Class 4A has been the most predictable classification in the state each of the past four years. Four schools (Sheridan, Gillette, Cheyenne East and Natrona) have had their run of the classification. Together the past four years, they’re 104-8 against the other six schools in the classification (Natrona and Sheridan are 27-1, Gillette 26-2 and East 24-4), including 16-0 in the playoffs.
The past four regular seasons have been little more than preludes to semifinal rounds that have been as consistent as Old Faithful. So is 2014 the year that the Federal Trade Commission raids Wyoming’s 4A playoff system, invoking the Sherman Antitrust Act? Well…
Four questions to answer
The fab four again, right? Yes. Gillette, Sheridan, Cheyenne East and Natrona have comprised Class 4A’s semifinal round of the playoffs for the past four years. Pencil in five. As for the order of those four schools? That’s anyone’s guess. The parity at the top of the classification remains strong, and no one of those four teams is the clear-cut favorite.
How will new coaches shake up the classification? Enough to be noticeable. With former Wyoming Cowboy Drew Severn taking over for longtime coach Brick Cegelski at Cheyenne Central and with David Hastings coming from the Utah prep ranks to coach Rock Springs, an upset or two is entirely possible, but it will probably be a couple years before these schools can consistently hang with 4A’s best.
What program will be the biggest surprise this season? Laramie. Year 2 of the Chuck Syverson rebuilding project is underway. Year 1 brought a late-season upset of Kelly Walsh; the Plainsmen also played tough against other solid programs. Remember, this is a program that has only had two first-team all-state selections the past six years. Continued success could help Laramie continue to pull upsets.
Where is Tevis Bartlett going to play college football? Wherever he wants. Now leave him alone (see below).
Four players to watch
Tevis Bartlett, Cheyenne East. Everyone understands Bartlett’s offensive prowess — he ran for 1,400 yards, threw for 1,521 and was in on 32 touchdowns last year. But he was also East’s top tackler a year ago, and he’s as competitive as they come. No wonder he’s drawing interest from top-tier college programs.
Tayton Montgomery, Cheyenne Central. No receiver in the state, regardless of classification, had as many receiving yards as Montgomery did last season (976). With a new coach, Montgomery’s numbers may fluctuate, but his importance to the Indians’ offensive attack remains steadfast.
Logan Wilson, Natrona. Few players are as versatile as Wilson, who was a first-team all-state selection at four positions — wide receiver, defensive back, kicker and punter. He led NC in receiving, scoring and interceptions last season and will be a key piece of the Mustangs’ championship chase.
Talon Nelson, Gillette. The Camels have some rebuilding to do on offense, but Nelson has the No. 1 receiver position on lockdown. He led the team in catches (22) and receiving yards (527) a year ago. Do the math, and it’s clear: He averaged an unreal 24 yards per catch. That’s a threat Gillette needs to break in a new quarterback.
Four key games
Natrona at Cheyenne East, Sept. 5. The rematch of last year’s title game comes early — just one week after the season openers. It’s the first high-profile game of the year, and both teams will be eager to prove themselves.
Natrona at Gillette; Sheridan at Cheyenne East, Sept. 19. This is the only week when the top four teams face each other on the same week. The toughest choice will be choosing which one to attend.
Gillette at Sheridan, Oct. 3. The Energy Bowl is always a big game. It’s even bigger when both schools figure to be a part of the championship race.
Cheyenne East at Gillette, Oct. 23. This regular-season finale might be the biggest game of the season. Well, the biggest game of the regular season.
Predicted order of finish
Cheyenne East, Natrona, Gillette, Sheridan, Cheyenne Central, Evanston, Laramie, Rock Springs, Kelly Walsh, Cheyenne South.
Way-too-early title-game score prediction
Cheyenne East 22, Gillette 21. Tevis Bartlett caps his high-school career with the game-winning two-point conversion. OK, maybe that’s too specific for a top-loaded classification where anything can happen.
And that’s 4A. Boring old 4A. Or is this the year we see some change? Are we bound for another predictable semifinal round? Or is 2014 the year we see someone else break the monotony of 4A football? Post a comment and let me know what you’re thinking.
–patrick