Well, it’s a huge day for a handful of teams in Wyoming’s 4A, and two of them haven’t celebrated a state title in a long time.  In fact, they both hoisted their last trophy at Star Valley’s expense, and I have them picked to compete for this year’s crown against each other.

Before I get there, let’s get to the questions.  This one will be an easy one for Braves fans.

Who was the last Star Valley player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season?

Bonus:  What was the year?

Extra Claven question:  Within 50 yards, how many did he rush for?

Please use the comment section.  I know I’ve been a bit lazy in keeping up with the questions, but I’ll get them rounded up this weekend.  Good luck to all the teams involved.

Well, I won’t keep you in suspense, I think a Cody @ Douglas title tilt is in the future.  Of course, Buffalo and Powell will have something to say about that.

Powell @ Douglas - Both teams flat out got it done when it was on the line last week.  Powell has a very tall, athletic defensive secondary.  It makes it very tough to complete passes over the middle and when it comes to a jump ball on third and long or in the end zone, the Panthers certainly have it covered.  However, the depth of the Powell defense will be tested by a Bearcat offense that is rolling right now.  I think Powell will have some success in slowing down Douglas, but not nearly enough.  Douglas’ defense will be fired up right now on their home field, and the idea of hosting a state title game this year will be feeding the Bearcat crowd all afternoon.  I just don’t think the Panther have enough offense to hang with the home team that hasn’t smelled a championship since 1978.  By the way, in trying to find out what a Bearcat was, I found the picture to the right.  Is this right?  I’ve never seen one.  Doesn’t it look like that huge rats in The Princess Bride?  Anyway, we’ll see if this animal can outduel a Panther anyway.  I think the game is close in the first quarter, but Douglas should be hosting the 4A championship next week.  Llama says – Bearcats:  31-13.  (Reality Check: Bearcats 28-27 2OT) (Wow!  What a barn burner in Douglas.  A lot of credit to the Panthers for showing they were very much up to the task.  Kudos to Coach Stringer and his staff for their effort and kudos to the Douglas coaching staff for a gutsy call when an opportunity presented itself. )

Buffalo @ Cody - This game is interesting.  For some reason, I find myself subconsciously looking for reasons for a Buffalo win.  I’m not sure why?  For whatever reason the Broncs are stuck in my head as an offensive team.  In fact, it’s their defense that has been so dominant over the last six weeks, and it will be the reason Cody will have a caravan rolling from Park County over to Douglas.  Now, that’s not to say that Buffalo will be going away quietly.  After all, this team came within a couple of inches of an undefeated season last year.  But it’s the Bronc D that has me thinking that they will come out on top in a very physical and hard-fought game.  Look for some good, old-fashioned smash mouth football in Cody this weekend, with the difference being some good field position set up by some good returns from the Bronc special teams.  By the way, 1991 was the last time Cody was on top of the world.  Llama says – Broncs:  17-7. (Reality Check: Bison – 23-0)(  Another Wow here!  I couldn’t have been more wrong about this match up.  The Bison proved their experience in the post-season is invaluable and their hunger to get back to the title game trumped the Broncs. )

In other matchups, I like a re-match of Burlington and Cokeville in 1A, although Southeast getting to host the Panthers could be a big difference maker.  Hard to believe but wrestling and basketball practice start a week from Monday.  Enjoy this weekend kids, it’s gone before you know it.

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