This division is all about defending state champion Douglas and their star running back Pierre Etchemendy who scored an impressive six touchdowns in his most recent game against Rawlins. The final of six touchdowns was set up by running mate Baylor Sieg intentionally stepping out of bounds on the three yard line to allow Etchemendy to break the school record as a tribute to two fallen Bearcat classmates lost earlier in the week in tragic accidents. This was an emotional moment and truly shows the class and closeness of the Douglas players with their community. The Douglas defense has given up only 49 points on the season with many of these points surrendered by the reserves after the game was already out of reach. Offensively, Douglas has steamrolled the opposing defenses scoring 278 points thus far.
Torrington plays a double-header of sorts this week with a venture to Riverton on Monday to play on the Wolverines' new turf field for the first time ever and then to Buffalo for a showdown with the Bison. Torrington is lead by QB Mitch Schlager who leads the state in all-purpose yardage averaging over 225 yards per game.
Buffalo, coming off two consecutive wins, is gearing up for a home showdown with Torrington and their high powered offense. This game should decide the number two seed in the 3A East and most importantly get on the opposite side of the playoff bracket as the Douglas team.
Winless Wheatland can qualify for the playoffs this season if they can take care of business and sweep struggling Riverton and Rawlins in their final games of the season. Anderson leads the state in passing averaging over 150 per game. The game of the season for the final playoff spot will be Riverton at Wheatland on the final weekend.
Worland made great strides in capturing the 3A West crown with their 42-31 victory at Powell Friday evening. Worland does have one remaining road game to Cody in the final week of the season to secure the conference championship. Defensive standout Steven Soderstrom leads the team with over twenty points per game.
After being shutout two weeks ago at Worland 21-0, the Star Valley Braves have righted the ship and posted consecutive victories over Powell and Cody giving up only three points in eight quarters. Star Valley can wrap up the number two seed if they can win at home in their final games against a desperate Lander team and then Jackson.
In a critical game for both programs, Powell hosts the Cody Broncs this week. Cody possesses a stingy defense giving up under ten points per game on the season while ranking just behind Powell in total defense. Ball security and red zone efficiency is going to be imparative in this game as the offenses won't get too many opportunities.
Predictions
Douglas is the class of this group and should roll into Laramie untested to play for back to back championships. The first round game against Star Valley and the loser of Buffalo/Torrington will be a great game. The other first round game with Powell and the winner of Buffalo/Torrington will also be fun.
It's hard to say who plays against Douglas in Laramie but I predict an all eastern final two years in a row.
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