Remember Thermopolis?
Yeah, the school that has the two-time defending Class 2A champions?
Those guys? Yeah. I do now. Shouldn’t have ever doubted them.
The Bobcats showed the rest of the state just how much they want to win a third straight crown when they beat Big Horn 21-6 in a rematch of last year’s 2A title game. And we should know by now that the Bobcats have the experience and the ability — and, maybe most importantly, the attitude — to make it back to Laramie in November.
Remember that the Bobcats are good at revenge. In 2009, the Bobcats lost to Glenrock in the regular season, only to beat them in the state championship game. And last year, Thermopolis lost to Big Horn in the regular season but avenged that loss in the title game, as well.
Maybe all Friday’s victory means is that Thermopolis won’t beat Big Horn in the championship game. Revenge can’t be served on a team that’s already been beaten. But what it does mean is that a return to Laramie can’t be ruled out for the Bobcats. As the old adage goes, they are the champions until someone proves otherwise. Friday was just another reminder that, so far, no one has done that yet.
Second mad props to Wheatland, which eked out a 14-10 victory over Torrington in a revival of a rivalry that has been played every year since 1934. Maybe after this one, the Trailblazers are regretting keeping the series going.
Third mad props to Miles City, Mont., which barely eked out a 21-20 victory over Powell.
Some other stuff I noticed this week:
Despite being utterly predictable, the opening week of 4A football helped us figure out which teams might indeed be contenders. Right now, who wouldn’t want to see a rematch of Evanston-Gillette? The Camels won 40-36 on a touchdown in the last minute (just as I predicted!). Sheridan looked sharp in beating Cheyenne Central, Cheyenne East destroyed new-look Kelly Walsh and Natrona ran roughshod over Cheyenne South. Right now, we can include those five schools in the discussion. Next week, we really only get one game to help us clear up the confusion at the top, but it’s a big one: Sheridan at Natrona. …
Thermopolis’ victory stands out in the 2A West, but remember that Lyman and Greybull also won and Lovell definitely got better by scrimmaging Douglas. That is going to be a tough, tough conference this fall. …
Beware Worland. Beware Riverton. Both teams proved their moxie on Friday, even though Riverton came away with the 12-7 victory. Both teams will cause a lot of problems for the pre-ordained frontrunners in 3A this year. …
So what did you think of the first week of high school football? What teams, players or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
This week: 12-3 (80 percent). This season: 12-3 (80 percent).
–patrick
RANGERS looked better against Lander. Lost Varsity scrimmage 21-18. Gave up 3 touchdowns on long passes otherwise was in control. 2A West will be tough. Gotta keep getting better to compete with Lyman, Lovell, Greybull, and Thermop. Think we can get there though. GO RANGERS!!
Worland-Riv. was an entertaining zero week game. Could easily have had another 3 touchdowns scored each if not for turnovers and penalties. It was fun watching Bronson and Worland has a reciever that made some great catches. Kole and TJ showed why I said they are players to watch. Lots to work on but both teams showed you don’t want to take either one lightly.
the Worland-Riverton game should have had more scoring as riverton said. Worland had 3 failed red zone trips and Riverton had 2.
Worland surprised me with their passing …bru swing finished with 175 yards passing, 113 in the first half. Although, I don’t think they should have shyed away from their power I. When you have two workhorses in backfield let em run. Once they find the balance they need they will be trouble for teams. Can’t wait for the Buffalo match up next weekend.
Riverton, you were right T.J. Galey and Kole Stewart each had a hell of a game. Both had 100 yards rushing. Zach Lempka is the receiver from Worland that you are talking about. He had a heck of a game. Who does Riverton have week 1?
We have Powell, not an easy task but the guys don’t want easy games. Will be fun to see how Worland does against Buffalo as I don’t know much about them this year. Casey H. was impressive for a soph and lots of young talent for you guys. Good luck on the season!
Here are some of my 3a predictions for week 1
Douglas at Green river: this is the game of the week. (coming from a riverton fan lol) but I’m gonna take GR in this one. Maybe it’s just because I know a little more about them. But I believe they are probably the most athletic team in the state I just question their toughness a little bit.. Which we know Douglas is going to bring. So it should be an awesome game.
Riverton at Powell : I may be a little bias but Im gonna take riverton because I believe they will be better disciplined this week. If they are I see Stewart and galey wearing down the panther defense. However this should be an awesome game as well!
BuffAlo at Worland: I am going to take world because they are big strong and I really don’t know a whole lot about buffalo
Yeah, Casey is the little brother of Bronson. Well, bigger little brother haha. Good luck to you as well! Maybe well see you in November!