The success of the Buffalo Bison isn't built on Friday nights.

It isn't built on the 47 victories they've earned in the past five years, more than any other team in the state.

It isn't built on the accolades - two Class 4A state championships and two runner-up finishes in those five seasons.

No, the Bison build their program, their tradition and their pride in practice. That's where the second-smallest school in the 4A classification becomes one of the most feared and respected programs in the state.

"We only play with about 15, 16 kids," Buffalo coach Pat Lynch said. "They don't leave the field. They're thoroughbreds. They run. They know practices are grueling. They're not long, but they're grueling.

"We always tell our kids, 'No one knows what we do, only us, because you've been through the fire with us.'"

Lynch's practice mantra, "practice with purpose," has obviously led to success on the field for the Bison. Year in and year out, Buffalo is among the favorites for the Class 4A championship. With five returning senior starters leading the way for the Bison, this year is no different.

Last year, the Bison went 10-1, the only loss a tough-to-swallow 10-6 defeat to Jackson in the state championship game. With that loss still fresh in their minds, Lynch said this year's seniors have a little more motivation.

"(In the offseason) I didn't have to say a word, and I'd never bring up one season to the next," Lynch said. " … (But) I think it burns in their belly, maybe even more so than mine. It has fueled their fire."

The problem? Everyone knows Buffalo is coming. That means the Bison have had to put in a lot of extra time throughout the summer.

"I think success breeds success, and we have a lot of kids that pay their dues in the weight room," Lynch said. " … There for a while we snuck up on people and now it's like we got the bull's-eye on our chest."

It's still about athletes, though, and Lynch admits he's been fortunate to have some good ones in Buffalo. This year, the team will be built around two key returning seniors in the backfield, running back Dan Long and quarterback Tyler Gibbs.

But the play of the nine guys around those two - and the play of the 11 together as a cohesive unit - will be more important than any individuals. Lynch makes sure his players know that.

"We are a family," Lynch said. "That's the one thing we try to get across. We talk about personal accountability first, and then second is being a good team member, and that's caring as much about yourself as the guy on the right and the left of you. That's where pride and tradition kicks in."

It's something Lynch and Buffalo know well.

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

Preseason Top Five

1. Buffalo: Tradition blends beautifully with athleticism, doesn't it?

2. Douglas: Athletic, explosive and experienced. Sounds like the right combo for success.

3. Cody: Reloaded Broncs have a ton of key players coming back.

4. Powell: If the Panthers can get the ball to their playmakers, watch out.

5. Jackson: Repeating as champs will be tough - but not impossible.

Also to playoffs: Wheatland, Worland, Star Valley

Preseason Class MVP

DAN LONG, Buffalo: A Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 performer last season, Long will be surrounded by a few different faces this year, most notably on the offensive line. Given the way he ran for 1,176 yards - and racked up 111 defensive points - the new faces shouldn't throw him off his game too much.

Preseason Breakout Star

CODY BOHLANDER, Douglas: Bohlander's game-breaking ability has the attention of every coach in the classification. That doesn't mean they'll be able to design a scheme to stop him.

Team Capsules

East Conference

Buffalo Bison

OUTLOOK: With a lot of talented players returning - including three all-state picks - the Bison are most everyone's preseason No. 1. Speed and senior leadership are also on Buffalo's side, but depth is a concern in some key spots.

KEY GAME: Oct. 17 at Douglas. Buffalo hasn't lost a conference game since conferences were reintroduced in 2005 - and to maintain that streak, Buffalo has to win four straight conference games in Weeks 4-8. This road game may be the toughest of the bunch.

KEY RETURNERS: Eighteen letterwinners. Dan Long, 6-1, 195, sr, RB/LB; Tyler Gibbs, 5-10, 181, sr, QB/LB; Robby Trabing, 6-2, 190, sr, TE/DE; Ryan Kinzer, 5-9, 165, sr, RB/S; Steve Iberlin, 5-11, 267, sr, C/LB; Raider Harriet, 6-2, 305, sr, OT/DT; Tyler Young, 6-1, 315, sr, OT/DT.

HEAD COACH: Pat Lynch (11th season, 19th overall)

2007: 10-1 (4-0), first in West Conference, lost to Jackson 10-6 in state championship game

Douglas Bearcats

OUTLOOK: Douglas has every reason to be optimistic, especially about its defense. Most of the starters are back and that experience will help carry the team. Offensively, there are still some question marks, but some explosive playmakers will keep the Bearcats in every game.

KEY GAME: Oct. 24 at Wheatland. The Douglas-Wheatland rivalry has been a tightly fought affair the past few years. The regular-season capper for both teams could be for a home playoff game in the first round.

KEY RETURNERS: Thirteen total starters, 35 letterwinners. Jacob Vogel, 5-10, 170, sr, WR/DB; Daniel Hancock, 6-0, 170, sr, WR/DB; Ryan Adams, 6-0, 200, sr, FB/LB; Cody Bohlander, 6-11, 175, sr, WR/DB; Steven Stevenson, 5-8, 170, sr, C/LB; Tyler Sanderson, 5-10, 200, sr, OL/DL; Shane Richendifer, 6-0, 160, sr, QB; Brent Strock, 5-10, 180, sr, RB/LB; Jonathan Studie, 6-2, 235, sr, TE/DE; Curtis Stoltenberg, 5-11, 250, sr, OL/DL.

HEAD COACH: Jay Rhoades (third season, 11-8, seventh overall, 48-21)

2007: 6-4 (3-1), second in East Conference, lost to Jackson 16-14 in state semifinals

Rawlins Outlaws

OUTLOOK: The Outlaws have some solid talent returning this season and match up well with most other elevens. However, the problem Rawlins has is depth - there isn't a whole lot. If that depth can grow throughout the season, Rawlins could notch a few surprise victories.

KEY GAME: Oct. 17 vs. Torrington. The past seven seasons, the Outlaws have a combined six victories - and two of those have been over Torrington. If a couple other dominoes fall right, Rawlins could crash the playoff party with a victory here.

KEY RETURNERS: Twelve letterwinners. Levi Gale, 5-8, 155, sr, RB/S/LB; Trey Jebens, 6-2, 210, jr, RB/LB; Karl Fagnant, 5-8, 165, sr, RB/LB; Jonathan Castillo, 5-10, 150, sr, QB/DB; Jesse Castillo, 5-6, 145, sr, TE/S/LB; Ryley Dawson, 6-1, 300, jr, OL/DL; Clayton McSpadden, 6-0, 245, sr, OL/DL; Randy Anderson, 6-0, 155, sr, WR/DB.

HEAD COACH: Travis Moore (second season)

2007: 1-7 (0-4), fifth in East Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Torrington Trailblazers

OUTLOOK: Early confidence built over the summer could be the key to a successful season for the Trailblazers. Torrington has four of its starting offensive linemen returning, which will help the team overcome a lack of experience in other areas early in the season.

KEY GAME: Sept. 26 vs. Wheatland. The Trailblazers have all four of their conference games in a row, starting with this home date against the rival Bulldogs. It's also Torrington's first game of the season against a Wyoming foe and it'll help the team learn exactly where it stands in the East.

KEY RETURNERS: Adam Sittner, 6-2, 260, sr, OL/DL; Mitch Schlager, 5-10, 175, jr, RB/LB.

HEAD COACH: Brian Harms (second season)

2007: 2-6 (1-3), fourth in East Conference, did not qualify for playoffs

Wheatland Bulldogs

OUTLOOK: Wheatland has not-so-quietly built a strong program, going from a winless season in 2004 to a 6-3 campaign last year. Several key players return from last year's team.

KEY GAME: Oct. 10 at Buffalo. The Bulldogs have a crucial three-week stretch midway through the season, finished by this road game against the Bison. Winning this one could do wonders for the season and the program.

KEY RETURNERS: Travis Geile, 5-11, 148, sr, QB/SS; Shea Goddard, 6-0, 180, sr, WR/DB; Cody Powers, 5-10, 303, sr, OT/DT.

HEAD COACH: Scott Schultz (third season, 9-10 overall)

2007: 6-3 (2-2), third in East Conference, lost to Douglas 14-7 in state quarterfinals

West Conference

Cody Broncs

OUTLOOK: Cody's strength rests in its speed - there is lots of depth and experience at the skill positions, and all the players have good speed. The offensive and defensive lines are still a concern, not because of the talent but because of the lack of experience.

KEY GAME: Sept. 26 vs. Jackson. Excluding Zero Week, Cody plays four of its first five games on the road, with the only home game scheduled against the defending Class 4A champions. If Cody survives this stretch - and in the process pulls off a few victories - it could be a threat for the top spot in the West.

KEY RETURNERS: Nine starters, 10 letterwinners. Landon Blanchard, 5-11, 171, sr, QB/DB; John Chavez, 5-5, 183, sr, OL/DL; Glen Clinton, 5-10, 168, sr, WR/DB; Eric Dinkerman, 5-6, 135, sr, WR/DB; Jeff Hinkle, 6-2, 230, sr, OL/DL; Dayton McMillan, 5-11, 183, sr, RB/LB; Casey Walbert, 5-8, 144, sr, RB/LB; Sam Werner, 5-10, 175, sr, WR/DB.

HEAD COACH: Cris Williams (eighth season, 29-44 overall)

2007: 4-6 (3-2), T-second in West Conference, lost to Jackson 38-12 in state quarterfinals

Jackson Broncs

OUTLOOK: The Broncs are coming off one of the best seasons in school history, and that success has permeated through the team. Confidence in the offensive and defensive lines and special teams will carry the team early, but experience at the varsity level is lacking at some other positions.

KEY GAME: Sept. 19 vs. Star Valley. Jackson's title defense will be tested early by the perennially tough Braves. The Broncs also have road conference games against Lander and Cody scheduled for the first half of the season.

KEY RETURNERS: Carlos Bonilla, 5-7, 145, sr, RB/DB; Greyson Buckingham, 6-2, 180, sr, QB/LB; Sean McDonald, 6-2, 180, jr, WR/DB/K; Spencer Steele, 6-1, 220, sr, OL/DL; Chase Burbank, 6-1, 190, sr, OL/DL; Jake Hanna, 6-0, 215, sr, OL/LB.

HEAD COACH: Bill Wiley (fourth season, 16-12 overall)

2007: 11-0 (5-0), first in West Conference, beat Buffalo 10-6 in state championship game

Lander Tigers

OUTLOOK: The good news is this year, the Tigers can start fresh. New coach Doug Hughes had success in Belle Fourche, S.D., before coming to Lander, and in his first year with the Tigers, he inherits a strong, experienced defense. If the offense comes along, the Tigers can be a contender.

KEY GAME: Sept. 19 at Worland. Lander's schedule does not shape up well for a team trying to break a 17-game losing streak. After starting the season against Jackson and Buffalo, the Tigers play three straight road games - kicked off by this contest at Worland.

KEY RETURNERS: Two offensive starters, six defensive starters, 17 letterwinners. Bret Klopp, 5-10, 180, sr, RB/LB; Colton Marrow, 5-11, 175, sr, OL/DL; Justin Artery, 5-7, 155, jr, RB/LB; Garrett Irene, 6-0, 140, jr, QB/DB; Brode Bullington, 5-8, 140, jr, WR/DB; Kade Brewster, 5-11, 180, jr, RB/LB.

HEAD COACH: Doug Hughes (first season, 12th overall, 64-32)

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

Powell Panthers

OUTLOOK: Powell went from state champions to 3-6 last season, so the success the Panthers have this year will depend a lot on putting last season's lessons to use.

KEY GAME: Oct. 24 at Cody. A triple-overtime loss to the Broncs last year started a slide from which the Panthers never recovered. A win in the season finale could help exorcise that memory and jump-start a run in the playoffs.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided. Anticipated to return: Gavin Mills, sr.

HEAD COACH: Jim Stringer (sixth season, 22-25, 19th overall)

2007: 3-6 (1-4), fifth in West Conference, lost to Buffalo 21-7 in state quarterfinals

Star Valley Braves

OUTLOOK: Expectations are always high in Afton, and it's up to a new coach to keep it that way.

KEY GAME: Oct. 3 at Powell. This game starts a three-game road swing for Star Valley. By the end of it, the Braves will know exactly where they stand - and what they need to do to make some noise in the postseason.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided.

HEAD COACH: Chris Howell (first season)

2007: 4-7 (3-2), T-second in West Conference, lost to Buffalo 14-7 in state semifinals

Worland Warriors

OUTLOOK: Worland's success this season will depend on an ability to play strong late in the season and avoid the late-season slide that's plagued them recently.

KEY GAME: Oct. 3 vs. Cody. October hasn't been too kind to the Warriors - they're 10-6 in non-October games but 1-11 in October the past three seasons. Obviously, winning the first game in October could do wonders for the Warriors' late-season confidence.

KEY RETURNERS: None provided.

HEAD COACH: Wade Sanford (ninth season, 49-29 overall)

2007: 5-5 (3-2), T-second in West Conference, lost to Star Valley 24-7 in state quarterfinals