions in Afton, and must me replaced with a mentally tough individual. This team will be better and a return to the playoffs should be expected. Are they ready to contend for the Eastern Conference? That remains to be seen.