Normally, when a team wins 27 consecutive games and three state championships, it gains a New York Yankees-type following: Just as many people want to see that team fail as succeed.

But not Powell. Not this year. Not with this offseason.

Truth is always stranger, more more heart-rending and more amazing than fiction. Powell’s 2014 season will likely be memorable for a variety of reasons, but after what the Panthers have faced this offseason, it’s safe to say no one is rooting to see the Panthers fail this autumn. Except maybe the 11 other schools in Class 3A, who all want their chance to dethrone the Panthers.

Four questions to answer

Can Powell break the state record for consecutive victories? Definitely — but it’s no given. Powell has won 27 consecutive games entering this season. The state record for consecutive victories is 34 (Laramie, 1959-63) and the record for consecutive unbeaten games is 36 (Worland, 1953-56). Powell does face some challenges to that streak, though — namely Miles City, Mont., in a Zero Week game, Douglas in Week 1 and an always-tough rivalry game against Cody in Week 8.

Who has the best chance to keep Powell from four-peating? Douglas or Cody. The Bearcats — losers to Powell in the 2011 and 2013 Class 3A title games — return only two starters on offense but have one of the classification’s stoutest defenses. Cody returns a stable of talented and athletic players. And they both have the chance to get film on the Panthers prior to the playoffs.

Is 3A still top-heavy? Definitely. The favorites are clear; the contenders are clear; the teams that still need development are clear. And the five teams anticipated to be on the top of their conferences — Douglas and Riverton in the East and Powell, Cody and Star Valley in the West — all play each other in the nonconference season. Expect a lot of playoff rematches come the semifinals and state championship.

OK, so you just turned 3A into a five-team race. Which squad is most likely to make you look like a fool? Torrington. The Trailblazers have slowly been gaining respect from 3A coaches statewide and have what may be the most athletic group of players that fourth-year coach Mark Lenhardt has ever had. This might be Torrington’s year to shift from developing to developed.

Four players to watch

Riley Stringer, Powell. Already a two-time all-state selection — and the Casper Star-Tribune’s statewide defensive player of the year last year as a junior — Stringer is one of the best linemen in the state. He is Powell’s leading returning tackler and finished with 15.5 tackles for loss a year ago. Look for more of the same.

Bay Parks, Douglas. Parks is Douglas’ leading returning tackler and led the Bearcats with six sacks a year ago. His influence will be a big part of a young Bearcat squad that has to replace several starters.

Carter Myers, CodyMyers is a beast on both sides of the ball. He led Cody in rushing yards (1,023) and scoring (103 points) on offense and also led the Broncs in defensive points. If Cody is going to challenge Powell out west, it will be in big part because of Myers.

Theo Dawson, Jackson. Dawson burst on the statewide scene as a sophomore by leading the Broncs, the best rushing team in Class 3A year ago, in rushing yards (924) despite missing a big chunk of the season to injury. As a junior, he could help the Broncs mess up the dreams of some unsuspecting West Conference foes if they’re not ready for him.

Four key games

Powell at Douglas, Sept. 5. The rematch of the 2011 and 2013 Class 3A championship game is important for both squads; the winner of this Week 1 matchup will gain confidence — and a target on its back. Never mind Powell’s whole winning streak thing…

Cody at Star Valley, Sept. 26. The first West Conference game of the season for both teams will help quickly clarify which team has the best chance to challenge Powell’s supremacy.

Douglas at Riverton, Oct. 17. A senior-laden Wolverines squad could be Douglas’ biggest challenge in the East Conference. And Riverton draws the game at home.

Cody at Powell, Oct. 24. If Powell reaches this point in the season without a loss, this game will be for the state’s unbeaten streak record. But it could also be critical for playoff seeding and maybe a conference championship, too.

Predicted order of finish

East Conference: Douglas, Riverton, Torrington, Lander, Buffalo, Rawlins. West Conference: Powell, Cody, Star Valley, Jackson, Worland, Green River.

Way-too-early title-game score prediction

Powell 20, Cody 18. There’s enough parity at the top of 3A that a Powell four-peat is not a given. Don’t be surprised if this year’s state champ has a couple losses during the regular season.

Is Powell destined for another undefeated season? Can Cody or Douglas stop them? What other schools have the goods to hang with the best in the class? Let’s start the conversation with your comments.

–patrick

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