Star Valley Edges Cody for 3A Football Championship

Cody was the overwhelming favorite in 3A football this season and their only tough regular-season game was a 35-25 victory over Star Valley. These 2 teams met in the state championship game on Friday in Laramie but the dynamics changed from the first meeting. Cody quarterback Luke Talich missed the title game with an injury suffered in their semi-final win over Buffalo. He was enjoying a fabulous season with over 1600 yards passing and 25 touchdown passes and 582 yards rushing and additional 7 touchdowns.

So Star Valley had an opening and took advantage right in the first quarter as quarterback Taft McClure tossed a 19-yard TD pass to Chase Stewart to give the Braves a 7-0 lead. Cody did respond with a first-quarter touchdown of their own as Jackson Schroeder bulled his way into the end zone from 10 yards out to tie it at 7.

Both defenses were sharp and the next score in the contest was in the 4th quarter as McClure lobbed one to Derek Astle for a touchdown to put the Braves in front 14-7. Following that score, Cody had 14 play drive that ended in a punt as Star Valley hangs on to win it by 7 points.

Star Valley won its 5th state title since 2015 and went 10-2 on the year. Cody was the 2- time defending 3A state champions and wrapped up the campaign at 10-1. We have a video from Friday's game in chilly weather in Laramie and some stellar photos from John Harris in our gallery below. Enjoy!