Class 3A State Championship Preview: Star Valley vs. Powell

For the second time in four seasons, the Star Valley Braves and Powell Panthers will meet in the Class 3A State Championship football game in Laramie.

Star Valley is the defending Class 3A champion, and the Braves are in the title game for the fourth time in the last five years.

The Powell Panthers haven’t made an appearance in the championship since 2016, a 28-10 loss to Star Valley.

The Braves are seeking their 12th state championship in school history and fourth in the last five seasons.

The Panthers haven’t won it all since a 3-peat from 2011-2013. They are seeking their ninth title in school history.

Star Valley is 11-0 on the season, while Powell is 7-4. The Braves won the regular-season meeting 36-0 in Afton back in week 5.

A key statistic will be which offense can move the ball on the opposing defense. Star Valley is No. 1 in Class 3A in total defense. The Braves allow only 197.9 yards and seven points per game. Powell is close behind at No. 3 and gives up 241.8 yards and only 17 points per game. For more statistics involving both teams, click the 3A stats link below.

WyoPreps had a chance to chat with both head coaches, Star Valley’s McKay Young and Powell’s Aaron Papich before the game. Both coaches review their season to this point, touched on any defining moment(s) of their season, facing each other again, and their keys to success. Coach Papich even discussed the team's unfortunate accident with QB Ethan Strong (#EthanStrong).

Kick-off is at 3 p.m. Friday from War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.

Series History

29-13: Star Valley leads – only 3 meetings have been in the playoffs

Championship games

2012: Powell won 13-10

2016: Star Valley won 28-10

Championship Appearances in Laramie (including 2019)

Star Valley = 5

Powell = 5

Some series record information is courtesy of Wyoming-football.com.