The Barrow Whalers controlled the football and controlled the game against Kenai recording a 28-12 victory over Kardinals and earning the #3 seed into the Division III football state playoffs.
Barrow’s offense dominated time of possession and totaled nearly three times number of plays from scrimmage, as the Whalers rushed for over 250 yards on nearly 60 attempts and Kenai was held to under 20 rushing attempts and under 20 total rushing yards. The Kardinals found limited success in the passing game completing 6 of 12 for nearly 100 yards.
Barrow opened a 22-0 halftime lead with a pair of rushing touchdowns and an interception return for a touchdown; Barrow’s defense stopping Kenai at the Whalers 1-yard line to post a scoreless first half for Kenai.
The Kardinals defense lead Kenai’s second half comeback as Kenai closed to 22-12. Carnell Gump returned a fumble recovery 66 yards for Kenai first score; Kenai then recover a Barrow kick-off fumble and converted a Bridger Beck to Reagan Graves 25-yard touchdown pass to close to 22-12. The Kardinals defense then gave the Kenai offense another opportunity with a Rey Perez interception; however, Kenai’s drive staled. Barrow closed with a final drive which drained nearly nine minutes and resulted in a final Barrow touchdown for a 28-12 Whaler victory.
Barrow advances to the Division III football playoff to face the undefeated Houston Hawks in the DIII semi-finals this weekend at Houston High School. The Nikiski Bulldogs will host the Homer Mariners on Saturday, October 8th in the other DIII semi-final game.
