The road to a fifth straight state championship won’t just run through Wyoming this year — it will stretch more than 2,000 miles north to Alaska and across international borders into Canada. For the first time in program history, the Star Valley Braves are stepping onto a much bigger stage, trading familiar Friday night lights for flights, domed stadiums, and some of the toughest competition they’ve ever faced.
As the countdown to August 2026 begins, the Braves are already looking ahead to what could be one of the most exciting seasons in program history. With matchups scheduled against out-of-state teams — including opponents from Canada and Alaska — the Braves are preparing to test themselves on a bigger stage than ever before.
Coach McKay Young calling the plays from the sideline while playing the Cody Broncs.
Head coach McKay Young said the upcoming season is about more than just football.
“My expectation is that this group of seniors builds on the example from the groups that have come before them, that they stand on the shoulders of giants and continue the SVHS Braves tradition of Trust, Love, and Commitment,” Young said. “I most hope that this group of young men grow as men and as leaders.”
The Braves are set to travel to Soldotna, Alaska, and will also compete in Idaho at the ISU Mini Dome in Pocatello. For Young, the Mini Dome carries personal meaning.
“I’m very excited to play in the Mini Dome! Growing up in Idaho, for me that is a special place for high school football because that is where the state playoffs took place. In fact, my last game I coached in Idaho was in that building,” he said.
The Alaska trip is equally meaningful and came together thanks to support from school leadership.
“When they reached out to us back in December, I wasn’t sure it would be possible to pull off. I’m extremely grateful to have received so much support from our administration and school board,” Young said. “To go there and face the number one team in the state of Alaska while representing Wyoming as the number one program from our state is very exciting.”
Young emphasized the pride that comes with competing beyond Wyoming.
“We take the opportunity to represent the 307 very seriously. No other football team, besides of course the University of Wyoming, gets the chance to represent our state like we do,” he said. “I hope our seniors recognize what an amazing opportunity this is to see how good we really are as we begin our pursuit of a fifth straight state championship.”
Quarterback Ross Hilton lines up to take the snap against the Powell Panthers on Homecoming.
Team captain Ross Hilton believes the team’s success will depend on the work they put in long before kickoff in August. For him, leadership starts now — in offseason workouts, weight training, and holding teammates accountable.
“We can be a really good team if we all keep putting in the work and improving starting now,” Hilton said. “I have pretty high expectations for next year’s season as far as myself and the team.”
As one of the team captains, Hilton understands that expectations come with responsibility. He said building chemistry and trust will be key, especially with the challenge of opening the season against unfamiliar opponents.
“It’s going to come down to how connected we are as a team,” Hilton said. “We have talent, but talent only goes so far. If we stay disciplined and focused, I think we can compete with anybody.”
The opportunity to travel to Alaska adds another layer of excitement.
“There’s not a better way we could start our season than with something new — flying to Alaska,” Hilton said. “It’ll be really fun, but it’s also a great chance to see where we stand right away.”
Hilton said the team isn’t just playing for themselves, but for the tradition that has been built over the past several seasons.
“We know what’s expected of us,” he said. “The teams before us set the standard, and it’s our job to keep that going.”
Wide receiver Roman Erickson looks in a ball from Phoenixx Hovey. Erickson went on to pick up a crucial first down helping to win the game 14-7 against the Cody Broncs.
Player Roman Erickson sees the out-of-state matchups as an opportunity to grow both individually and as a team. For him, the challenge is something to embrace, not shy away from.
“I think it’s great that we’re playing Canada and Alaska to test us and give us a great challenge to start the year off,” Erickson said.
Erickson believes facing unfamiliar opponents early in the season will reveal where the team stands and what they need to improve on moving forward.
“Playing teams we’ve never seen before is going to push us,” he said. “It’ll show us what we need to fix and what we’re doing well.”
Beyond the competition, Erickson is also looking forward to the experience itself.
“We’ll make some memories on the trip,” he said. “It’s not every day you get to travel that far with your teammates.”
With high expectations surrounding the program, Erickson says the team is motivated and ready.
“I’m super excited about next year,” he said. “I think we have the chance to do something special if we stay focused and work hard.”
