Some vital matchups in the West and one showcase showdown between two undefeated teams should make for a cowbell ringing weekend.

Have you ever had a great sandwich (the Dough Box comes to mind) and you sort of eat around the edges first? It’s good, but you know you’ve got two or three great bites of nothing but the best parts of the meal. That’s what is coming up for many teams this weekend.

Tops on the list has to be the matchup between undefeated Worland and undefeated Buffalo. To be honest, I’ve had reservations about the schedules of both, but to their credit, they’ve taken care of business. This game will prove which one is ready to contend for the state title and which one will need a little more work.

Another huge game is a battle between heated rivals in Park County as Cody travels to Powell to take on the defending champs. This is always a tough game, but this one has some huge seeding implications.

As for the Braves, they will look to win their second game in three weeks as they host the Lander Tigers in a Homecoming clash. Look for the Braves to try and implement the power running game that had some trouble last week in Marsh Valley. Who’s my Star Valley player to watch this week? Hmmm, I’m going to say Junior Kevin Brough, who should have some nice seams to run through on Friday afternoon.

Pastrami Prognostications from the Dahl E. Llama

(1-3) Cody @ (2-2) Powell - If I’m the Panthers, I’m pretty nervous about this game. Not only have they struggled offensively in their last two weeks, just 12 points and two losses, but Cody is a team that has shown some fortitude and are looking to break through. Their losses have come by one point, two points and overtime. I look for a fairly low-scoring affair, with the team that’s able to run the ball in the red zone to come away with the win. I look for the Panther slide to continue. Llama says - Broncs - 20-14.

(4-0) Jackson @ (2-2) Rock Springs - Don’t let the two losses fool you, the Tigers dropped a three-point decision to Natrona and a 19-13 loss last week to undefeated Evanston. Jackson has been wading through the 4A landscape without too much drama, and I think this is the week where the road atmosphere will make a difference in the game. With the train rolling by the field and the wind blowing about 40 miles per hour, look for the Tigers to come away with a physical win. Llama says - Tigers - 24-16.

(4-0) Buffalo @ (4-0) Worland - It’s funny how a game can have huge interest and implications one week, while not having any two weeks before. Was anyone thinking two undefeated teams would be meeting this weekend in Worland? Maybe the Warrior faithful did, but not many others. Worland came away with an impressive win in Powell last week, perhaps exposing a team that is not quite as seasoned as people thought. Buffalo is moving along much like they were two years ago, and quite honestly have received little opposition in the Eastern Conference. I look for Buffalo to jump out early while Worland makes some defensive adjustments with Worland’s rally coming up just short. Llama says - Bison 27-21.

(3-1) Wheatland @ (1-3) Douglas - This game is the opposite of the game above. I was expecting a whale of a game, and now I’m wondering if Wheatland will walk away with this contest. The Bulldogs still aren’t tearing it up on offense, but their defense should force a couple of turnovers to help them win this game by a couple of touchdowns. Llama says - Bulldogs - 21-7

(1-3) Rawlins @ (0-4) Torrington - The Outlaws outlasted 3A Pinedale last week, giving them their first win of the season. Rawlins is another team where I believe their defense is a bit ahead of their offense and should be able to slow down the Blazer passing attack. This one is frightfully close with the Outlaws taking home their second win. Llama says - Outlaws - 21-19

And now for the Braves who showed some tough moments in Marsh Valley but are still trying to put together four quarters in a game. I look for Star Valley to try and ram the ball down the throat of the Tigers this week, who allowed more than 400 yards rushing to Jackson a week ago. That being said, there is no reason not to expect a very tough game from Lander, who has been keeping the score a bit closer this year. The Tigers will be smelling a bit of blood in the water in Star Valley, so if the Braves can score early and hang onto the ball, it should dramatically swing the momentum.  The Crimson and Gold will be anxious to play well in front of their home crowd and should pull out the win. History is on Star Valley’s side, as they hold an all-time series advantage of 13-5 over the Tigers.  In fact, Lander has only won in Afton once in history, that one coming in the 2000 season.  Llama says - Braves - 28-13.

Break out your letterman jacket and your hideous pep star pants ladies and gentlemen, the Braves need you this weekend at full force. Cowbells and Hardhats all around!