SWEETWATER COUNTY — We are exactly one week away from turing on those Friday night lights.

Let the tough talk begin. Who are the contenders and who are the pretenders?

Rock Springs, Green River and Farson-Eden high schools have been putting in plenty of effort in preparation of the 2018 season. All three teams have been battling through two-a-day practices in the heat to squeeze in as much field time as possible since school starts early this year.

Next week in fact.

With the football season set to kickoff in seven more wake ups, that means its time for the first Wyoming High School Coaches/Media State Rankings. All three local teams enter the season ranked in the top six.

However, one group is an unanimous No.1 pick.

Farson-Eden, fresh off its best season in school history after going 11-1 and playing in the six-man state championship game, has almost every weapon back from last year and brings in more talented young guns. The Pronghorns will suit up a record 21 players this season.

In 4A football, defending state champion Sheridan High School is the opening day No. 1 team, followed by Natrona County, Kelly Walsh, Cheyenne East and Thunder Basin. Rock Springs, which has to replace some big offensive weapons, enters the season No. 6 in the state.

In 3A football, Green River enters the season with new a head coach but the expectations for success remain the same. The Wolves are once again a team beat as they are ranked No. 4 in the state.

No surprise, defending state champ Cody is the preseason favorite to win it all at No. 1. Star Valley is No. 2 and Torrington enters ranked third in the polls.

4A

1. Sheridan
2. Natrona Couty
3. Kelly Walsh
4. Cheyenne East
5. Thunder Basin
6. Rock Springs
7. Cheyenne Central
8. Laramie

3A

1. Cody
2. Star Valley
3. Torrington
4. Green River
5. Douglas
6. Evanston
7. Riverton
8. Rawlins

Six-man

1. Fason-Eden
2. Burlington
3. Snake River
4. Kaycee
5. Hanna-Elk Mountain
6. Meeteetse
7. Guernsey-Sunrise
8. Riverside

*Compiled by Wyopreps.com