{gallery}04_02_09/soccer{/gallery}Powell High School defender Tyler Webber takes the ball up the sideline against Torrington last weekend. The Panthers debuted at the number three position in the first 3A soccer poll of the season. Tribune photo by Don Amend Teams host Pinedale on Saturday The season is young, but the Powell High School boys' soccer team is already breaking new ground. After a 4-0-1 start to the year, the Panthers find themselves ranked third in the first WyoPreps coaches' and media poll of the year. Defending state champion Cody, undefeated at 5-0 this season, holds down the top spot in the 3A poll after receiving 204 votes. Buffalo (4-0) is second with 174 votes.

The Panthers share third place with Lander (2-1). Both schools scored an identical 84 votes from the rating committee. Worland (2-3) rounds out the season's first poll with 54 votes.

On the girls' side, Jackson (2-0-1) earned all but two first-place votes to easily out-distance the rest of 3A with 192 votes. Defending state champion Cody (3-0) was a distant second with 138 points, followed by Buffalo (3-1, 132), Lander (3-0, 84) and Worland (2-3, 72).

Both Powell High School soccer teams are expected to be in action this Saturday against Pinedale. For Panther girls' head coach Brad Hammond, Saturday's contest against the Wranglers (0-3) represents more than just an opportunity to register the season's first win. It will also be the team's first action since the season-opening jamboree on March 21.

“I'm just hoping we can play,” said Powell head girls coach Brad Hammond, alluding to the fact that, due to spring break, the Panthers aren't scheduled to play again until April 16.

For the Panther boys, Saturday's contest is a chance to avenge the team's only non-win of the season. Pinedale played the Panthers to a 1-1 deadlock at the season-opening jamboree, but that contest was played under shortened time constraints.

Powell has averaged seven goals per game in each of its full-length contests this season.