Four questions to answer
Well, it’s 3A. Star Valley and Cody the favorites? Yep. This year is no different from, what, the past decade? No exaggeration, either. These two programs have combined to win the past 10 Class 3A championships, and with the number of all-staters coming back — Cody with six from its runner-up team, Star Valley with five from its championship team — this classification looks like more of the same up top.
Any spoilers in the mix? Just one — Powell. The Panthers return three all-state players, which isn’t on par with Cody’s six or Star Valley’s five but is significantly better than the rest of 3A, where the other nine teams combine to have three returning all-state players. The Panthers boast a big senior class and are inspired by a first-round loss last year, and in most other years they’d have the preseason goods for a No. 1 ranking.
Honestly, no one else is a title threat? Not really. I mean, Torrington, last year’s 2A champion, is now a part of 3A, and that’ll make it fun. Douglas and Buffalo are consistently tough to beat, but both programs will have new head coaches this fall. Riverton and Evanston both showed they’re on the rise after big seasons under first-year head coaches, but they have to replace big senior classes. And everyone else is unproven.
Well, now that we know what Laramie will look like — what else should we watch for in 3A this year? Defensive playmakers. In all, four of the top seven players in defensive points last year in 3A are back (see below), and several other defensive stat-line fillers are also back this season. With all that experience on that side of the ball, points might be harder to come by, and more games might be decided by a turnover or defensive stop instead of by a long bomb or big run.
Preseason class MVP
Maddax Ball, Cody. The Broncs’ quarterback was one of 3A’s best players regardless of position last fall. He was super-efficient, completing 67.5% of passes, and racked up 2,130 passing yards. He threw for 27 touchdowns and ran for another nine with his legs — something opposing defenses also have to account for. As a senior, he’ll be relied in big part to carry Cody’s offensive responsibilities.
Preseason class breakout player
Adam McCorkle, Buffalo. The Bison are right there with the top contenders in 3A this season, and even with some change — new coach, new quarterback — the transition should go smoothly. That starts with McCorkle, who new coach Ross Walker said was good enough to start under center most seasons last year but had to wait until his senior year for the opportunity to lead the Bison offense. Buffalo will need to break in some new receivers, but McCorkle also has an ally in returning senior Zayne Huber, the team’s top pass-catcher last season.
Other players to watch
Carter Archuleta, Douglas. I mean — what else does he have to do? He was No. 1 in Class 3A in defensive points per game last season; as a sophomore he ranked third in 3A in the same category; as a freshman, he led Douglas in defensive points and tackles. He’s led the classification in total tackles each of the past two seasons, with 129 two years ago and 117 last year. As the centerpiece of Douglas’ defense for a while now, Archuleta has always responded to the challenge. Look for more of the same in 2024.
Grant Thomson, Star Valley. You’ve got to be a pretty special player to start on the Star Valley defense for three consecutive years. Well, put the special crown atop Thomson’s head. He led the Braves with 92 tackles last year, but he’ll have to help along younger players to fill roles in a defense where eight of the top 10 tacklers from last year have graduated.
Chase Hatch, Cody. Cody’s top tackler last year as a junior, Hatch has a defensive motor that’s hard to account for. His 110 total tackles were second in Class 3A last season, and he had a classification-high 62 solo tackles. He also broke up eight passes and generally just made life hard for opposing offenses to get much done against the Broncs.
Keona Wisniewski, Powell. Aside from having THE most memorable name in 3A, he’s a heck of a football player, too. He led Powell’s defense with 91 tackles, including 18 for loss. He was also a key member of the offensive game plan, and his versatility (he could be quarterback or fullback this season for the Panthers’ offense) makes him incredibly valuable to the Panthers’ approach.
Four key games
Cody at Powell, Sept. 27. Can the Panthers be the spoilers they hope to be? We’ll find out in the West Conference opener for both teams in Week 4, where Powell has the chance to make a huge statement if it can pull off the big victory at home. But don’t think Cody doesn’t know this.
Riverton at Buffalo, Oct. 4. ‘Member how Riverton upset Buffalo last year to make a three-way tie atop the East Conference standings, and Buffalo ended up on the road in the first round of the playoffs because of it? Riverton does. Trouble is, Buffalo does, too, and the Bison will likely be ready for this year’s rematch.
Cody at Star Valley, Oct. 11. Duh. Have you been paying attention the past few minutes, months, or years? This is 3A’s best rivalry, and the winner will likely be 3A’s team to beat come the postseason.
Torrington at Douglas, Oct. 25. It’s nice to see this game back on the schedule. These two teams had played each other every year since 1967 before taking a two-year break the past two years. Now that Torrington is back in 3A, this game is big for regional bragging rights but could be even bigger for the playoff race in the East.
Predicted order of finish
East Conference: Buffalo, Douglas, Riverton, Torrington, Rawlins, Lander. West Conference: Star Valley, Cody, Powell, Evanston, Jackson, Green River.
Preseason top five: 1. Star Valley, 2. Cody, 3. Powell, 4. Buffalo, 5. Douglas.
Way-too-early title game score prediction
Star Valley 30, Cody 24. If it’s anyone but these two in Laramie — again — it’ll be a shock. But it’s 3A, and weirder things have happened.
Are Star Valley and Cody simply the best, or is there someone else in all the rest ready to spring a surprise on us all? Leave a comment, or drop a line on Twitter or Facebook.
–patrick