WyoPreps’ Game of the Week: Buffalo at Douglas

Our WyoPreps.com high school football ‘Game of the Week’ as voted by the fans is an interclass rivalry that features Class 2A Buffalo at Class 3A Douglas.

These two foes used to be conference rivals for the longest time until the Bison moved down to Class 2A last year. The Bearcats prevailed in Buffalo a year ago by a final of 7-0. They have split the last four meetings in the series. Before that, Douglas had won 10 in a row, including three games in the playoffs, which featured a pair of state championship match-ups.

WyoPreps’ David Settle caught up with both head coaches to discuss this game. Buffalo head coach Rob Hammond is in his eighth year leading the Bison. Bearcats head coach Jay Rhoades is in his 13th year with Douglas. Hear what they had to say about preparing for the season, some key personnel on their team, and about the match-up.

Buffalo returns five all-state players from last year’s state championship team. They are currently tied for No. 1 in the WyoPreps.com Coaches and Media Class 2A rankings.

The Bearcats bring back three all-state players from a season ago. Douglas is ranked No. 4 in the WyoPreps.com Coaches and Media Poll for Class 3A.

Who to Watch for Buffalo: Rowen Ruby and Dawson Hatch are two key players that helped the Bison win a state title in 2018. That was their first since 2005. Ruby ran for 217 yards and three TDs in the title game. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry last year. Hatch led Buffalo in defensive points a year ago and finished No. 9 in Class 2A. He had 71 tackles, which included 10 tackles for loss. Hatch had a fumble recovery, broke up five passes and had six interceptions.

Who to Watch for Douglas: A.J. Yeaman and Cody Pinkerton are two players that helped Douglas continue their playoff appearance streak that dates back to 2002, though the Bearcats lost in the first round to Cody. Yeaman was the No. 1 passer in Class 3A in 2018. He threw for 1082 yards with 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Pinkerton was an anchor for the Bearcats on the line. He was No. 32 in Class 3A with 52 tackles, which included six tackles for loss and one sack. He also had four fumble recoveries.

Key Segments of the Game:

Douglas - The Bearcats possess experience along the offensive line. Can they keep pressure off Yeaman to give him time to find open receivers?

Buffalo – The Bison look loaded for another run at the Class 2A title. Can they get Ruby and Hatch loose for big plays against the Bearcats defense?

Kick-off is at 7 p.m. from Bearcat Stadium in Douglas.