For one SVHS program, the season ended on Friday, for another, there is still at least one more game.

The Lady Braves showed a lot of courage through adversity this season, beginning back in the summer when all three seniors were hit hard with personal and family setbacks. As a number on a piece of paper, the Lady Braves’ 2007 campaign won’t go down as one of their best, but their ability to persevere and accomplish some of their goals will highlight their first season in the 4A Classification.

After eliminating Rock Springs and Green River to earn their first 4A state birth and their seventh straight as a program, the ride came to an end in Casper as the East Champion Sheridan Lady Broncs swept the gals in gold Thursday afternoon, before a four game win by Gillette ended Star Valley’s season. The Lady Braves graduate some impressive talent with Dixie and Danette Warren, as well as McKenzie Luthi. The returning group however, with no less than four sophomores starting much of the season, should have high hopes for 2008.

On the gridiron, the Braves came out with an attitude and crushed the visiting Worland Warriors, 24-7 in the opening round of the 4A playoffs in a game played in Afton. The Star Valley defense was relentless, holding the Warriors to negative one yard in the first half, and just 99 for the game.

On the shoulders of a fantastic crowd, the Braves ran for 338 yards behind a huge group effort of their offensive line and some stout running by several ball carriers. Junior Kevin Brough led the team in rushing, with 124 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. It is the second time Brough has hit the century mark on the year. Senior quarterback Jordan Abrams rushed for 118 yards and score, with 104 of the yards coming in the first half. Abrams put the Braves up early in the first quarter on an electrifying 50-yard scamper to paydirt.

Tim Hokanson picked up the third touchdown for the Braves, who will now begin to prepare for a road game with the Buffalo Bison. Buffalo defeated the Powell Panthers, 21-7 to move into the semi-final game. In other 4A playoff news, the Jackson Broncs also moved to the semi-finals with a 38-12 drubbing of Cody. Douglas scored late to take a 14-7 victory over the Wheatland Bulldogs, setting up a rematch of a first round game a year ago in Douglas. This will be the first meeting between the Braves and the Bison since 2005, when Buffalo claimed their second consecutive state title, 17-14 over Star Valley.

Stay tuned to this website for information on the time and day of the semi-final games.