One statistic reveals just how good Class 3A football will be in 2021.
As a classification, Class 3A has more than half (23 of 45) of its first-team all-state players coming back this year.
Usually, about two-thirds of all-state players are seniors, so for a classification to have more than half of its all-state selections returning is almost unheard of.
The returners are concentrated in some specific programs, most notably in Jackson and Cody, last year’s opponents in the 3A championship. Douglas, Powell, Green River and Star Valley also return their fair share of talent.
Although Cody and Jackson have the most returning talent on paper, a title game rematch is no guarantee, especially in a classification known for plenty of regular-season upsets and the occasional semifinal surprise.
Four questions to answer
Broncs-Broncs again? Broncs-Broncs again. Cody and Jackson are both absolutely loaded with talent this year, and they start as the frontrunners to meet in the Class 3A championship game for the second year in a row. Jackson returns six all-state players and Cody returns four, two totals higher than any other teams in 3A. That’s a good place to start.
Can anyone else infiltrate the top tier? With as talent-filled as 3A is this year, absolutely. Douglas and Powell return three all-staters apiece, while Green River and Star Valley have two each. The Bearcats are the favorites in the East, and the road to the title will eventually go through Converse County one way or another, while the West — as usual — is full of teams ready to play spoiler.
Anyone else outside that group we should watch for? Maybe Worland. Maybe. The Warriors, at least on paper, have the potential to be a spoiler this year. They have an offense capable of quick strikes and also have 3A’s top returning tackler (see below).
How many Division I players might come out of 3A this year? More than usual. Lucas Chappell of Star Valley (Air Force) was one of the first Division I commitments of the state’s 2021 seniors. Colter Dawson of Jackson also picked up an offer from Air Force, and Bronc teammate QB Sadler Smith had several D-I official visits over the summer. How many times do we need to say it? 3A is loaded this year.
Preseason class MVP
Lucas Chappell, Star Valley. The two-time all-state lineman has already verbally committed to Air Force, so he’ll be a marked man for opposing teams. His defensive numbers don’t leap off the page — 30 tackles, three sacks a year ago — but he’s constantly fighting other teams’ specific plans to limit him. And his aggressive work on the offensive line speaks for itself.
Presesason class breakout player
Jackson Schroeder, Cody. If you’re not aware of Schroeder, it’s OK; his contributions to Cody’s title run last year were easy to miss among a sea of Bronc stars. But know this: He’s Cody’s top returning rusher AND top returning tackler. And he’s only a junior.
Other players to watch
Colter Dawson, Jackson. A tight end/linebacker combination that hearkens back to football’s forgone days, Dawson is an athletic multi-tool threat. He led the Broncs in defensive points as both a sophomore and a junior, and his play on offense makes him a threat as a pass-catcher and a blocker.
Sadler Smith and Brody Hasenack, Jackson. With 2,093 yards, Hasenack led all 11-man teams in rushing last year; with 1,973 yards, Smith led Class 3A in passing. Success in their senior year together will be reliant on the versatility and balance both showed last year.
Keltan Ewing and Rylan Wehr, Douglas. The dynamic pair of running back (Ewing) and wideout (Wehr) gives Douglas’ offense balance; they also both have key roles on defense. Ewing was the 3A East offensive player of the year; Wehr was a first-team Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 player. Combine it, and it’s easy to see why Douglas is the early favorite in the East Conference.
Aaron Carver, Worland. The Warriors could be 3A’s surprise team, and Carver — 3A’s leading returning tackler — is a big reason why. With 98 tackles last year, Carver left an impression on every opponent. His experience will help an experienced Warrior defense keep growing.
Four key games
Star Valley at Cody, Oct. 8. One bugaboo for Cody has been Star Valley, especially when they play at Spike Vannoy field. Star Valley has won its last 12 games in Cody; the Broncs haven’t beaten the Braves at home since 1991. Moreover, Cody has lost seven of its past eight against Star Valley. A win here, and Cody can shake off a lot of history.
Riverton at Lander, Oct. 8. The Fremont County rivalry game always provides some interesting twists, and with both teams trying to keep pace with Douglas — which plays Riverton two weeks prior to this game and Lander the week before — this could be a make-or-break for either the Wolverines or Tigers for 2021.
Douglas at Worland, Oct. 22. The Bearcats’ path to an East Conference title comes through Washakie County in Week 8. And a developing Warriors team could be a surprise, even for a loaded Douglas squad, in this regular-season finale.
Jackson at Cody, Oct. 22. Broncs vs. Broncs in Week 8 is by far 3A’s most anticipated game of the season. Last year’s title game aside, both teams return loads of talent, and both teams have high aspirations for this year. You can bet that more than pride will be on the line here.
Predicted order of finish
East Conference: Douglas, Worland, Lander, Riverton, Buffalo, Rawlins.
West Conference: Jackson, Cody, Powell, Star Valley, Green River, Evanston.
Preseason top five: 1. Jackson, 2. Cody, 3. Douglas; 4. Powell; 5. Star Valley.
Way-too-early title game score prediction
Jackson 28, Cody 27. Last year’s top two teams are also this year’s top two teams, and anything could happen with teams as deep and experienced as these. The early nod, though, goes to the team from Teton County.
Is it possible to stop time and just play this 3A season over and over again? No, but wouldn’t it be fun if we could? And how do you see the only time we’re going to see the 2021 3A season coming together this year? Leave a comment, or drop a line on Twitter or Facebook.
Next Thursday: Class 4A.
–patrick