First off, sorry for missing last week’s Stir.  I’ll try not to let that happen again.  But this week’s game on the gridiron is vital for the Braves if they want to take that next step.

Star Valley vs. Powell has produced some of the best games of the last five years and I”ll say this right now:  This one will be close. . . . . unless it isn’t.

This week’s trivia also has to do with road warrior status.  Perhaps no coach ever traveled more than Coach Robert Linford.  Okay, maybe Jerry Hart did, but it’s arguable because during Coach Hart’s tenure, the playoff system was non-existent.

Coach Linford’s squad were famous for having to travel to Torrington in the post-season.  In fact, I can remember people planning a trip to Blazer country every year, whether you went or not.

So, with an impending long bus ride for the Braves and a long drive for the fans, here’s this week’s trivia.

In his 11 seasons as the head coach of the Braves, how many times did Coach Linford’s squads play IN Torrington?

Bonus Question:  How many times did they play them in that same span overall?

Cliff Clavin Bonus Question:  How many times was it for the State Championship?

So there you go.  Please, please no internet researching.  It ruins it for everyone else.  Use the comment section to make your answers and if you’re driving to Powell, remember this:  It’s a lot shorter than Torrington.

Now let’s take a trip around the 4A Class

Rock Springs @ Jackson: The Broncs rolled over the Braves two weeks ago, but struggled against Cody.  That’s understandable, most teams have struggled against Cody this year.  The Tigers have had their share of struggles too and this should be a good contest for teams who wear the Orange & Black.  They really should call this the Halloween Bowl or something.  Of course, with Jackson, Worland and Powell all sharing the same colors, the entire month of October could be called that.  I look for a low-scoring contest with turnovers playing a big part.  Look for the Tigers to win a close one in Teton County.  Llama says: Tigers – 17-13.

Buffalo @ Torrington: The Blazers have taken some good steps this year and I expect this game will be closer than they have been over the last several years.   The Bison have a great formula for winning.  They hit you early and they wear you down with the running game.  If your team doesn’t have the defense to get them off the field, you’re in for a long day.  Their passing game is efficient when it needs to be and while I think Torrington is improving, this is still going to be a Bison win.  Llama says: Bison – 27-6.

Cody @ Worland: The Broncs are showing they can win in blowouts, and close games.  Their 12-0 win over Jackson last week showed that their defense can get things done as well, holding the predominantly running Teton Broncs to under 100 yards on the ground.  To be honest, Worland has not been as impressive offensively as I expected this year.  That doesn’t mean they won’t get there, but I think they will struggle to get things going against the speed of Cody.  Llama says: Broncs – 26-10.

Lander @ Douglas: How good is Lander?  That’s something that comes up every week.  How much can a team improve in one offseason?  That’s still being answered, but this will be a tough test for the resurgent Tigers.  Douglas has their offense rolling now, evidenced by a 48-0 blasting of Rawlins and their previously tough defense.  A long road-trip followed by a balanced attack from the Bearcats will be a big challenge.  Llama says: Bearcats – 21-13.

Rawlins @ Wheatland: The Outlaws fascinate me; they really do.  Up until last week’s aforementined game, their defense and their offense appeared to be polar opposites with the same result:  Little to no points.  The Bulldogs are struggling mightily as well, and this game might decide if one of these teams stays home for the playoffs.  It’s particularly big for Wheatland seeing as they’re at home.  Look for a game near the single digits much like their zero week contest.  Llama says: Outlaws – 12-6

Star Valley @ Powell: This will be a fantastic game.  Two years ago in Powell, it was the undefeated Panthers losing their only game of the year to the Braves.  Last year, it was a 20-13 OT thriller in the rain of Afton.  I expect some big plays made by both defenses tonight.  I really believe the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win in a game that has two teams that come across as very evenly matched.  Powell ranks #1 in overall defense, and the ability to convert third downs will be crucial for a Braves victory.  Also, Gavin Mills has averaged over 80 yards receiving against the Braves since his sophomore year, and his brother Galen is second in 4A in total yards.  The two units that will be tested thoroughly will be Powell’s pass defense and SV’s rush defense.  The Panthers have only allowed 66 ypg through the air this year.  This figure’s to go up against the Braves’ output of 193 ypg.  On the other side, if Star Valley’s rush defense can really stick the Panthers into third and long, the Braves should have a good chance tonight. While those two units have a task in front of them, the real set of players on the spot is the Star Valley running game.  If they can’t have an effective game, it will be very tough to win.   If they turn it over in poor field position?  It might only take one of those to cap the game for the home team.  Hopefully Powell readers realize that I always pick the Braves and not take this one personally.  Llama says:  Braves – 21-17.

Well, there you go.  Disagree with any picks?  Use the comment section.  Good luck to everyone and a safe return home for all of the traveling teams.