Bert Dow wasn't looking for the right coaching opportunity.

Instead, the right opportunity found him.

The new head football coach at Big Horn, Dow has a little bit of everything going right for him in his first season at the helm of the Rams.

He has spent the past five seasons on the staff as an assistant coach and knows the players. He knows the area - he's a Big Horn graduate - and he knows the families.

Oh, and he inherits one of the most consistent programs in Wyoming, a team that's made five state championship game appearances in the past eight seasons.

"Any time there's a change in the system, you worry, but it's a close-knit community and a nice bunch of kids," Dow said. "They're tough kids. They give you everything they have and we definitely want to maintain that intensity and that type of football. That part hasn't changed."

Dow was inducted into the Wyoming Coaches Association's hall of fame in 2006, but by no means was he done coaching. Now entering his 36th year of coaching, including 29 in football and an eight-year stint as the head coach at Sheridan from 1994-2001, Dow is ready for another challenge.

Not that he was looking for one.

"The main thing is we knew the kids. … I graduated from Big Horn and my sons played there, so it kind of made sense to get back into it and do it again," he said.

Of course, with any new coach comes change, and with Dow comes the option. The Rams will move to a base option offense this fall. To show his commitment to the offense, Dow moved the Rams' starting quarterback the past two years, Matt Metzger, to tailback.

Dow called Metzger "explosive" and wants to harness that explosiveness in the best spot he can.

"He's a very athletic kid and I think it's going to work out for us," he said.

The Rams still figure to have plenty of challengers for the Class 2A championship this year, though. Riverside, which beat Big Horn 21-20 in last year's 2A championship game, is beginning to build a program to rival the Rams. Burns, which lost to Big Horn 15-7 in last year's quarterfinals, has one of the biggest and best senior classes in program history. Lusk also returns several players who were key in its run into the semifinals last year.

"I think it's probably pretty much wide open," Dow said. "Graduation hit some of these schools so hard."

Big Horn didn't escape, either. The Rams themselves need to replace three starters from last year's offensive line - a tough task to do for a team that's switching to an offense that requires precise play from its line.

Dow isn't ready to count anyone out of the running.

"Things could surprise you too," Dow said. "A lot of it depends on the kids and how well they gel."

After all, Dow knows all too well that opportunity doesn't always happen as expected.

Contact high school sports coordinator Patrick Schmiedt at (307) 266-0615 or patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.

Preseason Top Five

1. Big Horn: The "new" coach knows what he's doing.

2. Burns: The Broncs are more than their backfield - and they're itching to prove it.

3. Lusk: Never, ever count out an experienced team from Niobrara County.

4. Riverside: Was the Rebels' recent success forming a new plateau? Or a spike?

5. Pine Bluffs: Check this number out: The Hornets have 13 total returning starters.

Also to playoffs: Rocky Mountain, Saratoga, Wind River.

Preseason Class MVP

DUELL PETSCH, Burns: This is the year for which Burns has been waiting, as Petsch and his teammates make up one of the strongest teams in school history. Petsch, who ran for 1,180 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2007, is one of the most dynamic backs in the state. His teammates are all good enough to provide the holes - all Petsch has to do is run through them.

Preseason Breakout Star

AUSTIN LEONHARDT, Rocky Mountain: In the Grizzlies' pass-heavy offense, Leonhardt could put up some big numbers from the quarterback spot. Having some talented, athletic receivers to throw to - including TE Korey Hocker and WR Randall Mann - sure won't hurt him.

Team Capsules

East Conference

Burns Broncs

OUTLOOK: Burns has one of 2A's most experienced teams, with nine returning starters. That kind of experience is uncommon, and the group of senior leaders on the team should help keep the Broncs focused on proving their potential.

KEY GAME: Oct. 3 vs. Saratoga. The Broncs have a key four-game stretch of conference games in Weeks 3-6, and this Week 5 game against the Panthers looms large. If Burns wants to stake a claim to a home playoff game and build confidence for the second half of the season, then winning this game is all but necessary.

KEY RETURNERS: Nine starters, 12 letterwinners. Cody Weathermon, 6-0, 248, sr, L; Ben Taylor, 5-7, 165, sr, B; Cory Sutherland, 6-1, 140, sr, E; Duell Petsch, 5-8, 175, sr, B; Taylor Pyle, 6-2, 157, sr, E; Nathan Hayden, 5-9, 145, sr, L; J.T. Hirsig, 5-9, 221, jr, L; Shane McDonald, 6-2, 220, jr, L; Frank Vossler, 5-10, 160, jr, B.

HEAD COACH: Bill Fullmer (15th season)

2007: 4-5 (2-3), fourth in East Conference, lost to Big Horn 15-7 in state quarterfinals

Lingle Doggers

OUTLOOK: Lingle is 5-21 the past three seasons, but other coaches are worried about the Doggers this year because of their ability to make games close.

KEY GAME: Sept. 26 vs. Lusk. Lingle has conference games scheduled for three of the first four weeks, including this home date against the Tigers. All the Doggers need to do is pull an upset or two in that stretch, and the season suddenly becomes very interesting.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided. Anticipated to return: Alan Hill, sr; Chase Potter, sr.

HEAD COACH: Kevin Derby (second season, 10th overall)

2007: 1-7 (0-5), sixth in East Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Lusk Tigers

OUTLOOK: The Tigers have a good group of athletic, experienced returning starters and can build from that base. All that's keeping Lusk from being the favorite for the 2A title is a little lack of size and a little lack of depth.

KEY GAME: Oct. 24 at Burns. The WHSAA schedule-makers have a flair for the dramatic: They have Lusk and Burns, on paper the two strongest teams in the East Conference this year, meeting in the final week of the season.

KEY RETURNERS: Seven offensive starters, seven defensive starters. Chad Trautman, sr, RB/DB; C.J. Risley, sr, OT/LB; Kyle Herder, sr, OT/LB; Brock Hladky, sr, TE/DE; Hayden Hester, sr, TE/DE; Troy Himes, sr, C/DL.

HEAD COACH: Matt VandeBossche (fourth season, 15-12 overall)

2007: 6-4 (4-1), T-first in East Conference, lost to Riverside 10-9 in state semifinals

Pine Bluffs Hornets

OUTLOOK: Looking for 2A's team on the rise? Look no further. The Hornets have experience returning in waves. Couple that with a great summer in the weight room and at camps, and Pine Bluffs looks poised for a breakout season.

KEY GAME: Oct. 10 vs. Lingle. The Hornets have beaten the Doggers each of the past two seasons, but those victories haven't been enough to push Pine Bluffs into the playoffs. But a victory here coupled with wins over Sundance and/or Saratoga in Weeks 7 and 8 could give the Hornets a long-awaited playoff spot.

KEY RETURNERS: Thirteen total starters, 19 letterwinners. Travis Werner, 6-0, 155, sr, QB/DB; Jordan Neal, 6-0, 190, sr, OL/DL; Chance Madsen, 5-11, 155, sr, RB/LB; Braxton Clark, 5-11, 180, sr, RB/DB; Tanner Eastman, 5-7, 130, jr, DB; Chris Gorman, 6-1, 165, jr, RB/LB; Todd Baker, 5-11, 190, jr, OL/DL; James Thompson, 6-4, 165, sr, E.

HEAD COACH: Dale Gilbert (second season)

2007: 2-6 (1-4), fifth in East Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Saratoga Panthers

OUTLOOK: Saratoga is coming off a semifinal appearance in 2007, but needs to account for some losses to graduation to have the same success in 2008.

KEY GAME: Sept. 19 at Sundance. The Bulldogs' long road trip loss to Saratoga cost them the outright conference championship. Now, it's Saratoga that has to make the long trip, and if the Panthers can shake off the bus lag and win this one, they become one of the favorites in the East.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided. Anticipated to return: Chad McKinney, sr.

HEAD COACH: Heath Hayes (third season, 10-8 overall)

2007: 7-3 (4-1), T-first in East Conference, lost to Big Horn 13-8 in state semifinals

Sundance Bulldogs

OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs aren't as deep or as experienced as they were last year, which means new coach Brian Mills has his work cut out for him. Sundance does return some talented players but needs its young offensive and defensive lines to improve quickly.

KEY GAME: Sept. 12 at Lusk. The Bulldogs will find out really early if they still have what it takes to hang with the best teams in the conference. Dates with Lusk and Saratoga in Weeks 2 and 3 will be telling for the rest of Sundance's season.

KEY RETURNERS: Five offensive starters, four defensive starters, 16 letterwinners. Hayden Johnston, sr, WR/CB; Kirksey Dodd, jr, LB; Tyler Hartl, sr, RB/LB.

HEAD COACH: Brian Mills (first season)

2007: 6-3 (4-1), T-first in East Conference, lost to Riverside 17-15 in state quarterfinals

West Conference

Big Horn Rams

OUTLOOK: Even with a new coach and a new offensive game plan, the Rams are still one of the 2A favorites. The things that have carried Big Horn for the past decade - tradition, athleticism and toughness - are all still there.

KEY GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Riverside. After a one-point loss to the Rebels in the state championship game, how can the Rams' returners NOT be looking forward to this one? This early contest will help sort out the hierarchy of the 2A West right away.

KEY RETURNERS: Matt Metzger, sr, TB; Cheston Feaster, sr, WR; Tim Mendoza, sr, C/LB; Michael Alzheimer, sr, OL/DL; Ian Scofield, sr, TE/DE.

HEAD COACH: Bert Dow (first season, 29th overall)

2007: 9-2 (5-0), first place in West Conference, lost to Riverside 21-20 in state championship game

Greybull Buffaloes

OUTLOOK: For now, the Buffs are still targeting improvement, one day and one game at a time. The team is young, with only five seniors and five juniors on a team of 39, but the work ethic and coachability of the team will help aid the improvement process.

KEY GAME: Oct. 24 at Riverside. The Buffaloes play four straight conference games to end the season, ending with the traditional rivalry game against their neighbors to the south. But Greybull doesn't want to be playing solely for respect by the time this game rolls around.

KEY RETURNERS: Six offensive starters, six defensive starters, 14 letterwinners. Kyle Ellison, 6-2, 220, sr, OL/DL; Trevor Jensen, 6-0, 180, sr, OL/DL; Mick Gonzalez, 5-10, 170, sr, WR/DB; Curtis Winkler, 5-7, 130, sr, WR/LB; Daniel Grovenstein, 6-1, 165, sr, TE/DL.

HEAD COACH: John Cundall (fifth season)

2007: 1-7 (1-4), fifth in West Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Riverside Rebels

OUTLOOK: It's hard to understate what Riverside has done the past two seasons - finish as runners-up two years ago and state champions last year. To keep up the newfound tradition, the Rebels have to find players to fill key spots, especially on the offensive line, and stay injury-free all season.

KEY GAME: Oct. 10 at Tongue River. Yes, the Big Horn game in Week 2 is a big deal, but it won't make or break the Rebels' season. Instead, it's the Rebels' second road trip over the mountain that could prove to be more crucial - it's the first of three straight conference games to end the regular season.

KEY RETURNERS: Four starters, 12 letterwinners. Matt Craft, 6-1, 174, sr, QB/DB; Jeff Joyce, 5-11, 158, sr, OL/LB; Cole Mosegard, 5-10, 150, sr, WR/DB; Bobby Anderson, 6-0, 201, jr, TE/DL; Phil Hoffman, 5-10, 141, sr, OL/LB; Catlin Caines, 5-10, 160, sr, OL/LB; Colter Hoyt, 5-9, 254, sr, OL/DL.

HEAD COACH: Michael McGuire (third season, 19-3 overall)

2007: 9-2 (4-1), second in West Conference, beat Big Horn 21-20 in state championship game

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies

OUTLOOK: The Grizzlies could be one of 2A's most improved teams thanks to a strong group of senior leaders, a good passing game and a beefy offensive line. Depth and balance are still concerns, but if Rocky can win a couple early games, it could be a surprise contender.

KEY GAME: Oct. 3 at Greybull. The Grizzlies' best chance at a conference victory last year came against Greybull, but Rocky lost that game in OT. This year, the Grizzlies' date against the Buffaloes comes smack in the middle of five straight conference games.

KEY RETURNERS: Nine starters, 25 letterwinners. Korey Hocker, 6-2, 175, sr, TE/DE; Austin Leonhardt, 6-1, 207, jr, QB/DE; Luis Jurado, 5-9, 157, sr, WR/DB; Alan Rivera, 5-8, 177, sr, WR/DE; Carlos Hernandez, 5-8, 146, sr, RB/LB; Adam Alvarado, 5-6, 165, sr, RB/LB; K.J. Blackburn, 6-2, 202, jr, OL/DL; Bubba Sanders, 5-11, 238, jr, OL/DL; Randall Mann, 6-0, 149, sr, WR/DB.

HEAD COACH: Pat Winland (fifth season, 11-22 overall)

2007: 0-8 (0-5), sixth in West Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Tongue River Eagles

OUTLOOK: On the plus side, the Eagles have had great competition for starting spots in practice. The reason for that, though, is because Tongue River got hit hard by graduation. The team is extremely young and will need some time to adapt to varsity play.

KEY GAME: Oct. 24 vs. Big Horn. The Thunder Bowl has had much more than pride at stake the past few years. Since this game is the regular-season capper for both teams, don't be surprised if this game, too, goes a long way in determining the shape of the playoff bracket.

KEY RETURNERS: Two starters, four letterwinners. Eli Hammett, sr, RB; Ryan Dunn, sr, WR; Colton Neal, sr, OT; Logan Matthews, sr, OG.

HEAD COACH: Chuck Walters (third season)

2007: 5-4 (3-2), third in West Conference, lost to Saratoga 26-20 in state quarterfinals

Wind River Cougars

OUTLOOK: The Cougars will have a new look this season under a new coach, and the players the Cougars have back are making other coaches take note.

KEY GAME: Sept. 26 vs. Tongue River. The Cougars' season will hinge on what happens in Weeks 4-7. Finding momentum will be key for the four-game conference stretch, and beating the Eagles to start that series of games could do wonders for Wind River's confidence.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided. Anticipated to return: Justin Whitt, sr.

HEAD COACH: Andy Ray (first season)

2007: 5-4 (2-3), fourth in West Conference, lost to Lusk 7-0 in state quarterfinals