By late Saturday afternoon, five new champions had trophies in their possession due to their prowess on the gridiron.

I know I’ve been a bit lax on giving up the answers on the Stir, so I’ll go back and get credit where it’s due.  This week’s question comes from a championship era in Star Valley football.

The Braves first football title came in 1961 against the Buffalo Bison.  The leading rusher on that team went on to play at BYU and later was on the coaching staff for their 1984 National Championship.  He is now a professor on campus.

Who is this man?

This shouldn’t be too hard, especially for any long-time valley residents.

Now on to this week’s predictions.

1A – Southeast @ Burlington - There’s no reason not to think that this might be a baseball type score.  Here’s my reasoning.  Burlington beat Cokeville, 7-6.  Southeast beat Cokeville, 7-2.  In fact, it’s a distinct possibility that this game is decided on one play for a two-point conversion to something similar.  That’s football at it’s most primal.  One score.  Two teams.  Can one squad cross a line when the other won’t let it?  If you’re anywhere near this game, you should go.  This one will be old-time, throwback stuff in my opinion.  I’ve seen too many road games won in this way however, so I’m bucking the odds.  Llama says – Huskies: 7-6. (Reality Check: Southeast, 12-0 – It seems no other offense can penetrate the defense of the Cyclones this year.)

2A -  Big Horn @ Burns: I won’t waste your time on this pick.  I don’t know anything about either team for the most part, although there always seems to be a spirited comment-section debate in other parts of the internet between them.  Former SVHS great, Jerry Hart, taught at Burns, so that’s my pick.  Llama says – Burns: 21-17.  (Reality Check: Burns 41-6 – I’d like to take credit for this, but like I said, it was just a guess.)

3A -  Kemmerer @ Glenrock: This could very well be the game of the year regardless of class.  The interesting thing about undefeated teams that blow out so many of their opponents is that it almost always slows down and is a close game.  Both teams can run.  Both teams can stop the run.  The big question is:  How much can either team will themselves on big plays.  A missed tackle here or there will swing a game like this to the other team.  This one reminds me of Buffalo @ Star Valley in 2005.  The Bison took the early lead, but the Braves were storming back and had momentum.  On third and a mile from inside their own ten-yard line, the Bison run a reverse to their third string tailback who converts.  If the Bison don’t make that play, it’s likely the Braves score from the resulting field position.  Instead, it’s a 17-14 Bison championship.  That’s a gutsy call.  It’s going to be something like that, that will decide this game.  Kemmerer has been awesome and they have a terrific program.  But my considerable gut is telling me that Glenrock has played this season like they have something to prove.  So despite the Lincoln County pull, I’m going with the home team.  Llama says – Herders: 16-13.  (Reality Check:  Herders 18-0 – Egos are hurting in Kemmerer today as the Herders left little doubt in this match up.  I didn’t think anyone could blank the Rangers, regardless of class, so hats off to Glenrock who proved they are one of the best in the state, period.)

4A – Buffalo @ Douglas: There’s a part of me that is annoyed that the West couldn’t get to the title game.  That’s the funny thing.  For about two solid months, I assumed that Cody would get there, but as one rotund sportscaster on ESPN says: “That’s why they play the game.”  Hats off the Bison, who, like their Glenrock brethren, seem to be on a mission to rectify last year’s loss.  My heart will be cheering for Douglas.  Yes, they have some mean-spirited wrestling mothers who obviously don’t like Star Valley, but they are on a 30-year drought.  The thing is, my head is telling me not to ignore how focused the Bison seem.  They’ve been the team to beat since last year’s last second loss in Jackson, so redemption is my theme for the day.  They were my pick at the beginning of the year, so they’re my pick now.  Llama says – Bison: 28-14. (Reality Check: Douglas 34-21 – So much for that dominating Bison defense.  Buffalo even scored late to make this closer, but Douglas was in control for the vast majority of this game.  I love it when long droughts are put to an end, so congratulations to the Bearcats.)

5A – Green River @ Gillette: Well, once again it’s two teams who were expected to be here.  Green River has shown some amazing athleticism this year, while Gillette is simply put:  Gillette.  Good at almost everything.  I’m swinging for my Southwest Wyoming tendencies here and blatantly picking against the Camels for no real reason.  Llama says – Wolves:  28-21.  (Reality Check:  Camels 23-21 – A missed field goal with nine seconds by the Wolves gave the Camels a win on their home field.  Nobody will be wanting to talk to that guy today.)

Well, there you have it.  For the folks in Burlington, Burns, Glenrock, Douglas and Gillette, enjoy your day, because it won’t happen next year.  Everyone seems to be happy about 2009 at the War, we’ll see if they are when Championship Saturday comes along.