(Pavillion, WY) – Rod Frederick had 30 players out at Pavillion this fall. He is once again assisted by Kyle Hunter and Troy Anderson.
The Cougars were 2-7 a season ago, losing in the opening round of the playoffs to eventual runner-up Lingle-Ft. Laramie.
This year, Wind River brings experience and depth with 10 seniors. Troy Tidzump, Isiah Remacle, Holden Yeates, Jeffrey Strock, Logan Jensen, Cameron Wisecup, Ben Synder, Blue Star Friday, Kyle Alatini, and Noah Goraczkowski.
The Cougar line should be solid behind Tidzump, Jensen, and Remacle on the inside, with 6-6 junior Josh Gallagher a huge target at tight end.
“We have three that can play quarterback, “Frederick said. “We’re leaning toward Colton Martinez.”
Wind River will have a battering ram in the backfield with Jeffrey “Bubba” Rushing.
“Defensively, we’ll play a lot of the same kids,” Frederick said.
Jensen at defensive line, Remacle at linebacker, Rushing at middle linebacker, and Martinez at safety.
Ben Synder played safety a season ago, but Frederick can use his speed at the corner.
The 9-Man West is up for grabs.
“Greybull should be good again. Rocky with their numbers should be decent, I think they’ll turn it around,” Frederick said. “Big Piney is always going to be tough. He’s usually got good kids. I think it’s wide open on our side.”
Statewide, it’s the same with good balance in the East Conference as well.
Defending station champion Pine Bluffs has 54 boys out for football, but their talent level is a bit lower than the last few seasons.
“I think all of 9-man is wide open,” Frederick said. “Pine Bluffs has numbers, Lusk is going to be a standout, Saratoga is also going to be a standout. Lingle is a question mark, Southeast lost a ton.”
The Cougars don’t go far to open the season, playing the Riverton Junior Varsity next Saturday morning at 9 AM at Wolverine Field.