Friday night will bring the seventh meeting between Star Valley and Cody for the Class 3A state football title, a matchup that has become a staple of western Wyoming high‑school sports. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium, and the result will determine which program adds another championship to its résumé.
According to Wyoming News, Star Valley entered the season riding a 35‑game winning streak that was snapped earlier when the Braves fell 27‑14 to Idaho state champion Sugar‑Salem High. The Braves have rebounded, led by senior quarterback Ross Hilton, who tops the 3A class with more than 3,000 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, only five interceptions and a 73 % completion rate. Star Valley’s offense averages 434 yards per game, roughly 100 yards more than the next‑closest team.
Defensively, the Braves have allowed just 1,776 total yards and 13 touchdowns all season, the best totals in the classification. They have recorded four shutouts and surrendered only 29 points since the start of October.
Cody, the 3A runners‑up for the past five years, comes into the championship second in both total offense and total defense. Senior quarterback Cache McFadden has led the Broncs with 76.2 rushing yards and 183.3 passing yards per game. He completed 135 of 205 passes (65.9 %), threw 26 touchdowns and only three interceptions, giving Cody the best touchdown‑to‑interception ratio in the class.
The Broncs also boast the top scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 13.7 points per contest. Cody has posted three shutouts and allowed just 14 total points in the playoffs, including a 35‑7 victory over Riverton in the semifinals.
This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. Star Valley won the first encounter 28‑27, forcing five turnovers. Both coaches expect the game to be decided by limiting mistakes and strong special‑teams play. Star Valley coach McKay Young said limiting errors will be critical, and he highlighted Cache McFadden’s role as a key factor for Cody.
For Cody residents, the championship represents another chance to capture the title that has eluded the Broncs in recent years, while Star Valley looks to cement its dominance in the rivalry.
What’s next: The championship game kicks off Friday at War Memorial Stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for seating and parking information, and local businesses will host viewing parties throughout Cody and Star Valley.
Sources: wyomingnews.com
