The stakes are high for two teams in need of a win this evening.  The question is:  Who wants it more?

And don’t let anyone in Jackson let you think they came up with the phrase “Fall Brawl”.  I coined that term, and they can’t take it away from me.

This week’s trivia question is this:

In 2004, the Broncs beat the Braves in Jackson, 29-19.  It broke a winning streak for the Braves that was quite considerable.  The question is this:

Prior to 2004, when was the last time Jackson defeated Star Valley in football?

Bonus: What was the score?

Now, a reminder of the rules, please no internet researching.  Use the comment section to guess or answer.

Time for this Friday’s picks:

Buffalo @ Glenrock: The Bison showed a bit of chink in their armor last week, although they did win, 14-7 over Powell.  Teams with tough run defenses can hold their own with the Bison, but those teams are few.  Glenrock is arguably the best team in 3A along with Kemmerer.  This will be a tough game, which I think will be under 20 points apiece with the Bison pulling out the win.  Llama says – Bison: 17-14.  (Reality Check:  Glenrock – 16-14:  It was the week of two-point conversions and Glenrock kept their win by stuffing Buffalo on their attempt.  In Wyoming, good teams are good teams, regardless of what classification they are;  Glenrock proved that this weekend.  That Kemmerer / Glenrock state championship could be a good one if both teams continue to prove their mettle)  0-1

Cody @ Rawlins: Talk about road warriors; the Broncs haven’t been home to play a game yet since zero week.  After obliterating the Braves in Afton, Cody is looking good and riding high.  The Outlaws are 2-0 for the first time in eight years and haven’t allowed a whole lot of points thus far.  However, Cody will be a much stiffer test than Mountain View and Pinedale.  I look for Cody’s offense to break off a couple of big plays which will be enough.  Llama says – Broncs: 21-3  (Reality Check: Cody – 22-0:  Not much to say here, it’s nice to be right on the money once in awhile)  1-1

Chadron, Neb. @ Douglas: Well, I don’t know much about these teams except the Husker state typically does pretty well in Eastern Wyoming.  I think it’s going to be close (just a hunch) with Chadron winning.  Llama says – Chadron: 28-26.  (Reality Check: Chadron – 20-6:  Well, the rule of thumb lately is that Wyoming East struggles with Nebraska while Wyoming West struggles with Idaho)  2-1

Lander @ Worland: First off, congratulations to the Tigers.  I think most everybody can feel good about a team ending a losing streak like that.  Except Jackson obviously.  The road gets tougher for Coach Hughes and his Tigers as they travel to Worland.  The Warriors struggled against Powell, but so has everybody.  I think Lander keeps it close for a half, but the Worland running attack will prove too much.  Llama says – Warriors: 28-7.  (Reality Check: Worland – 14-13:  First off, give Coach Doug Hughes credit for the Tigers.  Lander wasn’t content to go into overtime and went for two after closing the gap.  I love this call.  It didn’t work out this time, but more often than not, I think it pays off)  3-1

Riverton @ Powell: Talk about a tough first few weeks; well, make that a tough schedule for the Wolverines.  They won’t find the sledding any easier against Powell at home.  At least, that’s what I think.  I look for the Panthers to find some scoring opportunities and I look for a shutout.  Llama says – Panthers: 21-0.  (Reality Check: Powell – 34-6:  For my money, the match up between Cody and Powell is going to be for the 4A West title)  4-1

Torrington @ Alliance, Neb. - While the Blazers have shown they are playing tougher, I think this road trip will add to their woes.  Plus, the name “Alliance” for a town is really cool.  Llama says – Alliance (see?): 24-7.  (Reality Check: Alliance – 27-14:  The Blazers appear to be closing the gap the last few weeks.  Teams in the 4A East better not take them lightly moving ahead)  5-1

Gering, Neb. @ Wheatland - Well, in this pick, I’m opting for the Cowboy state.  Look for the Dawgs to have some bite.  Llama says – Bulldogs: 21-14.  (Reality Check:  Gering wins 9-6 OT:  Well, it’s hard to swallow when you miss a pick due to overtime, but the defense really outshined the offense in this matchup.)  5-2

Star Valley @ Jackson - Well, it’s time to let people know what the yearly record is in this series.  This is the 70th meeting between these two teams and Star Valley holds a 56-13 record in the previous 69.  What does that mean?  Nothing for today’s game.  The Broncs are rebuilding their team after a perfect season a year ago.  I had someone ask me the other day what if Jackson really struggles this year?  I answered by saying:  “Would you struggle for an 11-0 season?”  It’s true.  Regardless of what the Broncs do this year, Coach Wiley is the only guy in that town who can say he’s won as a player and a coach.   It’s also very good to see him healthy as well as he had a heck of a scare this off season.  That being said, the Braves need this game more.  With three straight home game, including zero week, Star Valley needs a win.  Badly.  Not just for the fans and community, but for the players and coaches.  It’s not easy to install a wide open attack after lining up between the tackles for 79 years.  In fact, we’re all finding out how hard that is.  But, I believe in this staff, and I believe in this group of players.  This is a group with a lot of ability, and once they put it all together, folks had better watch themselves.  Will that be this week?  I don’t know.  But I think they have enough to claim that elusive first win and build some momentum. (Not that I ever would have picked Jackson anyway)  Llama says – BRAVES: 17-14.  (Reality Check: Jackson – 24-7:  Two huge plays will haunt the Braves this week as they discuss the game.  First, the inexplicable touching of a punt after Jackson booted the ball, resulting in a touchdown recovery.  Second, a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct after Star Valley had stopped the Broncs in the third quarter.  Both plays ultimately led to touchdowns.  Kudos to the Broncs for passing the ball much better than I expected and for making big plays when they were available.  i.e. – fake field goal for a touchdown and the aforementioned special teams touchdown.  One positive for the Braves is how they were able to connect through the passing game at times, but until turnovers are all but eliminated, it’s going to be a struggle.  That’s a football truth whether you’re the Star Valley Braves or the New England Patriots. )  5-3

Well, be sure to check back to see how I did, and throw a couple of guesses my way to try and win some Star Valley apparel.