A quick look back at 2014, and a peek ahead at 2015

After a marathon session on Saturday night, the 2014 results have been updated to the site. Look around and let me know if I got anything wrong.

A few things I noticed as I went through my annual updates:

Gillette’s last-minute touchdown in its 30-7 4A title game loss to Natrona preserved a streak dating back to 2005. The Camels have now scored in 113 consecutive games. The last time Gillette was shut out was in the final game of the 2004 season, a 21-0 playoff quarterfinal loss to Cheyenne Central. Gillette’s streak is the third-longest in state history behind Buffalo’s 117 straight from 2001-13 and Cokeville’s current 173 straight back to 1997. Meanwhile, Natrona has now scored in 109 consecutive games, the fourth-longest streak in state history. You can see the longest of those streaks here.

After a 12-0 season, Cokeville coach Todd Dayton’s career record is now 294-52. The winningest coach in state history has won almost 85 percent of his games. Cokeville will enter 2015 on a 22-game winning streak, four short of tying the school record and 12 short of tying the state record.

The six-man title game between Guernsey and Dubois set some title-game scoring records. Guernsey’s 80 points broke the record for most points by one team in a title game (breaking the record of 76 Guernsey set in 2009), while the combined 110 points broke the combined points record in a title game (breaking the record of 101 points in Dayton’s 63-38 victory against Glenrock in the 1953 six-man title game).

A number that gets lost in Lusk’s title-game loss is the Tigers’ home winning streak. Lusk hasn’t lost at home since 2009, winning 29 consecutive games at home. They’re two home victories short of the unofficial state record of 31, set by Byron from 1953-61. (This record comes with the caveat that Byron has numerous missing games and unverified open weeks that could make their streak a lot longer, or shorter, than 31.)

Meanwhile, Natrona has won 19 consecutive true road games (not counting neutral-site games), and the Mustangs are within view of the state record of 25 consecutive road victories set by Rocky Mountain from 1994-2000.

Natrona coach Steve Harshman is now fifth all-time in victories with 166. He passed longtime Cody coach John McDougall during the season and now trails only Dayton, longtime Laramie coaches John E. Deti (205) and John R. Deti (188) and former Lusk coach Jerry Fullmer (174). Harshman could surpass Fullmer for fourth next season.

Meanwhile, Sheridan coach Don Julian jumped to 14th place in Wyoming with 131 victories. He could climb into the top 10 next season, but would need nine victories to do so.

And, for the record, my final picks tally, where I realize I’ve been picking these games for A DECADE:

Last week: 3-2 (60 percent). This season: 251-57 (81 percent). 10-year overall mark: 2,351-604 (80 percent).

Expect me to keep posting throughout the offseason. If you have any ideas for blog posts you’d like to see, let me know. No promises, but I’m always open to ideas. After all, it’s the readers of this site who keep it going. Thursday was the highest traffic day I’ve had in the history of the site. I appreciate all your support this season, and every season.

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This is often a busy season for coach resignations. If you hear of any coaches leaving or changing, please let me know by leaving a comment on the blog or emailing me directly at pschmiedt@yahoo.com.

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Also, a little housekeeping on site updates:

I fixed Powell’s record in 1946; the Panthers were 3-3-2 that year, not 4-2-2.

I also added Rawlins’ Willie Jefferson to the all-America listings for 1983. Jefferson was a National High School Athletic Coaches Association all-America pick for that season. I also added Jefferson’s 4A back of the year award, as well as Rock Springs’ Erik Stensaas’ 4A lineman of the year award, to the all-state listings. Thanks to Jefferson’s son Isaiah for letting me know!

–patrick