• Hosting the Russets this Friday at 7 p.m.

The Star Valley Braves football team enters the 2024 season as a near-unanimous vote as the top team in Wyoming’s 3A classification. The program returns five All-State players and has won the past two state titles. A third in a row would cement this current dynasty as one for the history books as the program has not done that since 1967. Even then, those particular titles are referred to as the “mythical” championships, as the state did not have a true championship for most of that decade.

In other words, this is rare. And the ride starts on Friday as the team hosts the Shelley Russets (1-0) who thumped Star Valley’s opponent next week, the Preston Indians, 41-20 over the weekend to start their season.

“Shelley is good,” replied head coach McKay Young. “They have a lot of athletes. [We played a] really tight JV game two years ago and they beat us last year. You put all that together and you know you have a good one coming Friday night.” 

The two programs have met the past two seasons but neither game as been played in Afton. In 2022, the Braves were designated the home team but the game was played at Albertson’s Stadium on the campus of Boise State University. Star Valley won that contest 21-7.

Last season, the Braves were in Russet country as they won the match up 34-13.

Technically, the Braves have never defeated Shelley in Afton with losses in 2003 and 2005.

While there will be some new faces on the team in places like the backfield which will be missing Jesse Leavitt and his 1,200+ yards last season, the team has no shortage of talent. The running back position will likely be by committee. The offensive line loses players like Clay Merritt and Jesse Gibson but returns some like Cooper ‘Big Country’ Lawson,  Garrett Carlson and Ryan Talbot. Young said it will take some time for things to find their stride. 

“I think it’s going to take a few games to fill in for those guys that gradated last year in some places,” he added. “We like to try and play guys one-way as much as we can so we try and figure out how that is going work and share that load. We want to do that as much as possible. Even though I’m the offensive coordinator, I try and have a defensive priority.”

Grant Thomson returns this season for his third year as a starter in the linebacking corp and the defensive backs of Bryson Nield, Cooper Lancaster, Dayton Schwab and Gunner Brog should be tough to throw against. 

Nield returns on offense as well with nearly 700 yards receiving last year as a junior and quarterback Smith McClure will likely be among the state’s top slingers regardless of classification. 

“I feel really good,” Young added. “We have weapons. I think you’re going to see a lot of kids contribute. We’ve been doing that for years so it’s not new but I do think that it will be on us to spread it around this year and have fun.” 

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff with SVI Media streaming the game online at svinews.com and also on the SVI Media YouTube channel. Audio will be carried on Swift 98 in Star Valley and also on the SVI News App.

The freshman boys will begin their season before the varsity with a 4 p.m. kickoff time against the Russets at Braves Field.

• Helmet Stickers

Over the years the team has honored individuals, state championship teams and other causes through helmet stickers. The 2024 stickers will honor former player and coach Andy Johnson, former player Bailey Johnson, the 307 sticker for the state of Wyoming (Star Valley faces four Idaho squads to start their season) and one for the U.S Military and area veterans. 

“Obviously Coach Andy and Bailey are close to our hearts,” Young stated. The 307 is pretty self-explanatory. This year we wanted to recognize those who have served from Star Valley and highlight their sacrifices that they have made so that we have the freedom that we enjoy.”