Wyoming’s high school football tradition dates back more than a century, with teams competing for state bragging rights long before a formal playoff structure was introduced, High School Football America reports.
From the early days of informal championship games to today’s structured classification system, high school football remains a deeply rooted part of Wyoming’s athletic and community identity.
According to historical data from Wyoming-Football.com, the state’s first recognized high school football champion was Sheridan in 1921. The Broncs earned that title with a 7-0 victory over Casper High School (now Natrona County High School) in a matchup of undefeated teams. That win marked the beginning of Sheridan’s rich football legacy — the program has since claimed 31 state titles, the most of any team in the state.
While several state champions were declared in the decades following 1921, the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) did not record official championship final scores until 1953. That year, Worland defeated Torrington 13-7 to win the Class A title.
The modern playoff system took another major step forward in 1975, when Wyoming adopted a statewide postseason format to determine champions across various school classifications. Historians often cite 1948 as the beginning of the modern era due to the first Big Six Conference title game, which Casper (now Natrona County) won to be recognized as Class AA champions.
Over the past century, the high school football landscape has grown to include multiple classifications — from Class 4A for the largest schools to 6-Man football for the smallest. The most recent champions, crowned in 2024, include:
Class 4A: Sheridan
Class 3A: Star Valley
Class 2A: Big Horn
Class 1A 9-Man: Pine Bluffs
Class 1A 6-Man: Snake River
These titles reflect a competitive balance that continues to evolve, with programs like Star Valley, Big Horn, and Snake River emerging as consistent contenders in recent years.
Notable programs like Natrona, Cheyenne Central, and Cokeville have also built long-standing reputations, often returning to championship form across decades. Meanwhile, schools such as Pine Bluffs and Burlington have gained prominence in the 9-Man and 6-Man ranks, respectively.
In more recent times, participation and championship structures have adjusted to account for changes in enrollment, geography, and player safety. This includes the shift from 11-Man to 6-Man football for smaller schools, offering more teams a chance to compete effectively.
For a complete list of champions dating back to 1921, visit Wyoming-Football.com or consult the WHSAA archives.
