Class 2A season preview: Complexity, parity, uncertainty — and a tentative favorite

Four questions to answer

Is there a clear-cut favorite in Class 2A? Yes, but it’s complicated. Big Horn was the most consistently named program by coaches this summer when asked who the favorites might be. That said, several other teams have the potential for deep playoff runs, including but not limited to Mountain View, Lyman, Cokeville, Worland, Wheatland, Upton-Sundance, Lovell and Newcastle. Even though the Rams might start at No. 1 by default due to their runner-up finish last year and who they have back this year, their grip on the top spot is tentative at best, through no fault of their own.

Why Big Horn? Because of last year. The Rams were East Conference champions and runners-up to Torrington, and then Torrington made the move to Class 3A. That leaves Big Horn as the top remaining team in the classification from last year’s playoffs, a bracket where the majority of games were decided by single-possession margins. Big Horn also returns two all-staters (seniors Avon Barney and Kolby Butler); no other team in 2A has more than one.

Wait… what was that about Worland? Oh, yeah. Worland is a Class 2A team now. And they’re not even the biggest 2A team — that honor goes to Pinedale. But after years and years and years of 3A play, the Warriors’ student population has fallen far enough for the move to 2A to happen. That will mean an opportunity for a fresh start for a program that’s had 14 consecutive losing seasons but will enter 2024 with a new schedule, a new coach and a new chance to build something special.

Is the West Conference ahead of the East? Yep. Even though it was two East teams in the title game last year, the West looks like the more challenging conference in 2024. And with Worland’s addition to the conference, watch out. At least one team that’s strong enough to make a deep playoff run won’t even make the playoffs; that’s how much parity could exist in a traditionally tough conference this season.

Preseason class MVP

Avon Barney, Big Horn. Not many quarterbacks who crack the 2,000-yard passing barrier are underclassmen, but that’s what Barney did last year as a junior while earning all-state accolades. He threw for 2,016 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also contributed 47 tackles on defense and ran for 10 touchdowns, too.

Preseason class breakout player

Kashton Walker, Cokeville. The keys to the Panthers’ offense will likely land in the hands of a sophomore. As Cokeville moves last year’s quarterback, senior Kayson Walker (Kashton’s older brother), to running back, it’s the younger Walker who will be responsible for leading the offense. Kashton isn’t a stranger to varsity play, though, playing significantly as part of Cokeville’s defense last year as a freshman.

Other players to watch

Davin Crosby, Lovell. Class 2A’s leading passer in terms of yards per game last year (213.9), Crosby was both efficient (56.9% completion) and a long-ball threat (15 yards per completion). He also had 46 tackles, good for fifth on the Bulldogs last season. His presence as Lovell’s only returning all-stater makes the senior both a target and a leader.

Eli Gill, Upton-Sundance. This man is a tackling machine. As a sophomore two years ago, he was second in 2A in defensive points per game (25.1); last year, he led 2A (26.0) and tied for the classification lead with nearly 15 tackles per game. And, oh by the way, he was second for Upton-Sundance last year in all-purpose offense. As the Patriots try to regain playoff form, Gill will be at the forefront of those plans.

Brody Thiel, Worland. Class 2A won’t need long to get acquainted with Thiel. The Warriors’ only returning all-state choice is a throwback fullback/tight end/linebacker who causes a lot of havoc on defense, notching 69 tackles, including 12 for loss, last season. On a Warrior defense full of returners, Thiel will set the pace.

Max Gregory, Lyman. One of Class 2A’s most efficient defensive players, Gregory has led the Eagles in defensive points each of the past two years and also was effective as a freshman; over three years, he has 270 tackles, including 46 for loss. His disruptive abilities on defense, coupled with his role on Lyman’s offensive line, make Gregory a must-stop player for opposing game plans.

Four key games

Wheatland at Big Horn, Sept. 13. Are the Rams the East’s best again? Well, this conference opener against the Bulldogs will tell the tale. Wheatland traditionally has good numbers and has some good athletes returning, so the Rams’ early expectations will have a good early test.

Upton-Sundance at Newcastle, Sept. 13. Both the Patriots and the Dogies figure to be improved teams this fall. When they meet in their East Conference openers, we’ll all find out really quick whose hopes are legit and whose hopes need some refinement.

Worland at Cokeville, Oct. 18. Try going back in time 20, 30, 40 years. Explain to someone from that time how this is a conference game now. Worland (ADM 343) and Cokeville (ADM 68) are on different ends of the enrollment spectrum but both figure to be players in the West Conference title chase. This Week 7 game will be the first football game between the schools, and it could decide a ton in the 2A West.

Lyman at Mountain View, Oct. 25. There’s just something that feels right about having the rivalry game at the end of the regular season. Both the Eagles and the Buffalos should be among the top teams in the West title chase this year, and the fact that they’re only six miles apart is a nice little added cherry on top of an already sweet dessert at the end of the regular season.

Predicted order of finish

East Conference: Big Horn, Newcastle, Wheatland, Upton-Sundance, Tongue River, Burns, Glenrock, Moorcroft. West Conference: Mountain View, Worland, Lovell, Cokeville, Lyman, Thermopolis, Kemmerer, Pinedale.

Preseason top five: 1. Big Horn, 2. Mountain View, 3. Worland, 4. Lovell, 5. Cokeville.

Way-too-early title game score prediction

Big Horn 27, Mountain View 22. This may be the least predictable 2A race in years. At least 10 teams are legitimate threats to be hoisting the championship trophy come November. For now, the Rams and Buffalos are on top thanks to their stability under center, but my goodness, this will be a fun year.

Agree? Disagree? Either way, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, or drop a line on Twitter or Facebook.

–patrick