WyoPreps October Observations [OPINION]

The next five weeks of high school sports will produce champions across the last four fall sports. I have some observations about what might be coming. If anything, it will be a fun ride as cross country, girls’ swimming and diving, volleyball, and football reach the stretch run in Wyoming.

MY THOUGHTS ON WYOMING HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS IN 2026

Honestly, aside from a few minor surprises, the golf and tennis seasons went about as I expected. Most of the favorites, teams and individuals, won the titles.

So, what have I learned so far this fall?

Cross country’s stars have risen to the forefront throughout the season

Lyla Marney and Kellen Winters have been impressive. The two defending champions have won some big races along the way and will be favorites in 2A again.

Same with Karee Cooley in 3A girls. The Powell senior is the favorite, with Ellie Farris and Maya Hall from Buffalo, Mountain View’s Mckynly Stephens, and Worland’s Ava Tapia trying to chase her down. Buffalo’s Jace Townsend leads the 3A boys, but he’ll have good competition from Mountain View’s Colt Madsen and Rawlins’ Noah Blasi. Outside threats include Cole Tregemba from Torrington and Bodey Kejr from Douglas.

In 4A, Maggie Madsen is the favorite until someone dethrones the star at the state championships. There are plenty of contenders. Adalyn Racines of Cheyenne Central has run very well this fall. Laramie’s Dorothy Jensen, Central’s Sofia Rose, and Sheridan’s Jaelyn Rubal are also contenders. There are a few dark horses, as well, including a couple of freshmen. 4A boys have three top contenders. Eli Balkenbush and Joseph Gonda of Sheridan, plus Cal Bibbey from Cheyenne Central, lead the pack. Then, there’s a large group of runners with similar times right behind the first group. I’ll be curious to see who emerges as a larger threat.

Team-wise, I think the Big Horn girls and Burlington boys are favorites in 2A. Powell and Buffalo should battle it out in 3A girls. I see Buffalo and Mountain View fighting it out in 3A boys. 4A girls are very intriguing. Cheyenne Central, Laramie, and Kelly Walsh all have strong teams. The Sheridan boys are a heavy favorite in 4A boys.

Two favorites for girls' swimming and diving

In girls’ swimming and diving, the two classes have clear-cut favorites in my opinion. Lander will win 3A because of its depth. They also have stars like Vayda Havens, Chayse Denton, Sara Kearns, and Emily Plaisted. Cheyenne Central is the leader in 4A. The Indians will have to hold off challenges from Jackson, Sheridan, Thunder Basin, and Riverton. A few other teams have some power, but Central’s depth and top-line stars (Addy DeLay, Catherine Baker, and Ella Reed), I believe, will prove too much.

Volleyball Looks Pretty Familiar Minus One

On the volleyball court, Kelly Walsh is a giant favorite to win 4A again. The Trojans have lost only one set all season, and that was to a team from Idaho. Lovell is favored for their second straight in 3A, but as past state tournaments have proven, nothing is a sure thing. Douglas, Mountain View, and Powell could get hot at the right time. In 2A, it’s all Big Horn. The Rams are head and shoulders above everyone else. Their only losses are to teams in higher classes or from out of state. 1A is the most intriguing to me. Can Hulett pull it off? The Red Devils have been very good all season with a few hiccups. One was against a team from South Dakota, and the other was against a 2A opponent. Burlington might be the biggest threat, but Upton and Dubois have played well, and you can never count out Cokeville.

Finally, on the gridiron, there’s always plenty to discuss

Burlington leads 6-man. I saw them control the game at Little Snake River in Baggs back in Week 1. The Huskies’ only loss was to a team from Montana. Casper Christian is coming on strong, and the Mountaineers are the only undefeated team in 6-man, but playing well on the biggest stage could prove interesting. Not sure if Encampment has enough with how little depth they have, and an injury to the Rattlers set them back a bit. I will say that playoff and championship experience might prove its worth.

I think 9-man could be the most options for possible champions. Pine Bluffs will be in the mix. Will Gray does a terrific job, and the Hornets have that winning culture. I’m curious to see if Sundance can hang on Friday in Pine Bluffs. The Bulldogs have been a pleasant surprise after their split from Upton. Coach Kruger and the squad are better than I thought they would be. The West is very fascinating. Rocky Mountain is playing like a team that made the championship game last fall. I think they’ve got a very good team. I don’t think anyone can dismiss Greybull. The Buffs got a scare earlier this season, but that might have done them some good. I also believe Saratoga will be in the mix. Things didn’t work out last fall due to various factors, but this Panthers squad has some playmakers, plays well fundamentally, and I think they could also make a run. All three of those teams play each other in the next few weeks.

I firmly believe Big Horn is the class of 2A. If the Rams are not in the championship game, I will be very surprised. I saw Cokeville back on my preseason tour in August, and I thought Coach Linford’s team had a great chance to be very good. Now, last week’s dismantling of Mountain View was a bit of a surprise, but I wasn’t totally shocked. Cokeville’s got some dudes. After that, I think the Buffalos and Thermopolis still have a shot at pulling off an upset, so teams better watch out.

In 3A, until someone takes one of them down, it will be Star Valley and Cody. They played a classic last week, and for a long time, I thought the Broncs and Coach McFadden were going to get them. Coach Young and his squad battled back and snuck one out in OT. I just hope the championship rematch is that dynamic and down to the wire.

Natrona County is the favorite in 4A. Their one-two punch with True and Wilcox in the backfield and at linebacker is lethal. The Mustangs certainly made a statement with their win two weeks ago against Sheridan. I won’t count the Broncs out. They’re still stingy on defense, they tackle well, Crow is a big-time player, and with Mowry’s kid taking over at QB, that might be the spark they need. I will say that the parity in 4A among the top 8 or 9 is closer than it’s been in quite a while. East and Central will be factors, and there are a couple of other dark horses that might pull off something when the playoffs roll around.

That’s my take. Am I off my rocker? Agree or disagree, it’s no sweat off my back. Then again, the old cliché is true: that’s why they play the game. Or, in other instances, the match, compete in the pool, or run the race.

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