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Sports Goulash

Odds and ends of Wyoming high school sports.

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Semifinal football playoff picks

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 6, 2008 at 8:51PM EST

To all the state's football team managers: Please send me a copy of your game film/tape/DVD after this weekend. All of you. Please? Pretty please?

There are so many good games this weekend, I don't want to miss any of them.

The schedule is littered with amazing semifinal matchups. Part of the appeal is that only two of the games (Gillette-East and Hulett-Burlington) are rematches from the regular season. The other eight games are exactly what you like to see in the playoffs -- teams that have had great successes throughout the season and meeting with the right to play for all the bowling balls (marbles are too small).

Even though eight games are not rematches from the regular season, it's not like these teams are strangers to each other. Kemmerer and Moorcroft played each other in last year's playoffs. Buffalo and Cody last meet in 2006, while Powell and Douglas last played in the '06 4A title game. Sheridan and Green River last played in 2004. Lusk and Big Horn played have played some high-stakes games against each other, meeting in the state championship game in both 2002 and 2003; Southeast and Cokeville also last met in the 2003 championship.

Of course, there's the simple fact that these teams have probably spent so much time in the film room this week that they feel like they know the other team pretty well -- even without seeing them on the field yet.

But it is kind of cool that two new series are starting this weekend. Wind River and Burns have never played each other. Neither have Pinedale and Glenrock.

I'm a geek for this kind of stuff (see follow-through on shameless plug by clicking here), so seeing two teams that have never played each other meeting up in the playoffs is pretty cool. The CST's coverage plans have me headed to Glenrock on Saturday, so I'll be a witness to one of those cool series-starting games.

I'm greedy, though. One isn't enough. I want to see all 10.

DVDs, please? :)

Here are this week's picks, with projected winners in bold and projected non-winners ready to make me look like I don't know what the heck I'm talking about (who knows, maybe all these early morning wake-up calls this week are getting to me):

Friday
Class 5A
Gillette at Cheyenne East: You can pretty much guarantee that this game will be closer than the last time these two teams got together -- a 50-0 Gillette victory just a few weeks ago. But a 51-point turnaround probably isn't in the books.
Class 4A
Buffalo at Cody: This is a tough, tough pick. Cody has done everything they've needed to do to be in this position, winning every 4A game it has played this fall. The Broncs know how to win and they're at home. They have every reason to be confident and to be the favorites. And yet my gut says Bison. Go figure.
Class 2A
Wind River at Burns: This game will be a heck of a lot thougher than the game the playoff game the Broncs had last week against a West Conference foe. Wind River has proven at every step of the way this season that it belongs here. Whichever team wins, it won't be a surprise.

Saturday
Class 5A
Green River at Sheridan: The Broncs are at home, riding huge momentum from proving over and over that they know how to win in a ton of different ways. Sheridan's defense will again be put to the test -- and Green River will likely earn its fair share of points -- but I'll take the Broncs in a close one.
Class 4A
Powell at Douglas: Got to looking at Powell really close this week and realized just how close they've been to an unbeaten season. All four of their losses were within a touchdown. Despite that, Douglas is rolling and is getting better and better each week, and I don't see that big mo stopping now.
Class 3A
Pinedale at Glenrock: One more hoop for the Herders.
Moorcroft at Kemmerer: One more hoop for the Rangers.
Class 2A
Lusk at Big Horn: Lusk looked sharp last week. The problem is that so did Big Horn. Rams, but not by much.
Class 1A
Hulett at Burlington: Both teams are better than they were in September when Burlington beat Hulett 10-0. Whichever team has improved more will win. I'm banking on the Huskies.
Cokeville at Southeast: Don't want to pick this one. Nope, nope, nope. Both these teams look really, really, really, really good. This will probably be one of those games that's not decided by touchdowns -- it'll be decided by extra points (or, maybe, two-point conversions). So I just flipped a coin and it landed Cyclones up.

There are my choices. What sticks out to you as we get closer and closer ot the end of the season? Contribute your thoughts and add a comment below.

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com

Send This | Categories: Football

(46) Comments

Posted by: Matt on November 6, 2008 10:20PM EST

Gotta disagree with you on 4A, Pat. I still think it's going to be Powell at Cody for the title. And I think it'll be Lusk Burns 2A and Gillette Green River 5A. Other than that your team picks look spot-on.

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 7, 2008 9:38AM EST

It is kind of a surprise to me that in a state like Wyoming that there are 20% of the games this weekend where the opponents have not played each other...ever...I mean even when I was in high school, we played Lusk and we were a "big" school. All of the games sound intriguing and I'm sure that there will be a different East Team take the field against Gillette, the Big Horn/Lusk game will be a doozy, and if Cody weren't so far away, I'd love to drive there and see them take on Buffalo...I'll sure be glad when I can just drive to one place to see all the championship games.

Posted by: HerderFan on November 7, 2008 10:37AM EST

Hey, Patrick, you never showed your prediction for the Cokeville-Southeast game. What do you think?

Posted by: HerderFan on November 7, 2008 10:38AM EST

oops, soory, missed it the first time

Posted by: Rangerfan on November 7, 2008 10:46AM EST

I keep thinking about this weeks game for kemmerer. Yeah it is a rematch but with one huge glaring difference. Last year Moorcroft was 1-7, this year they are 7-2. Talk around town is that they are H-U-G-E. Still haven't heard any talk of the 'g' word over here in Southwest Wyoming. I think all eyes and minds are on a good Wolf team coming to town. Lets go RANGERS. Lets get a win over Moorcroft to keep the dream alive.

Posted by: Bison Fan on November 8, 2008 3:40AM EST

Buffalo over Cody 23 - 0 !!!!!!!

Go Bison!!!

Posted by: The one on November 8, 2008 5:24AM EST

Are you kidding me. Burns should have won the game by 35. It was never close. Pass defense " WHAT "

Posted by: Matt on November 8, 2008 12:41PM EST

The Buffalo Cody game wasn't as one-sided as the score showed, probably could have been 10-0 without the last part of the 4th quarter when Cody started throwing the ball. BUT, I think that with a running game like Buffalo's, they are unstoppable without considerable size on the line, no matter how skilled some of your defensive players are.

Posted by: Bison always a FAN on November 8, 2008 5:15PM EST

Look out Douglas because here we come!!! The Bison will be ready to play come Saturday. I'm looking for a great game.
Go BLACK and GOLD

Posted by: Bison Fan on November 8, 2008 5:55PM EST

First let me say that Cody has some outstanding players. Good luck to all of them next year in all that they may do. And thank you to all of the great folks from Cody who made this a great football Friday night.

However, to beg a different opinion than Matt (posted above) the Buffalo vs. Cody game was more one sided than the score showed. The Bison really took their Defensive game to a new level. A couple of Buffalo turnovers that could just have easily been touch downs (They were inside the redzone) and the game would could have easily been 37 - 0. A couple of plays not resulting in penalties and this game could have just as easily been 44-0.

What I loved most out of this game is that Buffalo and Cody has the potential to grow into a great rivalry in the years to come.

Posted by: rangerfan on November 8, 2008 6:01PM EST

Nice job, RANGERS!! Now we make the trip to the herder's home. Should be a good game. What was up with pinedale. Was hoping for a little better showing than that. Anyway they had a good run and the team deserves some congrats for their performance this year. Bring on the 3A title game!!

Posted by: football fan on November 8, 2008 8:04PM EST

Congratulations Herders!!!!! Looking forward to the 3A title game and the rematch!!!! Sounds like it should be a good one.

Posted by: ksyeehaw on November 8, 2008 8:37PM EST

Matt, the mighty 4A west has fallen!! Bison always a fan, we will see you in Douglas!!

Posted by: Online reader on November 8, 2008 8:50PM EST

The Douglas-Powell game was a thriller...and a heartbreaker for the Panthers.

Posted by: wypanther on November 9, 2008 11:20AM EST

ksyeehaw - The penalty on Powell at the end of the 2nd overtime was a bad call. The Douglas long snapper moved the ball forward before snapping it back and the officials called encroachment. It was not - hopefully the state championship will be decided by the players and not the officating crew. Both teams played their hearts out and that is who should have decided who will be playing next week. Great season Panthers! Good luck to Douglas and Buffalo next week.

Posted by: football fan on November 9, 2008 11:36AM EST

Nicely put wypanther, I was at the game and was trying to come up with how to say the same thing without taking anything away from Douglas, as they played their hearts out too! I also wish good luck to the Bearcats and the Bison.

Posted by: Matt on November 9, 2008 1:01PM EST

I love the idea of a Buffalo-Cody rivalrie. Cody tipped Buffalo's giant win streak a couple years ago, and now Buffalo ran in down Cody's throats in the state semi. It's always fun to watch. Great football.

Posted by: former official on November 9, 2008 3:07PM EST

wypanther as a former official and fan watching game i would like to point out a couple things before we blame another loss on the referees.
1. in first quarter Powell scores TD, but WR was clearly moving before snap(everybody in stands knew what was going to be called) that cost Powell 4 points because they ended with FG.
2. in 4th quarter with about 3 minutes left Powell has ball and throws incomplete pass on 2nd down. They run clock keeps moving and it takes about 40-45 seconds to reset ball and run down the 25 second clock. Keeping in mind that Douglas scores with 20+ seconds left. They also threw incomplete pass on 3rd down also. Which saved Douglas time and the use of TO's. If they run and use the clock they burn up about 1:45 or force Douglas to use there TO's on defense. Poor clock management.
3. In 2nd overtime Powell kicks FG and then kicker is roughed. They chose to take points off board and keep ball. Yes, they score TD, but could have put Douglas with 1st and Goal from the 25 yard line, instead of giving them short field (10yards).

So before we blame another loss on the referees look at the big picture without your panther blinders on. PS I was standing near goalline with Buffalo players and didn't see ball move. I'm thinking Powell was trying to time the snap and was early. If ball was moved it was ever so slight that the casual fan didn't see it.
It was a great football game and somebody had to lose.

Posted by: just a thought on November 9, 2008 5:18PM EST

maybe it's a good thing your name is "former official"

Posted by: Shawn Trotter on November 9, 2008 8:09PM EST

To Matt and Bison Fan:
I would not say that Buffalo ran it down Cody's throat or the score could have been 37-0. The three drives Buffalo scored touchdowns on were all less than 40 yards, the last one (with 30 seconds to go) was 11 yards. Buffalo ran the ball 59 times for 219 yards, that is 3.7 yards per run. Buffalo converted on a lot of third and fourth downs, which they were able to do because their defense was playing great so they could take those chances. I think this game should have been the championship game, but Buffalo slipped in their regular season game with Douglas. Good luck to both squads next week and congrats to the Cody kids on a great season.

Posted by: dad53 on November 9, 2008 8:33PM EST

shawn is right about running the ball. Cody was not in the game from the start. the kid should of let the kick go, but he did not. then buffalo never let up.

Posted by: wypanther on November 9, 2008 8:41PM EST

former official...
1. Legitimate officiating calls for both sides are not in question...Douglas was called for a block in the back, which cost them a scoring opportunity as well.
2. Coaching decisions are always easier from the grandstands, whether or not you and I agreed with them is another matter entirely. But explain to me how you lose a down AND get penalty yards marked off for offensive pass interference...(#7 from Powell on the south side of the field about the 30 yard line in the 2nd half). Another ref. call that I would like you to explain, when it was third and goal from the 4 for Douglas in the 2nd overtime. Powell gets called for defensive pass interference on the goal-line. Did you not witness the tip of the ball by the Panthers? Or does the Douglas QB just throw a spiral that changes to an end-over-end ball? If you were that close to the goal line watching - why didn't you notice those details?
Finally, the encroachment call was a bad call, slight movement or blatant, the Powell defense ALL jumped when the center had moved the ball after the line was set. Obviously, you did not have the same vantage point as the entire Powell defense. This call did impact the outcome of the game. So - I stand by my earlier statement - let the players decide who plays next week. Both teams fought hard and BOTH teams deserved a better officiating crew.

Posted by: douglaslongsnapper on November 9, 2008 8:50PM EST

I am pretty sure the ball was not moved at all before the snap. I do the same thing every time and haven't got called for anything all year. So i am pretty sure you can not put that game on the officials or on that call. It was a hard fought game and i would like to congratulate the panthers. But that call was the right call and i dont think you would know any better than me.

Posted by: sports fan on November 9, 2008 9:06PM EST

The problem with officiating is the schools problems. Look at the WHSAA web site and you will see an amazing number of schools who did not take the time to vote for officials. This allows official crews to sneak into the playoffs with limited votes because there was not a large number of voting schools. The next problem is WHSAA's fault. The schools that did vote are not allowed to vote for officials as individuals but as crews. As we all know there are very good officals but this does not hold true for the whole officiating crew. This is another problem. The last problem is also WHSAA fault. They send officiating crews to do games in which they were never elected. For example the first round of the playoffs you had a very good officiating crew who was selected by the 1A and 2A schools as these are the games that they did all year. Where do you think they were assigned? They went to do the Gillette, Central game and they have never done a 5A game all year. This crew did a great job and there was no complaints but why would you send a crew to do a game that is a little faster and has bigger and stronger athletes then the games they are used to officiating. These 3 things need to change in order to offer officiating that these games deserve

Posted by: FB Freak on November 9, 2008 10:35PM EST

wypanther,
whether or not the offsides call at the end of the game was right or not, powell still had a chance to win the game-just stop douglas on the 2 pt conv. and it is done. It is amazing how perfect the fans are and how imperfect the officials are.

Posted by: Anonymous on November 9, 2008 10:50PM EST

Wypanther,
Offensive pass interference is 10 yards and loss of down in high school, different from college.

Posted by: former official on November 9, 2008 10:58PM EST

wypanther,
1. Offensive pass interference has always carried a loss of down, probably for the last 10 years or more. Try reading a rule book some time and you will understand this. With that comment, you just told me how much you "really" know about football and officiating.
2. Officiating from the "grandstands" has always been easier, just like coaching. Point i was making is that fans have a tendency to blame the officials first. Maybe if you go back and look at missed assignments by the players, bad play calling and clock management by the coaching staff. Powell probably shouldn't be in OT, but maybe getting ready for a trip to Buffalo.
3. I think douglaslongsnapper answered your question about the snap. I have to agree full heartedly with him. As far as the tipped pass, i was moving to get in a better spot and didn't see the pass so i can't comment on that.
If you look at stats, how many sacks did give up, how many plays went for negative yards, dropped passes, etc. Douglas threw at least 3 ints, did you take advantage of the turnovers. I could go on forever, but the point is "players really do decide the game". Every play is drawn up to score and every man is supposed to be blocked by somebody.
Officials do make mistakes, but they don't give up sacks, drop passes, miss takles etc.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 10, 2008 10:33AM EST

The over all problem here is not the "schools" fault, there are great officials out there, the problem is there is not enough officials period. This can be blamed on all of the parents, former coaches, former players etc. (the list goes on forever) who would rather sit in the stands and complain about the bad officiating instead of taking the test to be a ref and try it and see how well you do in an "in the game" situation. I saw two great examples of this this past weekend at the Glenrock-Pinedale game one was a pass interference call that the fans wanted but couldn't (or didn't want to) see that the pass had been tipped and was uncatchable and the Dad who started calling the refs out for the clock running after an incomplete pass when Glenrock was winning by 56, the mercy rule was in effect. Former official you are right on.

Posted by: sports fan on November 10, 2008 10:44AM EST

bigdaddy,
If schools are not voting for officials that means officiating crews who should be awarded games are not getting the games. When such a small number of schools vote then there are crews who have no buisness being assigned to playoff games getting assigned because they received a few votes. This is the schools problems especially the schools that did not take the time to vote.

Posted by: football ref on November 10, 2008 11:58AM EST

sports fan,
I would like to comment on the voting process. First your right over 50% of the schools didn't vote, but WHSAA doesn't necessarly take the crews with the most votes anyway. They rotate the championship games so every crew will get to do one eventually. I believe they had 21 crews eligible for post season and 20 games the first weekend. This past weekend should have been the top 10 crews working(by votes or recommendation) and next weekend should be the top 5, but it will not be. IF a school doesn't vote they shouldn't even be allowed any input on who they get for the game. The best crews (by votes or evaluation) should be working championship games. Even if that means the same crew(s) get the big game year in and year out. After all we don't rotate teams into the championship game, you have to earn your way in. Should be the same with officials.
PS: offensive pass interfence is 15 yards not 10 plus loss of down and also there is no such rule as an uncatchable ball in hs football. It could 15 feet over the recievers head and its still PI if the defender hits the reciever.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 10, 2008 2:07PM EST

sports fan - you missed my point - there is not enough refs period, I didn't mean to infer that you were wrong about the schools needing to vote. I'm just saying there is an even bigger problem with the number of refs available. I was talking to one of the western 3A coaches and I asked him why they didn't have lights on their field he explained that it's not a money issue, they didn't install lights because they can't hire refs to work night games, they have to have an afternoon game so those refs can travel to a 5A or 4A game in the evening. There was no sense putting lights on the field because they wouldn't be able to use them anyway.

Posted by: ochocinco on November 10, 2008 2:24PM EST

uh all you buffalo fans are hilarious. douglas moved the ball all over this bison D. douglas had penalty after penalty and they still WON, also douglas had 5 turnovers. douglas is the s**t and can't be stopped!

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 10, 2008 2:28PM EST

Douglad vs. Buffalo - we played both teams, my moneys on Buffalo. ochocinco - keep talking smack and you usually get it shoved down your throat should be a great game

Posted by: black&gold on November 10, 2008 5:42PM EST

all i can say is wow! i'll admit, Douglas beat Buffalo fair and square in the regular season. The Bison couldn't seem to pull it together. However, after watching how well they worked as a team last friday night against cody...there's bound to be another championship victory for the Bison. Nothing against Douglas. You have a lot of talent and this Saturday is going to be a straight battle. I will, however, be shocked to all hell if Douglas walks away with the win. It's unbelievable how lucky the Bearcats have been this season. Their victory against Powell was crazy. They always seem to pull something insane at the end of each game. I hate to break it to them though...the Bison will be ready for their tricks come game time.
As for you "ochocinco" (aka Tyler Walker)....we're in America, therefore, we speak English. I understand why you need a cover up though...i'd hate to have the deal with the embarrassment of talken crap and not bein' able to back it up on the field. These Bison boys don't talk crap anymore...they know they've got a true battle coming their direction. This time, they will show up to play and this time they'll talk their crap with their play. I'll do the crap talking for them :)
I'm super excited to watch the game this Saturday and i encourage all football fans around the state to come watch. This game is going to be what football is all about. No matter who gets the victory, it'll be a game to remember!!!

p.s. what the F is a Bearcat anyways?

Posted by: football girl <3 on November 10, 2008 9:57PM EST

i don't think "black&gold" could have said it any better. this game will be the game to be at. and to answer your question, bearcats aren't real. definitely not an animal. can't wait for saturday! we'll be taking back what's ours, the #1 position in 4A belongs to the Bison!

Posted by: 1afan on November 10, 2008 11:22PM EST

A bear-cat is a slang term for a wolverine

Posted by: Turpin on November 11, 2008 12:09AM EST

OMG....the trash talking is out of control. The 4A state championship is going to be a classic example of speed vs. size. Last time Douglas' speedy defense shut down the Buffalo meat grinder offense for 3 quarters. Both teams are very evenly matched and the best two teams in are certainly playing. However, the best team is still Glenrock remember dummies who beat both of these teams (plus remember Kemmerer is the defending 3A state champion who beat Glenrock last year. Here is an idea if Glenrock should lose the 3A state championship maybe they should get the 4A championship in default. So before either Douglas or Buffalo starts crowing to loud remember whoever wins will have the herders quietly laughing at your juvenile antics. This just goes to show that football in Wyoming is so watered down maybe we should have 5 more classes to make everyone feel good about themselves. Now back on topic....Douglas has beaten Buffalo already. Douglas is playing at home and know one gives them any respect. All I have read about is how lucky they are and how the ref's help them every game. What people don't realize is that maybe just maybe they are a pretty good team that battles adversity and finds ways to win. Frankly, all the trash I have heard is probably just feeding a team that just might have a little chip on their shoulder. In regards to Powell and Cody, congrats on your great seasons, both teams deserve more respect then you have gotten on this rag of a message board. As for the Bison you have a great deal of tradition and a program to be proud of, as for Douglas its amazing what can happens when opportunity meets hardwork and great coaching.

Good Luck to all!!

Posted by: fan on November 11, 2008 11:16AM EST

Cody almost beat sheridan in the regular season and buffalo beat cody bad but Glenrock beat buffalo so i believe that glenrock could win 4A and 5A

Posted by: Alumni on November 11, 2008 1:12PM EST

A Bearcat is what is going to kick Buffalo's A$$ this weekend!!! Suck on that

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 11, 2008 1:44PM EST

fan - your argument makes sense but it doesn't hold water. Glenrock is a great team but the depth isn't there to hold up to a 5A schedule for a whole season. A game here or there but not a whole season. They would compete well this year in 4A but let's not forget that Glenrock won the first half against Buffalo and lost the second, if Buffalo makes a two point conversion it goes to OT, and who knows what happens then

Posted by: ochocinco on November 11, 2008 4:53PM EST

i think josh dube is the best kicker in the state and he definatley has the cutest booty on his team. and the bison will put up a victorious fight

Posted by: doesn't matter on November 11, 2008 10:25PM EST

If all of you idiots were as smart as you really think you are you would be able to identify a bearcat because it is not a fictitious animal, but rather just another name for a Binturong. The Binturong is a species of the family Viverridae and resides in South East Asia. In case you don't believe me check it out...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binturong

Next time you feel like smarting off "black & gold" you might deem it necessary to conduct thorough research.

As for the game, Turpin has made some good points. The two teams are matched up well with each other and I expect a great game.

Posted by: 5A fan on November 12, 2008 12:23AM EST

With all the smack talking and bragging about 3A/4A, I notice you don't see 5A fans/parents doing all the talking and bragging. We know that all you 3A/4A fans are 5A want-to-be. 5A doesn't have to do all the talking. We just show it on the field and not have to do all the bashing. Go see a real game in Gillette on Saturday and "pipe down".

Posted by: Anonymous on November 12, 2008 1:06AM EST

Haha 5A fan don't you see your comment as slightly hypocritical? Still playing in the last week of the season is a feat for any team, and all classes deserve credit for the accomplishments of the teams.. All of the games will be "real" and should be great

Posted by: Anonymous on November 12, 2008 11:15PM EST

To 5A fan,
Its funny how you are so proud of the the 5A people not talking any trash but than you go off and say something as ignorant as that? As far as I'm concerned that is about as ignorant as it comes and thats a 5A person talking trash right there. As far as the "real" game goes I am pretty sure that any team in the 4A or 3A state title could stand a chance up against the two 5A teams in the ship. So maybe you should get out and watch another class besides 5A before you pipe up. Until you can prove that wrong maybe you should pipe it down a little bit.

Posted by: Anonymous on November 13, 2008 12:48AM EST

more to 5A fan,
you're obviously the biggest idiot on this blog, and are just feeling a little insecure about the quality of the class.