Every year, about the last week in October, I start thinking about Wyoming's football playoffs.

I wonder why more than 2/3 of the state's teams make the playoffs -- and how, in that system, some teams at .500 or better can be left out of the postseason.

I wonder if reducing the number of teams that makes the playoffs is the answer.

I wonder if all those road teams in the first round really do have a chance to win a state championship.

Then I think about 2003.

That was the year Glenrock won three consecutive road games in the playoffs, knocking off Wright, Big Piney and Lovell three weekends in a row -- and three bus trips in a row -- to become the only Wyoming team to ever win a state football championship by winning three straight road games in the playoffs.

And then I think about this season, and wonder who might "pull off a Glenrock" and win three straight on the road.

This year, there is one team that sticks out with the best chance to do just this: Natrona County. What a sweet ride it could be for the Mustangs, too.

On Friday, NC plays at Green River, a team that beat them 14-12 in Zero Week. If the Mustangs win there, there's a possible semifinal game awaiting with top-seeded Sheridan, which beat the Mustangs 10-9 in NC's conference opener. And if the bracket comes together under coincidence's sweet plan, NC could play Gillette in the championship -- the same Gillette that beat NC 15-13 a few weeks ago in Camel-land.

Three games, three losses, five total points. The Mustangs' only three losses of the season.

It's a revenge tour in the making.

I think the Mustangs take that first step tonight against Green River. The Wolves have shown a propensity to struggle against teams that control the ball (think Cheyenne East). And few teams are better at grinding it out than the Mustangs.

And maybe, just maybe, NC will get that shot at Sheridan in the semis. And maybe, just maybe, NC will have that chance against Gillette in the championship.

But none of that cool stuff happens if the Mustangs don't win on Friday, and beating an athletic group of players from Green River is much easier said than done.

Even so, the thought of the Mustangs "pulling a Glenrock" is too intriguing to ignore. I'll take NC.

Here are my other quarterfinal playoff picks, with projected winners in bold and projected losers ready to make me think twice:

Thursday
Class 2A
Greybull vs. Big Horn, at Sheridan: The Rams have been the class of 2A all season and already have a 24-6 victory over Greybull to its credit.

Friday
Class 5A
Evanston at Sheridan: The worst thing that could happen to Sheridan here is a blowout victory. Another close victory like the one last week could keep the Broncs sharp for the semis -- an edge they'll need, no matter who they play.
Cheyenne Central at Gillette: The Camels have already beaten the Indians once this year. And that was in Cheyenne. This one's in Gillette.
Rock Springs at Cheyenne East: This is a real landmine-type game for the Thunderbirds. Remember, it was Rock Springs that knocked a South Conference champ (Cheyenne Central) out of the playoffs in the first round a year ago. And East's victory over Rock Springs was one of those tight defensive battles that could have gone either way. Even so, I'll still take East.

Class 4A
Rawlins at Douglas: The Bearcats have to be feeling good about their prospects. As long as they don't get caught looking ahead to Nov. 15, they cruise.
Powell at Lander: Yep, trust me -- I know all the reasons why I should pick Lander to win this. They're at home and they've already beaten Powell once this season. For some reason, though, the Panthers have earned my choice this time around. I wish I knew why... but my gut tells me to take Powell.
Worland at Buffalo: They already played this game once this season. Buffalo won it by a bunch. Look for more of the same.
Torrington at Cody: These two teams haven't played each other since 1996. And even though Cody won the West Conference, this game could stay close due to the Trailblazers' ability to control the ground game.

Class 3A
Thermopolis at Glenrock: The first time around, Glenrock had five turnovers against the Bobcats -- and still won by 30.
Lovell at Pinedale: Pinedale has defensive backs that are athletic enough to slow the Bulldogs' aerial game, and I think because of that, this game is a toss-up. But I can't ignore the offensive numbers Lovell has put up this year.
Wright vs. Moorcroft, at Sundance: In a little bit of an upset pick, I'll take the Panthers. The first game between these two could have gone either way (Moorcroft won in OT), and I think the law of averages swings Wright's way this time.
Mountain View at Kemmerer: Even against an improved Buffalos squad, the Rangers keep rolling.

Class 2A
Rocky Mountain at Burns: Can anyone hang with the Broncs? Maybe. But of all the teams that cross my mind first, the Grizzlies aren't on the list. Maybe in darn near Montana, but not in darn near Colorado.
Lingle vs. Wind River, at Riverton: For as good a season as the Doggers have had, the Cougars have been able to prove themselves in several other different ways.
Riverside at Lusk: At 4-4 versus 7-1, this shouldn't be a tough selection, right? But it is. This will likely rival last year's semifinal meeting between these two teams (won by Riverside 10-9) as far as intensity and drama.

Class 1A
Normative Services at Burlington: Don't count out the Wolves, who beat Burlington last year on the Huskies' home field in the quarterfinals. But I don't think anyone will question that Burlington has a better team this year -- one that should go deep into the playoffs.
Shoshoni at Hulett: This is one of those potential game-of-the-week-type games. Both teams are solid, but at home the Red Devils should eke out the victory.
Guernsey at Cokeville: It seems like every time Guernsey goes to Cokeville, the Vikings play out of their minds. But this year, the Panthers' defense has just been too good to let that Guernsey curse strike again.
Upton at Southeast: It'll be closer than last year's quarterfinal game between these two teams (74-21 SE) -- but not as close as the game these two had earlier this year (34-0 SE).

There are my picks. Do you agree? Did I hit the nail on the head or did I hit my thumb instead? Leave a comment below, then let's all enjoy it as the postseason unfolds for us and makes choices like mine look silly. :)

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com