Star Valley Beats Cody 16-13 in Laramie for 3A Title

Laramie. Star Valley High School defeated Cody 16-13 on Friday night at War Memorial Stadium to claim the Class 3A state football championship. The final score was decided by a 21-yard field goal from sophomore Owen Brown with 21 seconds remaining on the clock.

The game featured limited scoring in the first half. Star Valley quarterback Ross Hilton rushed 1 yard for a touchdown in the second quarter, but the subsequent kick was missed. Cody responded in the third quarter when Cache McFadden ran 40 yards for a touchdown, though the extra point attempt was blocked.

Star Valley regained the lead later in the third quarter. Hilton completed a 46-yard pass to Roman Erickson with 2:27 left in the period, and Brown kicked the extra point to put the Braves ahead. The score remained 16-13 going into the fourth quarter.

Coach McKay Young said he knew the outcome before the ball hit the uprights. "I was already all smiles on the sideline because I knew how it was going to go," Young said regarding Brown's successful attempt.

The victory gives the Star Valley Braves a final record of 11-1. Cody finishes the season with a 9-2 record. Both teams finished their regular seasons and playoffs with strong performances, but the decisive play in Laramie determined the state title.

The game concluded with Brown's kick sailing through the air, confirming the championship for the visiting team. No further scoring occurred after the fourth-quarter points were set.