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Sports Goulash

Odds and ends of Wyoming high school sports.

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Championship game playoff picks

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 13, 2008 at 11:47PM EST

You know how this works by now. I make the picks, everyone laughs, and then by the time kickoff rolls around, everyone's forgotten about all of this. At least that's the way it's supposed to work.... :)

So here's this week's picks, with a little bit more depth to them than usual:

Class 5A
Green River (9-2) at Gillette (9-2)
Any previous meetings? Gillette beat Green River 14-13 on Sept. 19 in Gillette.
Any common opponents? Seven. Natrona County (Gillette beat 15-13, Green River beat 14-12 and 23-17 in OT); Cheyenne Central (Gillette beat 26-13 and 30-0, Green River beat 38-14); Rock Springs (Gillette beat 28-0, Green River beat 57-31); Sheridan (Gillette lost 49-21, Green River beat 44-28); Kelly Walsh (Gillette beat 27-7, Green River beat 57-27); Riverton (Gillette beat 46-0, Green River beat 58-0); Cheyenne East (Gillette beat 50-0 and 37-6, Green River lost 26-14).
Recently? Since losing to Sheridan mid-season, Gillette has won six in a row, giving up only 26 points in that stretch and only six in the playoffs. Green River shook off its late-season upset loss to Cheyenne East, beating Rock Springs to cap the regular season, then Natrona and Sheridan in the playoffs to make the title game.
The pick? Offense wins games, and the Wolves have the best offense in the state -- something they've proven over and over. But defense wins championships, and the Camels have the best defense in the state -- something they've proven over and over. My choice goes to Gillette.
Why I could be wrong: Because offense wins games.

Class 4A
Buffalo (8-2) at Douglas (8-2)
Any previous meetings? Douglas beat Buffalo 21-14 in overtime on Oct. 17.
Any common opponents? Six. Lander (Buffalo beat 42-0, Douglas beat 19-12); Powell (Buffalo beat 14-7, Douglas beat 28-27 in 2OT); Glenrock (Buffalo lost 16-14, Douglas lost 27-14); Torrington (Buffalo won 40-0, Douglas won 38-7); Wheatland (Buffalo won 47-0, Douglas won 41-0); Rawlins (Buffalo won 49-7, Douglas won 48-0 and 55-0).
Recently? Since the Week 7 loss to Douglas, the Bison have won three in a row, swooping past Rawlins, Worland and Cody with relative ease. Douglas has won seven in a row, but have those two big OT wins to their credit in that streak.
The pick? Buffalo. I make this choice not based on talent (both teams have plenty) or coaching (both teams stack up plenty fine there) or previous results (obviously, Douglas beat Buffalo once already). I make it because I have to pick somebody. Look at it this way, Bearcats -- I also picked Buffalo to beat you in the regular season, and look how well that turned out! Either way, I think it'll be a great game, perhaps the best of the bunch this weekend.
Why I could be wrong: Because it's gonna be close, and close games fall easily to either team.

Class 3A
Kemmerer (10-0) at Glenrock (10-0)
Any previous meetings? Not since last year's title game, won by Kemmerer 22-0 in Kemmerer.
Any common opponents? Four. Mountain View (Glenrock beat 35-0, Kemmerer beat 33-0 and 36-12); Thermopolis (Glenrock beat 37-7 and 48-8, Kemmerer beat 46-0); Moorcroft (Glenrock beat 34-0, Kemmerer beat 41-6); Pinedale (Glenrock beat 56-0, Kemmerer beat 40-0).
Recently? Well, both are 10-0. Glenrock's had a bit easier time of it in the playoffs, though, winning 48-8 and 56-0; Kemmerer's two playoff victories were 36-12 and 41-6. Either way, it's dominating.
The pick? Ummm... I'll defer this one to Mr. Lincoln on the penny. He's up... and he says Herders. I'll take Glenrock.
Why I could be wrong: Because finding weak spots in either team is like trying to find Atlantis -- it's pointless, because it's just not there. Kemmerer could just as easily make it three titles in four years as Glenrock could turn the recent tide.

Class 2A
Big Horn (10-0) at Burns (10-0)
Any previous meetings? Not since last year's playoffs -- a 15-7 victory for Big Horn in the 2A quarterfinals.
Any common opponents? Four. Sundance (Big Horn beat 61-0, Burns beat 47-6); Wind River (Big Horn beat 19-14, Burns beat 20-0); Rocky Mountain (Big Horn beat 40-12, Burns beat 48-7); Lusk (Big Horn beat 6-0, Burns beat 34-14).
Recently? Just like 3A, both teams are unbeaten. It's kind of odd that both teams have given up exactly 57 points this season. Both teams had shutout victories last week, although Burns' 20-0 victory over Wind River was a tad more impressive than Big Horn's 6-0 victory over Lusk.
The pick? Burns. I think the Broncs have a tad more consistency on offense and a bit more of an opportunistic defense -- and that's enough for me to pick them.
Why I could be wrong: Big Horn knows how to win. They're healthier than they were last week, they've got a tough offense to stop and their defense is the best in Class 2A, yardage-wise.

Class 1A
Southeast (8-2) at Burlington (9-1)
Any previous meetings? None. None as in never. It's the first time these two schools have played each other on the gridiron.
Any common opponents? Three. Hulett (Burlington beat 10-0 and 13-9, Southeast beat 26-6); Cokeville (Burlington beat 7-6, Southeast beat 7-2); Normative Services (Burlington beat 48-14, Southeast beat 27-12).
Recently? Southeast's only losses were to Burns and Lusk, and in their past three games the Cyclones have given up just nine points. Burlington has won nine in a row with four shutouts, and proved they can win close ones by nipping Hulett 13-9 last week in the semis.
The pick? Another toughie, but I'll take Southeast. They Cyclones have been here each of the past two years. They know how to win these games and they've got enough talent to bring another trophy back to Yoder.
Why I could be wrong: Burlington has a coach that knows how to win -- Mike Aagard was a player on Burlington's only two title teams in '92 and '94. And the Huskies have won nine in a row and are confident because of that.

There are the picks as I see them. Five great games, one great day. It's kind of like Christmas, only like 100 times better.

Just a reminder about comments. I'm still trying to pick up the pieces here and I still can't quite trust people to behave, so comments will be moderated by yours truly before they get posted. I'm pretty open about what I'll let in, but how long this whole moderation thing takes could vary wildly depending on where I'm at and what I'm doing. It could be eight seconds, it could be 12 hours... Thanks for understanding and sorry it has to be this way. I just would rather take this extra step and protect the innocent than continue the free-for-all of the pretty horrible stuff that went on here in the last 24 hours.

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com

Send This | Categories: Football

(27) Comments

Posted by: "the"chuck norris on November 14, 2008 12:23AM EST

i can't wait for kemmerer and glenrock. i haven't been this excited for a football game, since well, last year's title. like patrick said it can go either way. i would have loved to see these teams play some of the premier 5a schools. i think it would have some surprising outcomes. any way. good luck to all teams this week

Posted by: murrykins on November 14, 2008 1:11AM EST

i like Green River who beat Sheridan who beat Gillette. they did it on the road and did it well.
I like Buffalo who has had a bunch of experience in these championship games lately. they beat Cody who was my first pick therefore...
i like Kemmerrer even if i do spell it wrong[i don't know] they were impressive in their win against Riverside and i haven't heard any talk of them falling off against anyone else, i just think they are the team to beat.
i really like Big Horn, they are not one dimensional, they can beat you with defense,offense and especially special teams. Burns, by what i have read is a running team with a good defense,count on special teams to be in the thick of this one,but go with the Rams.
Southeast has the experience of the big game but Burlington plays big games on the roundball court every year, they won't be filled with shock and awe,Burlington playes good defense and so does Southeast. both offenses look to be decent but not spectacular. again the kicking game is the most important factor to both teams. i look for the Huskies to surprise the cyclones, the weather should be low 50s and dry with the wind dying downby game time
Good Luck boys and remember all the fallen teammates we have lost this season. they would be happy that you continued on. God Bless Them and God Bless You.

Posted by: Bulldog Fan-Empty Nester now on November 14, 2008 1:19AM EST

I used to comment on this blog a lot. Now, I just read. I have always found the blog to be informative, enlightening and sometimes controversial. I don't always agree with what is on here and I have gotten into debates with people. Opinions are great and I love reading how others feel. But, this is not the forum for slamming, slandering and/or hurting other people. I have learned a lot about other teams, players, coaches, rules and fans. I enjoy this forum and don't want to see it go away. So, please keep the negative stuff to yourself. Hope Patrick lets this go live again soon. It must be a real pain to have to approve all these posts. While I don't have a favorite team playing this weekend, I wish all the teams good luck.

Posted by: 2a on November 14, 2008 1:57AM EST

those are some good picks but i would have to say burlington in 1A Big Horn in 2A Kemmerer in 3A Buffalo in 4A and Green River in 5A

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 14, 2008 8:50AM EST

Always one of the best weekends of the season is championship Saturday. I don't want to make predictions and say who will win, but I do wish my good friend Bert and the Rams good luck. It looks like it will be a great game as all of them are. All 10 teams are to be commended for playing this late in the season and hope everyone realizes this, no matter what the scoreboard says at 3:30 tomorrow.

Posted by: Justsayin on November 14, 2008 10:31AM EST

Burns should win 2A. I say this becasue the last two years that teams from sheridan county have been in a state championship game, they have lost close games. I played in the TR championship game, and I was at the BH game last year. Burns has been pretty dominant all season, I see them beating BH but not by much. Burns 21 BH 17

Posted by: gtown on November 14, 2008 11:26AM EST

Very well said Bulldog Fan- I hope that this blog can keep going. Patrick, where will you be on Saturday?

Posted by: KSYeehaw on November 14, 2008 11:27AM EST

I of course am picking the bearcats!!! I also think that Gillette will be tough to beat at home and Green River has a heck of a road trip. We got about 2 inches of snow and the wind is howling, should make for some interesting football tomorrow. I wish we were playing at the War. If Lusk had got in the championship I would have 5 relatives playing in 3 different games. As it is I have 2 in 2 different games. Good Luck to everyone and safe travels.

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 14, 2008 12:29PM EST

gtown -- I'm penciled in for Glenrock. Should be a great game. That's the cool thing about this weekend, though, especially this year. It seems like no matter which one of the five you go to, you can't go wrong. All five should be great games.

--patrick

Posted by: Old Outlaw on November 14, 2008 12:35PM EST

Looking forward to a great day of football tomorrow. My picks are Green River because of offense, Douglas because I flipped a coin, Kemmerer because of defense, Burns because I like the name, Burlington because of stamina. Especially looking forward to the games with the unbeatens. I have overheard alot of controversy about the decision to have games in Laramie but it will be nice to catch all of the championship games in one trip for us superfans. Guess I missed all of the blog controversy the last couple of days but enjoy this blog as it keeps me informed on teams I would know nothing about otherwise. Good luck to all of the players and quick healing to all those injured this year and watching from the sidelines.

Posted by: WYOCOACH on November 14, 2008 3:20PM EST

This is a great reason to have all the games in one place. I would love to see all of these. I don't really see a clear cut favorite in any of them. Good Luck to everyone.

Posted by: football fan on November 14, 2008 4:48PM EST

What if....by looking at the weather state wide it doesn't matter which game you go too, the weather will be the same as Laramie. So this year we wouldn't be able to use the weather in Laramie as a negative for the one site host. Buffalo has the shortest commute of 162 miles and Green River and Southeast tie for the longest of 422 one way. The mileage difference between one team travelling and two this year is 780 more for everybody in Laramie. Which works out to about 156 miles per class. But, just think how much fun it would be to watch all five of these games this weekend. Winners are Gillette, Buffalo, Glenrock, Big Horn and Burlington. Northern part of Wyoming wins out this year.

Posted by: sports fan on November 15, 2008 12:59AM EST

I agree with all your picks. On paper the games should be amazinf but I think history shows that championship games have been blowouts more times then not, and I think even though the best teams in each classification made the championship game I could see some lop sided games. Close early but out of reach by mid game. Gillette, Buffalo, Glenrock, Burns, and Southeast as you predicted I just think the scores may not be as close as they should be in the end

Posted by: Matt on November 15, 2008 1:40AM EST

I gotta disagree in 2A. Burns is going to be tough to beat.

Posted by: Anonymous on November 15, 2008 5:09PM EST

Congratualtions to the Southeast Cyclones. That was a game that was worth watching from start to finish. It's a preatty special thing when a coach can share back to back to back state titles with both of his sons

Posted by: Broncfan on November 15, 2008 6:11PM EST

HOW ABOUT THEM BRONCS, Murrykins!! The 2A East DOMINATED this year. All we've heard this year was how tough the 2A West was. I think we've finally proved we can really play football on this side of the state!

Posted by: Tammy Bratton on November 15, 2008 6:27PM EST

Congratulations Douglas, We are proud of you. Congratulation Class of 2009.

Posted by: Herderalum on November 15, 2008 9:20PM EST

Way to go Glenrock!!! and hay that's 2 state titles in the same county.

Posted by: Coach Bo on November 15, 2008 10:07PM EST

Was the only close game in 5A? Sounds like the rest of the games were decided at halftime, according to wyopreps. Can't wait to see it all at one venue.

Posted by: Mike on November 15, 2008 11:18PM EST

Hey Pat,

Looks like your idea of offense wins games was not the case today. Gillette's DEFENSE won the state championship today for the CAMELS !!

Posted by: jim on November 15, 2008 11:42PM EST

gillette actually dominated the game, they gave up 21 points on turnover, the best team won

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 16, 2008 12:25AM EST

Hey Mike,

You might want to brush up on your reading comprehension skills. I picked Gillette to win.

--patrick

Posted by: Broncfan on November 16, 2008 12:39AM EST

What no comment murrykins???? Just waiting on you to admit that the west side of the state got their tails handed to them! Please accept the facts...we dominated!!

Posted by: gtown on November 16, 2008 1:00AM EST

Mike, Pat did say offense wins games defence wins CHAMPIONSHIPS. so he picked the camels. nice pick

Posted by: Steve on November 16, 2008 4:39PM EST

Gillette did not dominate Green River---Green River did get 21 points on turnovers, but gillette scored 17 points on gr miscues----gillette beat gr twice so yes the best team won---congrats to both teams, it was a great game played by two classy programs---

Posted by: murrykins on November 19, 2008 12:04AM EST

i was wrong, you were right, congratulations on your many victories. You muat be thrilled and I apoligize to all the bronc fans who i may have offended while gabbering on about things that were none of my buisness. that being said, how bout a nice 0 week game in, oh maybe, Riverton, just to see how we match up ya know. Might be fun..

Posted by: Old Outlaw on November 20, 2008 4:24PM EST

Boy did my picks stink!! I'm anxious to see the change of faces next year as there are alot of seniors on many of the state playoff teams this year who won't be suited up next year. I anticipate some new schools will be competing in Laramie next year at this time. What exactly are the changes in the power rating system for next year? Are you brave enough to make some early basketball picks Pat? After getting spanked so bad on my football picks I'll just keep my picks to myself for basketball!!