Posted by: murrykins on November 9, 2008 3:35PM EST Just a little early in the week for the predictions but maybe a couple questions.. What was the reasoning that Burns got to go into a locker room at halftime and the cougars were sitting out in the cold end zone. the drift was that the cougars locker room was 3 or 4 blocks away from the field, maybe Big Horn should take a tent when they visit. Im going to estimate the attendance at the Burlington game at close to 200, the suger beets arent all out of the ground yet so a lot of folks were working and Hulett brought a nice crowd. Don't know if we could get that many people to Laramie or not but I think they'd sure try. How many people at the other games do you think? What did the Pinedale people think of Glenrocks field? Should the game have been moved somewhere else? Looks like the teams thaat have"been there recently" did pretty well, is that scenario going to hold up or will there be any new champions? Just wondering..

Posted by: bearcat mom on November 9, 2008 4:14PM EST The Douglas bearcats game against Buffalo was not a fluke. Douglas bearcats can beat Buffalo once again. It will be a great game.

Posted by: fartsmeller on November 9, 2008 5:05PM EST Buffalo will throttle Douglas this time around. Sorry Bearcats. 34 - 10!!

Posted by: WyoCoach on November 9, 2008 5:22PM EST Murrykins, seems like you are always on here trying to start crap.

Posted by: Hitman on November 9, 2008 6:12PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com early i predicted that kemmerer would route glenrock, having talked to some people after they played mtn view.. i think it will be closer than i thought but now believe that glenrock will come out on top..just don't know if kem can stop their running game...best of luck to both teams

Posted by: 4A on November 9, 2008 7:19PM EST Should be a great game in Douglas on Saturday, I am looking forward to watching it

Posted by: broncfan on November 9, 2008 7:35PM EST Murrykins, From where the Burns Football Field sits it is about equal distance from the old high school gym where Wind River dressed to the new high school where the Burns kids dressed. It is one block either way! If you've never been there and seen the set up then don't comment.

Posted by: tired of idiots on November 9, 2008 8:02PM EST Murrykins, What an idiot you are. You comment on things you have no clue about. I will assure you that the distance to the locker rooms for visitors at Burns is not a disadvantage. You should keep your comments to things that you have observed not what you have heard.

Posted by: dad53 on November 9, 2008 8:18PM EST Douglas did not beat the bison, bison beat the bison

Posted by: gtown on November 9, 2008 9:01PM EST Im not trying to start something just curious why do the visitors not dress in the same building as the home team?

Posted by: sports fan on November 9, 2008 9:13PM EST I will tell you from experience it is a pain in the butt the walk to and from the field but the officials are more then willing to add three minutes to the clock at halftime. The good thing is you have the old gym all to yourself, to get dressed, stretch and walk through. The walk is a lot closer then the jog you have to make at Southeast, Upton, or Moorcroft to name a couple other places you have to make a long trip to the field after you dress or halftime

Posted by: sports fan on November 9, 2008 9:19PM EST What a great year it would be this year to have all the championship games in one place. Every game could just as easy, be picked with a coin flip as they are all going to be great matchups. This will be the first year in a long time in which all 5 championship games will be competitive with no blow outs. Sucks to have to pick which game to go to.

Posted by: dubtown on November 9, 2008 10:40PM EST WOW high school football is great...I got Gillette Buffalo in 4A and 5A...3A Glenrock and 2A Burns r two that i have gone face to face pretty damn good... and last Southeast will get another championship

Posted by: Bison Fan Also on November 10, 2008 12:56AM EST Hopefully the WHSAA and Douglas High School are getting ready for a huge crowd. I believe this years crowd will be larger than the 2007 4A Championship game between Buffalo and Jackson in Jackson. Hopefully Bison Fans will have seating with a view of the field this year. . This will be a great game!!!

Posted by: murrykins on November 10, 2008 8:22AM EST I listened to the game at Burns over the wyopreps stream, the guy doing the game was, like me, rooting for Wind River and several times stated that it seemed unfair that the Burns team went inside somewhere and the Cougars were left to their own divices in an endzone. I just want to know if that's the way it always is so the Big Horn folks,who I really will be rooting for this week, will come prepared. No, I'm not here to start any "cr p". I am on some Tennessee blog with those people who still don't understand that it was their team that "LOST" and I might be starting some "cr p" with them but not with all my good friends here on the Goulash. I am allowed to ask questions and open new topics just like everyone else tho. Last week I tried to put in my two cents on a topic and was severly chastized for being ,I guess,"old school". I do understand the remark about going both ways uphill in the snow by the way, but I don't have to like it. I thought the guy must have went to "Pansie Prep" and is teaching there now but I wouldn't resort to calling him names so how about we lay off that stuff, or if you do want to continue please, at least use some imagination.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 10, 2008 9:38AM EST murrykins - Following our team this year there has been more than one game where our team has stayed on the field at half time rather than walking to the locker room and wasting that time and the home team went to their locker room (Moorcroft was one and it was in the rain) Everybody needs to remember before a big to do gets going about this - it was up to the coaching staff. there was a locker room available but they decided to use all of the half time to game plan instead of spending it walking

Posted by: seriously??? on November 10, 2008 9:38AM EST bison fans, you have a great program, good kids and great facilities. Give the 07 game a rest will ya? 365 days should be enough to get over it! I will say this for all your belly aching... jackson will have a new stadium, and field surface in 2 years, and the parking lot will be paved. Thanks for the persistant whining, and good luck in Douglas, should be a good one!

Posted by: Hitman on November 10, 2008 9:44AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com murrykins kept doing your thing...has anyone thought that may be the coach chose to stay on the field?

Posted by: chet on November 10, 2008 10:06AM EST Powell at Cody....for Championship...u better beat the east first...

Posted by: Cory on November 10, 2008 11:22AM EST Burns should hang 40 on Big Horn. the Rams didn't walk all over Lusk like some thought, it was one big play. sure there were missed opportunities (both teams had chances), but BH better get ready to be hit hard every play by kids a lot bigger than they've seen all season. great season NCHS Tigers-we're still proud of you. Sure wish i could be in Burns, Glenrock or Douglas to watch the championship games--oh wait next year i can watch all of them!!

Posted by: chet on November 10, 2008 12:53PM EST To dad53. the comment on the bison beat the bison....hard to believe when the BeaCats had over 200 yards passing and 200 yard rushing....sounds like a punishment:)

Posted by: Mike Smith on November 10, 2008 12:58PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com This is the year we should be in Laramie. Douglas-Buffalo, Glenrock-Kemmerer, Green River-Gillette, Burns-Big Horn, games are going to have great crowds. Southeast will have as many or more fans in Burlington. Best of luck to all the athletes and coaches participating this weekend, and remember fans that SPORTSMANSHIP is the #1 thing win or lose.

Posted by: 4A on November 10, 2008 1:53PM EST dad53, Douglas most certainly beat the Bison, they overcame 5 turnovers in the first game and still beat Buffalo, they earned that win earlier. However, it looks to be a great game on Saturday as both teams are well coached and talented, should be fun to watch.

Posted by: J-Mart33 on November 10, 2008 2:23PM EST Wow, the Sheridan/Green River game was a great game, and being a GR guy, it was a great experience in Sheridan, all the Sheridan people were great except for one guy! He took the initiative to sit on the GR side of the field, when there was plenty of room on the home side, and then, when the game was pretty much over, he had the nerve to show some classlessness, and told us GR fans to kiss his A%&!! But other than that, thank you Sheridan for a great experience. The Sheridan community and football team was very classy even in a loss! Minus one person. But, overall, thank you!

Posted by: powderpro on November 10, 2008 2:39PM EST Cory, I will bet you top dollar that Burns will not put up 40 points against Big Horn. Alzheimer and Mendoza will see to that. And, of course Burns is one dementional, unlike Big Horn, so go figure. Big Horn shut down Trautman and did the same last year against Petsch. Rethink your goulash dialogue. Both the tailback and QB had severe colds during the lusk game. Good Luck.

Posted by: tmillerwyo on November 10, 2008 3:47PM EST J-Mart33, I agree the GR/SHS was the great game, and the best team won. But I do feel I should give my side of the conflict as a witness. Yes, the SHS-fan was sitting within the GR bleachers with his mother (where him and other SHS-fans sit every home game), and nothing happened until the SHS-fan and his mother left. Someone from GR said, "hey big-guy don't leave mad, just leave". At that time he told the GR-fan who made the comment to "kiss [his] a$$". If the comment was made by you (J-Mart33) then the his statement was directed towards you, but not towards the other GR-fans. powderpro, also remember Petsch was injuried last year, and BH couldn't stop a healthy Petsch 2 years ago. Burns by 4-TDs.

Posted by: sport fan on November 10, 2008 4:15PM EST Well the playoffs is almost over, and all the championship will finish up this weekend. I find it interesting that neither Glenrock or Kemmerer are having much to say. I guess that their coaches have put the kabosh on any talk. I think that either of these teams would complete at the 4A level for the championship. What great programs. It will be fun to watch and see if the outcome is different now that Kemmerer has to travel. Remember that Glenrock has now traveled twice. Glenrock wants some revenge I would imagine. Kemmerer want to repeat. Who wants it worse. Turnovers have been huge in the last two meetings. Scores this season are pretty close among common match ups. Pinedale, Mtn. View, and Moorcoft. It will be interesting. Can't wait to see who wins.

Posted by: jonno on November 10, 2008 4:15PM EST 2 of the last 3 years Kemmerer has played Glenrock in the championship and inevitably a ton of people pick Glenrock because there is supposedly no way Kemmerer can stop that running game... anyone remember that last year? how did that work out? Thats what i thought. Should be a good game, but Ill stick with the champs until someone proves they can beat them...

Posted by: tmillerwyo on November 10, 2008 4:58PM EST I'd have to agree with Mike Smith, I wish we were at UW this year. I know kids within 3 different games. I guess I'll go to Burlington to watch SE play.

Posted by: Broncfan on November 10, 2008 5:13PM EST Cory, We have nothing but respect for Big Horn and the Burns players aren't making predictions. We are trying to get ready to play the game. The game will be decided on the field not on a blog.

Posted by: tigerfan on November 10, 2008 5:48PM EST well after watching the Big Horn Lusk game saturday. like cory said missed opportunies for both teams but it was just one big play that won BH the game. not saying that BH isnt a good team but it was very evenly matched. BH didnt shut Trautman down he had some plays. as for Burns putting 40 up well we will see but Burns is a hard hitting football team that could do so. i hope BH is ready for that. Great season to NCHS Tigers... i know its not what we wanted but that is just how the cards fell.

Posted by: Imahuskiesfan on November 10, 2008 6:20PM EST Burlington will win the ship!!!! It's going to be a great game with the Huskies de-throning the men in blue!!! HUSKIES ALL THE WAY!!!

Posted by: Ranea on November 10, 2008 7:11PM EST Bison Fan, I was wondering if you were surprised the way things turned out this year? I remember you saying it would be great when Jackson came to Buffalo to play in the championship game this year. One never knows how things will turn out Anyway, good luck again this year.

Posted by: 3A Football on November 10, 2008 8:56PM EST What I find interesting is that Glenrock beat BOTH teams in the 4A championship game. 3A has two exceptional teams playing once again this year and could compete with many higher classication teams. I think that their strength of schedule and homefield gives Glenrock the edge over Kemmerer. I also think that Kemmerer played in one close game this year against Rich Co. Utah in the first week of the season, and the rest were all blowouts. It will be interesting to find out how they react when they have to play a complete game. I have been extremely impressed with both Glenrock's offense and Kemmerer's defense. Good luck to both teams, it should be a great championship game.

Posted by: Always a Bison FAN on November 10, 2008 9:10PM EST I guess I'm not understanding what is going on with the coaches in Douglas or maybe I was miss informed! What kind of example are you setting for your kids? At the beginning of each season you sign training rules. So when you break them you get to stand with the team during the game with crutches and a knee brace!!!!!! For some reason there is something WRONG with that picture. High school is a life long learning experence don't you agree. What a great learning experence!!!!

Posted by: Rangerfan on November 10, 2008 10:35PM EST 3A Football, I understand your view, but remember that since week 3 glenrock has hardly been challenged. i sure hope both teams play their best game. As for having much to say on this sight, what else can each team say--both are 10-0, both lead in almost every team category (offense or defense) besides passing, both run the double wing offense, and both want to win a state title. Anything else would be lockerroom material for the other team. I can't wait to get to glerock and watch it. Would love to see some of the other games as well (thank goodness for Laramie next year). Come on all you ranger fans, lets go to the herders stomping grounds and cheer on the boys from lincoln county. GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: Dogie Gray on November 10, 2008 10:43PM EST I wanted to mention what 3A fan said about Glenrock beating both teams that are in the 4A championship! That's an impressive bit o' knowledge, isn't it? I've said before that I'm a casual fan, haven't seen Kemmerer play, but I have seen Glenrock. I've never seen a high school offense like that, EVER. So, when I hear some people actually give Kemmerer a chance, I know I have to see this myself. By the way, what time is the 4-A game; maybe I can catch that one after Glenrock?

Posted by: Jay Rhoades- Bearcat Coach on November 10, 2008 11:02PM EST These players were allowed on the sidelines because they we were not dismissed from our team. The crutches and knee brace developed out of a misunderstanding and should not have been allowed. It has reflected poorly on our program. My focus was on the players playing the game and the game itself. I had spent a lot of time and effort on this situation and wanted to focus on players playing the game. I truly regret the whole situation. My biggest regret is that this has distracted from a great game between two very good football teams. I do agree that High School football is a life long learning experience, that goes for both players and coaches.

Posted by: Fan on November 10, 2008 11:28PM EST Bearcat coach, why is it that those players weren't playing in the game if they weren't injured?

Posted by: Jay Rhoades- Bearcat Coach on November 11, 2008 12:05AM EST Disciplinary reasons, consequences are in place. I will not comment further on this situation.

Posted by: Fan on November 11, 2008 12:16AM EST Fair enough

Posted by: Football Fan on November 11, 2008 12:46AM EST The players were not only NOT dismissed from the team but rumour has it that they will also get to play in state championship game which should be cmpletely out of the question. If any players got caught drinking period (On a school night nontheless) some schools in the state would have them sit out for the entire season... most notably your opponets for the ship the buffalo bision. Coach Rhoades you honestly need to consider the message you send your players and younger kids in the community... Rules are Rules.. Let Consequences be Consequences and be the last of it

Posted by: Herder Fan on November 11, 2008 12:54AM EST Hate to say it, but I agree with rangerfan!! The two best 3A teams are definitely in the championship. All that needs to be said will be on said on the field Saturday. It should be a great game. Good luck Herders!!!!!

Posted by: Cory on November 11, 2008 1:02AM EST Don't get me wrong i think the 2A game at Burns will be a snotknocker. But having seen only 1 Burns game and 1 BH game and all ten Lusk games, i just have a hunch about Burns being bigger and deeper. i've been wrong before so if it happens again, hmm. maybe i'm kind of rooting for the SEWAC as the best conference in the state w/Southeast maybe winning again too. anyway, it's going to be be 5 great games and may the best teams win.

Posted by: Disgusted In Douglas on November 11, 2008 1:16AM EST I am disgusted that the game of football is more important than the life of these two boys. They were caught drinking....during the season. And yes, they signed training rules. However, they were only "punished" by having to sit out a game and a half. Gee...isn't it a coinsidence that they get to come back in the middle of the State Championship?

Posted by: 3A Football on November 11, 2008 1:43AM EST It is hard to keep up with each school districts policy regarding drinking, tabacco, and drugs. I know that a few years ago a student from Lander was suspended for the end of the season for drinking only to be allowed to play in the playoffs and received all conference and all state honors. I also know of an incident in Evanston where a student was caught drinking and didn't receive all conference honors because of drinking. I guess there is not much consistency in Wyoming, maybe something that WHSAA needs to look at in their rules and regulations. I know that the school districts that I have been involved with, if athletes were involved in drinking they were removed from the team for the remainder of the season. This I believe to be the right call. I know that it is a tough one, after having to remove student athletes from the team myself.

Posted by: Turpin on November 11, 2008 8:04AM EST In regard to the training rule violations in Douglas. Every school has a different policy in regard to the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. I agree policies should be tougher (much,much, much tougher). However, coaches must follow the policies set forth by the district (whatever they might be). I haven't read Douglas' policy but if they are like most they are ambiguous and open for relentless interpretation. If you don't you are setting yourself for lawsuits, community ridicule, idiots on message boards who have nothing better to do and everything else. The faking injuries scenario is laughable and in reality meaningless and I think Coach Rhoades ended that discussion. (By the way Coach I appreciate you speaking out on this. You are braver man then me) The question I have is where are the parents in this situation? You want to talk about life lessons and teaching moments. Parents would make a huge statement if they would suspend their own kids; but that's not going to happen because they more than likely encourage this behavior, everything I have heard indicates the parents are more to blame for this life lesson then the coaches. I can read the headlines now PARENTS INTERVENE IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BY ACTUALLY PARENTING. (By the way that is sarcasm) Its unfair to judge Coach Rhoades or for that matter any coach thrust into this situation when you don't know all the facts policies etc.. Coaches are not babysitters, executioners, or saviors. They make mistakes hopefully learn from them and do a job most people wouldn't, couldn't and most definitely shouldn't do, (considering what I have heard parents say). It's easy to question things coaches or administrators do because you are not the one making the decisions in their situation, so give it a rest. We could debate this issue for years, I know because it has been. I think every school in this state needs to reevaluate their training rules and come to grips with the real issue and that is teenage abuse of these substances and the parental support and enabling of these behaviors. Maybe the activities association should get off their butts and support an initiative that would put all schools on the same code on conduct statewide. This would help schools stand up to this idiot sue crazy society we live in. You are living in a fantasy world if think these actions and these kind of parents are not in your communities right now, lurking around waiting for their opportunity to swoop in and attack. The difference is these kids got caught yours didn't. Read the studies, watch your kids and more importantly look in the mirror.

Posted by: Come on... on November 11, 2008 9:54AM EST Turpin, Your response was well written, albeit just a well written excuse. Your comments do have validity, but the players could still be held accountable. Think of some of the truly classy coaches in our lifetime - John Wooden, Dean Smith, etc. Would they have let their kids play in a game after breaking training rules? Really? That being said, good luck to Douglas this weekend.

Posted by: rangerfan on November 11, 2008 9:58AM EST Dogie Gray, You are right. Glenrock does a great job with the double wing. You have to remember it is the Exact same offense that Kemmerer runs. Exact. The only difference is Kemmerer will runa little more spread at times and glenrock tends to stay tight. Glenrock averages 392 rushing a game and Kemmerer averages 314 rushing. Overall Glenrock averages 437 and Kemmerer averages 360. Defensively Kemmerer gives up 36 yards rushing and Glenrock 76. Overall Kemmerer gives up 124 and Glenrock 185. Both teams have been consitent whether it was 3A or 4A teams they were playing. Glenrock beat douglas and buffalo and Kemmerer beat Jackson. The jackson win is decieving for kemmerer. Jackson competed well all year in 4A. Not losing any game by more than 10 points. Their worst loss of the season was Rock Springs 33-16. Kemmerer beat them 39-0. I know they turned the ball over but that is one of the keys to kemmerer's D. In fact they lead the state with a +24 in the turnover column. Glenrock is -6. Like I said should be a game. "even giving Kemmerer a chance" is not so crazy if you take a close look at them. GO RANGERS!!

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 11, 2008 9:58AM EST Turpin: How true, how true! I agree that every town and every community has these sort of things going on and if you think it isn't happening, you're wrong. As a coach I have had student athletes that I would have said wouldn't break training rules do it, and others that I suspected didn't, or at least were never caught. You are also right about different districts having different codes of conduct and punishments and the coaches are bound by them. When I first began coaching over 30 years ago, it was up to the individual coach to impose punishment on those making bad choices, or as one I knew, ignore it all together. Then the litigation-happy society that we now live in got involved and forced the imposition of mandated sanctions and interventions on a district wide basis with little or no wiggle room for individual coaches. I do not know Coach Rhoades very well, but what I do know is that he is a principled young coach who will always strive to do the "right" thing as far as dealing with student/athletes, parents, and his supervisors in the school district. Unless we know all of the circumstances surrounding this situation, we should not condemn what we don't understand.

Posted by: bearcat mom on November 11, 2008 10:10AM EST Turpin and Kevin Williams: As a bearcat mom, I really appreciate your comments. I don't think we are hear to judge other people but obviously some are.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 11, 2008 10:28AM EST rangerfan - nice job on the stats, anybody who thinks the Rangers "don't have a chance" is crazy, they are the defending state champs, they have proven that they are still a great team. Just like the last two times Glenrock and Kemmerer have met in the championship, it will come down to turnovers and penalties and who takes advantage of these mistakes, just like football should be. The only real difference this year will be Kemmerer making that crazy bus ride One more point on an old subject - the western teams (a few weeks ago) were talking about the lack of respect from the east side, I think part of this is that the paper never seems to get the stats for the games, even last week they had an interview with coach Rogers but no stats were available. The Rangers are in the championship again and most people don't have names of their players to look for. Just a thought. Good luck to all playing this weekend.

Posted by: Turpin on November 11, 2008 10:43AM EST I guess your right,my comments are an excuse but it is a reality of the society we live in. The coaches you mentioned (Wooden and Smith) absolutely have principles but realize they were given great latitude in their programs in these areas of discipline not to mention recruiting. High school coaches today do not have these kind of luxuries they get what they get baggage and all; in fact, more then one coach as been re leaved of their duties as a result them trying to make flawed kids accountable. I will be the first to tell you Coach Rhoades is a very principled man who certainly has anguished over this whole situation, just like all of us would if faced with this problem. It is very unfortunate how this has played out. But Buffalo should want Douglas at full force if they truly believe they are the better team, no excuses. It was kind of entertaining watching the Bison root for Powell. I certainly got the impression they wanted to host that state championship which would mean not facing Douglas again. But that didn't happen. When this game is over I'm sure someone will have gotten screwed and so and so shouldn't have played and this coach should have done this and this coach should of done that, and when the dust settles it comes down a bunch of kids playing a game they love and bunch of fans living vicariously through them. Good luck to everyone, I hope everyone stays health. It should be an exciting game, which is what it is suppose to be.

Posted by: bearcat mom on November 11, 2008 10:45AM EST How do you know the kids from Douglas are going to play the 2nd half of the game? Let's not blame all the coaches on Douglas coaching staff for this one.

Posted by: bearcat player on November 11, 2008 10:52AM EST Right buffalo will be ready for our tricks. Sad thing is is we haven't got a single trick. Our first game came down to determination and who wanted it more. To all that comment about how we got "lucky", were you playing in that game or just watching in the stands???? Look at the stats, Douglas had over 420 yards of offense to Buffalo's 175, thats not luck that's domination. I expect Buffalo to come down to Douglas and play a great game. But we play no tricks JUST FOOTBALL!!

Posted by: come on... on November 11, 2008 11:18AM EST Turpin, Well said. It's sad that the Douglas coach can't act as he would like to do the right thing, I guess. I still think he has more power than he thinks. As for the game, good luck to both teams. I'm not familiar with any of the teams in 4A, but it sounds like it should be a spirited game. Good luck to everyone.

Posted by: J Halley on November 11, 2008 1:01PM EST Turpin - well said Most coaches only have so much control about training rules. We all have training rules in place, some more stringent that others, but we only have as much backbone as the school district policy gives us. We - as coaches - can try to have more or less strict rules for our teams, but in the end, it is the district's policy. As a longtime competitor to both Douglas and Buffalo, I just want to congratulate them both for getting there. As for the drinking/suspension issue......the district will do what it will do, and Coach Rhoades only has a much control as they give him. (I do commend him for speaking out on this site......and give the guy a break, he has to plan for a state championship game and he probably has no idea himself if he has these individuals or not. - this is one of the worst nightmares to deal with as a coach that you really do not have much control over.) If it were my team, I would be very upset that the athletes themselves could be so selfish as to jeopardize this amazing opportunity for them and their teammates. I also think that we need the state to set the boundaries (stricter than most districts have) and enforce them to EVERY school so that we are all on the same playing field.

Posted by: i love football on November 11, 2008 1:18PM EST Well said Coach Willie. And, if only coaches could be with players 24 hours a day... Too bad the kids have to go home to parents who have no problem whatsoever with their children breaking training rules and pretending to be 20 years old themselves. Some people will agree with the punishments that have been given, some won't- no one can please everyone here. Throwing the blame on any coach in this state isn't going help solve the problems of underage drinking and consistency with dealing with these issues. Don't think it won't happen in your own town and with your own kids. It will. And maybe we can all remember, no matter what mistakes kids make (despite parenting or lack there of), at the end of the day the kids are the reason coaches put in the hours they put in. Consequences can hopefully teach them some things- and whether or not they are strict enough is always going to up for debate- but how we treat people, even at their worst hour can make or break a person. Get it a rest and let's get ready for some football!

Posted by: Anonymous on November 11, 2008 1:23PM EST predictions---Gillette over Green River, Kemmerer over Glenrock, Buffalo over Douglas, Burns over Big Horn, Southeast over Burlington. All teams involved have great kids and great coaches and most importantly----great support from families and communties. Mark Bullington and his staff are the best in the state------good luck to all of you--

Posted by: rangerfan on November 11, 2008 1:48PM EST bigDaddy, I hear ya. Obviously location (proximity) to major cities has an effect on media coverage. No problem with that. And I think that subject was fully covered elsewhere. Here are a few names you will recognize after the game if the RANGERS play well. Henkle, Robinson, Doherty, Black, Paulson, Housley, Archibald, Sundar, Bluemel, Shimmin, Stafford, Corpening, Welsh. Go RANGERS!!

Posted by: Jennifer G on November 11, 2008 2:31PM EST Completely kicking a athlete out of a program as a disciplinary measure is like suspending a student for skipping school. Athletes that get into trouble obviously need something to do with their time to keep them out of trouble.

Posted by: ramfan on November 11, 2008 3:04PM EST How much power do you give the state. If they are caught drinking, do we ask by whom did they get caught. Is it a MIP or simply someone saying they saw someone at a party drinking. There was an instance in our district where kids had cell phone pics of kids with a cup of something in their hands....had to miss several athletic events. No police reports...photos. So where do you draw the line. Several years ago there were parents hosting keg parties for the team after games. Some of the parents were public figures and the school board was aware but took no actions. Once a player got caught doing something and when the board threatened to take action, the parents hired an attorney and the board backed down. For this to even be brought up on this forum is amazing. Let the coaches coach, players play and best of luck to all.

Posted by: don on November 11, 2008 3:25PM EST A little advice to the coaches who think they can discipline and not get fired. There was a coach here in our county who did no more than yell at a kid during a game,and most of the people thought the kid had disrespected the coaches, the team, and the whole community, but it was the coach who was told not to come back. To this day he has never been asked for his side of the story, most of us think because he didn't go to the right church, and that is a big deal here. So coaches beware, you can get it from all sides.

Posted by: 3A Football on November 11, 2008 3:47PM EST Jennifer, I disagree with you. I think that you are either dedicated to being an athlete, or dedicated to other things, i.e. drinking and drugging. You owe it to yourself and your team to stay away from these actions, and frankly, if a kid can't stay clean for an 11 week season, I think that there are deeper, more serious problems that need to be dealt with. Personally, I am in favor of a zero tolerance policy. If a kid is caught, he/she is done for that sport. Here is my biggest ethical question for you. These kids will be playing on Saturday, right? Do they deserve, in your opinion, to be out there with the kids who have obeyed the rules and stayed true to their team?

Posted by: Tenshia on November 11, 2008 4:20PM EST DOUGLAS BEARCATS we are a wicked team and already beat the bison once. weather or not you think that they beat themslefs doesn't matter the score was final and we won so mabye you should get over it. see you bison on saturday 12.00 sharp. BE there oh by the way. SIT DOWN!!!!

Posted by: bearcat mom on November 11, 2008 4:32PM EST How do you know those kids will be playing in the game on Saturday? Do you have magic ball? They technically can play but who says the coaches will let them. Get over it and let the kids play. The kids on both of the teams are good kids and let's get over this NOW!!!!

Posted by: wow on November 11, 2008 4:39PM EST Tenisha - I always get embarassed when I talk smack and don't even get the facts right. You might do some research next time before you spout off. The last I saw all games are scheduled for 1 PM. All of these people who are so willing to talk big a week before the game, better be around to listen to and respond when things don't go as they predict. Any time somebody claims "we have already beaten them once" so obviously we will win the next one, just proves they do not know very much about the game. Buffalo is a great football team (so is Douglas) but I would keep quiet and let the players do the talking with their play on the field, or be prepared to be ridiculed.

Posted by: bout time on November 11, 2008 4:44PM EST Looks like its about time to shut down the comment section in the goulash.

Posted by: 1st time writer on November 11, 2008 4:51PM EST One thing that always seems to be forgotten when a drinking and suspension issue arises, is the fact that many other players on the sidelines who have gone to every practice, worked just as hard as those who chose to drink, and have waited patiently for their chance to play and truly be a part of their sport may still not get their chance. Let THEM shine, even if they are not the best players. They have given their team the best of who they are and did it the right way. There should be a reward for those who follow the rules. In these kinds of cases the reward is playing time and a chance to be out front for once. Perhaps the biggest lesson is being taught to the ones who don't need it....If you do things the right way it just won't matter. We've all seen it happen.

Posted by: thinking out loud on November 11, 2008 5:27PM EST Could there be different levels of punishment based on the level of violation, based on the proof presented? Sometimes a student may make a bad choice, but has been a very outstanding athlete (on and off the field/court), I wouldn't say throwing the book at them is right. Say the student turns themselves in, that should have some factor on the punishment. You can see were I'm going with this I'm sure. Agree or disagree, your choice, but the boys who have started this path of discussion shouldn't be judge by us going on he said, she heard, etc.

Posted by: Anonymous on November 11, 2008 5:45PM EST Burlington doesn't stand a chance with Southeast

Posted by: WYOCOACH on November 11, 2008 6:04PM EST Playing high school sports is a privilege, and not a right. I think people (parents) forget that. Someone needs to explain to me why a student can be ruled ineligible for poor grades and not be able to participate, but they can break the law and we look the other way and make excuses!!!!! Why is drinking when your underage ok???? Each person has to be responsible for their own actions. IMO if a student is selfish enough to break training rules set forth by the COACH, they are done. Period

Posted by: murrykins on November 11, 2008 6:25PM EST the teams left playing are all as evenly matched as I can ever remember but i'm going to go with Burlington at home and all the other visitors. From the looks of that schedule the Huskies better win it this year. Wow, I don't think we've ever played half those teams. Good luck to all you kids.

Posted by: Ranea on November 11, 2008 6:31PM EST Well said Wyocoach. Douglas had a problem with a very good wrestler two years ago and this young man was able to wrestle at State. Many years ago my husband was one of the football players who admitted to drinking and he was kicked off the team right before State. My son messed up last year because he wasn't thinking and was kicked off a team sport and the bus. (It had nothing to do with drugs, drinking, or tobacco). Rules are rules and yes each person is responsible for their own actions. This is life lessons even though it hurts the player, coach, team, and the parents. Bearcat mom, I don't care how good these boys are, they need to be taught a lesson. My son messed up the end of his Senior year and had never been in trouble in school or out of school. He is a good young man also, but he had to be taught a lesson. We were all upset, but we moved on.

Posted by: just a thought on November 11, 2008 6:37PM EST WYOCOACH, thank you very much! How can we expect to build any charater at all in our young people if we don't hold them accountable. Good kids make poor decisions, but they must be held responsible for their actions. Situations like this tend to set precedent for the future.

Posted by: gtown on November 11, 2008 8:23PM EST Tenshia- wow. Just because you beat a team once means nothing.

Posted by: Jennifer G on November 11, 2008 8:38PM EST I use to agree with the one strike you’re out policy until after I graduated Jackson changed their rules and it helped the sports programs to have a second chance. I think suspension from games is better then completely kicking them out of the sport. They are young and make poor choices because they are curious. Keeping them in something that is structured and will help them to learn that the choice they have made is better for the athlete, I think. I am not judging anyone but how does anyone know that every player on that sideline has obeyed every rule, the difference is these kids got caught. It is and will always be a difficult situation and until it is your child or you having to do the punishing you have a completely different opinion.

Posted by: lil fan on November 11, 2008 9:32PM EST buffalo threw four times in OT. they ran the whole game.but obviously they got tired.......so who's thee better team Douglas! but there is some cocky seniors in douglas and if they keep talking smack they'll lose if they get ready to play and forgot about the first win my prediction is douglas!

Posted by: Concern Fan on November 11, 2008 9:42PM EST I can not believe how hateful and rude people are.

Posted by: Dogie Gray on November 11, 2008 9:45PM EST Nice point, WYO coach, about "why is drinking while underage ok?". That's it, bottom line. It is illegal, & alot of parents dismiss this fact because they may have done it, or it is a right of passage. Nonsense. The second we as parents say "well, the other kids just didn't get caught", or even the comment earlier about "drinking on a school night no less"; as if drinking on the weekend would be ok!?! It's never "ok" unless you are 21 or older! That is the law! No matter what the school district may say, if my children are caught drinking, it will be the end of their privileges. We as parents need to hold our own children to a higher standard. Now, this issue has really blown up here, & I would be willing to bet that nobody except those directly involved know all the facts. Besides, it's not like anyone was mooning anyone, right? Oh yeah, & Ranger Fan. You hit the nail on the head. I haven't seen the Rangers play, ever. As I said, I am a casual fan-nornmally wouldn't even know who is in the championship (unless it was the Dogies!) as I don't usually follow non-local teen-age athletes (except in track & field). I am only interested this much because I saw the Herders here against Newcastle, & had never seen an offfense like that one before at this level! This situation reminds me of the Lead-Deadwood (SD) teams a few years ago; destroyed everyone in their path, but wound up second at state 2 years in a row. I wouldn't have believed that could have happened either, but it did. So, if there is a possibility that there's another team as good as Glenrock, I want to see it! So I'll see you there Saturday! (now, much like a Nebraska fan cheering for Big 12 teams to win a Nat'l championship, or a Poke fan wanting Utah to go undefeated, I'll have to cheer for the Herders!) Oh, one last thing Patrick; I think we need a "spell check" feature here, it's getting pretty bad!!

Posted by: Matt on November 11, 2008 9:56PM EST In Cody, if I recall the rules correctly, its is 2 games for your first offense, a season for your 2nd offense, and then you can't participate in athletics after your third offense. If you turn yourself in on your first or second offense and participate in a drug program, your suspension is cut in half. That seems right to me. The first time maybe it's a dumb mistake, but a livable one. After that it's behavior going downhill.

Posted by: Pseudonymous on November 11, 2008 10:11PM EST Well said Jennifer G ^... It is important to understand one thing overlooked by the greater majority in this obviously inconsequential, fallacious rant. I feel it is fair to assume that many participants in this blog are parents, and many parents are quick to say just how great their own children are. Also, these same parents are excellent at noticing all of the flaws of another's kids. Clearly, parents are naive to ensure their own inner satisfaction and feel that as long as their kid has not been caught for any prohibited act then the kid is "a good kid”. As Jennifer said, young adults are curious and this curiosity, albeit bad, is widespread. I can guarantee to all of you that more than these two specific student athletes have ventured into the realms of actions identified as illegal or otherwise forbidden. These two specific student athletes, however, were caught unlike most. In accordance to school policy, a suspension has been served. Therefore the coaching staff has set the proper precedent that such acts will not be permissible no matter who you are. Whether you agree or not, a policy is a policy and if we expect our young adults to understand the principles of consequence enforced for one's actions, it is necessary to comply with the true wording of these athletic codes. It is nice to wish the state had final say in these situations, but as of now it is up to each individual district. So, if the punishment by the coaches is in line with the policy of the school then there is nothing to argue about. Players on any team must earn their own spot. If the two players were starters, this was due to the fact that they gave their team the best opportunity at the goal of victory and deserved the starting position. The players put in the dedication to earn these positions. The players who filled in the positions should be commended for their effort. I personally was in attendance at the Douglas game, and was greatly impressed with the sophomores who elevated their play and made a major contribution to the win. I expect to see the same thing on Saturday, because the competitive nature of an individual will keep these players focused on the game and not the terms of suspensions. If the two suspended players happen to see time in the second half of the game, I feel it will be with the best interests of the team in mind. Instead of living through your children vicariously, you should all understand why the players started in the first place. The bias behind many of these arguments is overwhelming; hence the disputes are ultimately pointless. Penalties have been served, and it really should only be the teams business on who plays. And, in the end, it truly is the teams business who plays and who does not play in the game, not the parents who have been obsessively blogging on the topic. My most sincere apologies to all of the readers who may be befuddled by this entry, but maybe you too can learn a lesson like the two student athletes have learned their own. Instead of worrying about a team’s confidential matters, it would benefit the people of Wyoming to further their personal education and gain knowledge of things that truly matter in our world. So, instead of wasting your time arguing about these matters, try occupying yourselves with something slightly more productive.

Posted by: The man up stairs... on November 11, 2008 10:42PM EST "Let the one amoung you who is without sin cast the first stone" Stop making other peoples' decisions for them and let the Douglas coaching staff decide what is best for the two boys and the rest of the team.

Posted by: Bison Fan on November 11, 2008 10:43PM EST What happened to Goulash this week?!?!? I read down through all of the postings here and truly didn't know what to respond. But, for those who care to read a little philosophical thoughts on both this blog and the games on Saturday..... Several on the board have told everyone to "lighten up", its just a game. Get over yourselves, its just football. To them I would say, it truly is more than a game. It is a great life lesson. Several on here have made egotistical remarks and bragged about their "teams" greatness... Others have knocked on those braggards for bragging, exclaiming that a more humble approach is the moral and upright way to behave.... Apparently, some kids have made some poor choices, and then acted even more like children than young adults by attempting to "fake" out onlookers..... Most everyone is talking about their behavior and choice of action....gossiping if you will. We've talked of hirings, firings, law and rules. We discussed work ethics, morals, fairness and equity. We've lectured, learned, argued and praised. We've used statistics and truths, knowledge and perspectives to persuade and change the opinions of both "enemies" and "friends". To those of you who say its just a game....I say it is much more. It is a true lesson in life. Sometimes in life lessons are more about the complete experience than about specific actions or events. Hopefully all of the kids involved in the upcoming championships whether they be student fans, varsity players, members of the JV, bench warmers, and water boys (or girls) alike will all take away from these games, these seasons, these microcosims of real life the lessons that the complete experience of high school football, volleyball, track, basketball, etc. etc. offer, whatever that may be. May it provide them with just a bit more understanding of interacting with eachother, evaluating unfamiliar situations, perspectives to think just a little longer before making decisions on situations who's outcomes affect their lives for years to come. While this may be too squishy for some. Too philisophical for others. Maybe it hits home for those who need it most. I know great kids on both the Buffalo and Douglas Teams. To them I say Good luck! May the best team on Saturday claim the title of state champion! To all the rest of us, lets be the best examples we can be for these young ones. If you don't like them drinking, don't "throw keggers" for them. If you think there should be more responsible stances on rule breaking, then take responsibility for it. Don't blindly give that responsibilty over to the WHSAA. Go to the school board and demand local, responsible responses to rule breaking and misconduct. Now, on to lighter sports minded conversation! My picks: Buffalo, Gillette, Glenrock, Burlington Go Bison!!

Posted by: Ranea on November 11, 2008 11:40PM EST Go Bison!

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 12, 2008 12:28AM EST To the cooler heads that have prevailed on this post: Thank you. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. That's all I need to say right now, because others have already illustrated some of my thoughts beautifully. From my angle: If you want to keep the rumor mill flowing, you can let it flow somewhere else. Keep it out of here. I'm tired of it. If you think you're misinformed, you probably are, but don't come here looking to vilify if you don't have the common sense to seek the answers first. Questions are fine and always welcome here; flaming players, coaches and an entire community based on what might not even be true is completely inappropriate here. Sorry to those who have been hurt by all this. Honestly, it stings me, too. I really wonder if it's worth what I go through to keep this forum open. Who knows. Maybe it's not worth it. After all, I am extremely conscious every day of whose name is in the URL. Thanks again to the cooler heads.... --patrick

Posted by: Chris on November 12, 2008 12:30AM EST Wedgie time!

Posted by: Chris on November 12, 2008 12:33AM EST Not for you, Patrick.......

Posted by: Anonymous on November 12, 2008 12:34AM EST Congrats to Gillette-Green River, Kemmerer-Glenrock, Burns-Big Horn, and Burlington-Southeast for having the class to keep their mouths shut and let their play do the talking on Saturday.

Posted by: Dogie Gray on November 12, 2008 1:33AM EST By the way Patrick, just saw the "tried & tried, but couldn't catch up" You-Tube hampster video! I'll be laughing myself to sleep tonight! Little Oasis going there too, nice!!

Posted by: Bison Fan on November 12, 2008 2:20AM EST Ranea, you asked if I was surprised how things turned out this year. Well... yes and no. On Glenrock. Not surprised at all. While Buffalo is always a physical team, we were a much more smash you in the mouth and beat you upfront team last year and Glenrock was a hard fight. They have put together a great group of football players. In fact, Buffalo cheered Glenrock on all last year. Same thing this year after we played. On Jackson, YES. I know they lost a ton and a half of seniors last year. But "howdy" did their record fall off. Although I think many of their losses were close. Still the not making the playoffs was a surprise, and you always want that opportunity to "take-em" on again! On the Cody win....not surprised at all. That has nothing to do with Cody as they are a great group of atheletes. It has to do with them knocking us off a couple of years ago. We were chomping at the bits to get back on the field with them the next day. I think that whenever teams are scheduled to play it should be at least a two game back to back meeting. On playing Douglas in the ship... why would anyone be surprised by that. Great atheletes. However, more importantly....great atheletes that work together as a team. On Buffalo being back in the big game.... well, that's like questioning if the sky is blue and the grass is green. A real Bison Fan never bets against the Bison.....!!!! Ultimately, I love traditions, rivalries and great competitions. I just wish the scheduling would setup the opportunities to build more long term traditions and rivalries. GO BISON!!!!!

Posted by: Mom loves the Bison on November 13, 2008 1:16AM EST Hey, Turpin. The Bison football players were, of course, cheering for Powell so they could play their championship game at home. And, there is no drama with the Powell Panthers, only great football. Duh. The Bison will most certainly be out iin full force against Douglas. And, Tenesia, check your watch, sweetheart. The Bison will not sit down as these young men always stand tall and proud and will play some kind of football on Saturday. GO BISON.

Posted by: gtown on November 13, 2008 11:12AM EST wow. Lets get back to talking football. There are 5 great games on Saturday and all we can talk about is bragging about which team is better. Good luck to all the teams out there.

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 13, 2008 12:53PM EST Several posts here have been deleted because they were in incredibly poor taste. That's strike two. The great thing about IP addresses is that even if you don't leave your e-mail, we still know who you are. --patrick

Posted by: football fan on November 13, 2008 12:57PM EST Patrick, Can you just block the IP addresses of the knuckleheads, rather than ruin it for the rest of us?

Posted by: SEWAC Fan on November 13, 2008 1:02PM EST Oh, murrykins - I think we have some very sore losers up there in Pavillion. A relative (mother?) of the two stars on the Cougar team wrote a letter to the superintendent of the Burns district complaining about foundless things, as are you. Perhaps you are one in the same person, or one of those boys. Either way, grow up and accept defeat with some honor. The complaints were: 1) Locker room was too far from the field, and 2) the players weren't all on the field for the national anthem. So, here are the FACTS: 1) The WHSAA strongly suggests that football teams not have locker rooms in the same area so as to avoid confrontations. Thus, at Burns ALL visitors locker at the old high school gym. For everyone's information, it is 179 meters from the Burns locker room to the 50 yard line in their box, and it is 249 meters from the old high school to the same place in the vistors' box. If you want to think that extra 80 meters somehow lost you the game that's your right, but reality is you got it handed to you by a better team. Quit crying. 2) The head coach of the home team ALWAYS meets before the game with his counterpart from the visitors, and they agree on the time on the count-down clock at which the national anthem will be played. If the team is not on the field when it is played it is because of YOUR coach's decision. In this case, however, the PA announcer graciously held the band from playing until ALL of your players were on the field. The notion that Burns is a poor host or is rude is ludicrous. We play there every other year, and they have always treated us with the highest respect. My only conclusion is that you're looking for any reason to not accept that you simply got beat. Hopefully time will heal your wounds; in the meantime, however, GO BRONCS!!!

Posted by: Patrick Schmiedt on November 13, 2008 1:16PM EST football fan, I'm looking into it. I don't think it'd do much good in this particular case, though. If anything offensive pops up again, please feel free to let me know: patrick.schmiedt@trib.com. --patrick

Posted by: BroncFan on November 13, 2008 2:54PM EST What's sad about the whole "Burns got an advantage" thing is that I thought the Wind River kids played a good game AND they were very gracious after the game. Several of them wished out players good luck in the State Championship and also said they hoped we won it all. Too bad the kids acted like the adults and the adults acted like children.

Posted by: pick em on November 13, 2008 3:26PM EST Gillette big time in 5a 36-21 Buffalo by 3 scores in 4a 28-7 Glenrock in a good game 20-16 Burns by 20+ 36-8 Southeast(or torrington east) in a romp 27-6 no nail biters like the 4a game last year I hate to say it, and I cannot believe I am rooting for Buffalo to beat DOuglas...amazing what 2 years and some sketchy choices will do to change a fellas mind

Posted by: BroncFan on November 13, 2008 3:53PM EST I guess I shouldn't lump all Wind River fans into one category either. Just a select few were whining.

Posted by: wyo football fever on November 13, 2008 3:59PM EST Patrick..I like the idea of moving the state championship games to the 'WAR' but do have one question? National Federation of High School gives the specs of high school goal posts as being 23'4" in span..Collegiate goal posts as 18'6" in span. Has anyone given any thought to a state championship being lost on a non reguation upright.

Posted by: chad on November 13, 2008 5:20PM EST wyo football fever rule 1-5-d note: it is permissible to use college or professional fields with goal post uprights set at the width specified by their respective codes.....so it won't be non regulation up rights...

Posted by: sportsfan on November 13, 2008 9:07PM EST A team in Nebraska lost in 2006 because of the difference in the width of the goal post uprights. You hate to see a team lose because of something like that but honestly how often does it happen and doesn't the atmosphere make up for the small chance it could happen?

Posted by: Anonymous on November 14, 2008 12:31PM EST Back a little bit to the little dispute between Burns and Wind River. I believe ALL play-off games should be played on a netural site. Look at it this way---When we play football and it's narrowed down to 8 teams in each class (just like basketball) Aren't they the same? Do we have the basketball teams play on someone's home court and then just play the championship game at a netural site? Just somethings to think about or talk about----