The 2014 Small Schools Football Championship featured the top programs in Small School football, the undefeated Eielson Ravens and the reigning 2013 champion Nikiski Bulldogs.
In a game filled with momentum swings, the Eielson Ravens held-on for the 2014 championship with a 55-51 victory on Saturday at Dimond’s Alumni Field.
Eielson Ravens 55 – Nikiski Bulldogs 51
In a game filled with offensive, momentum swings and a second half eerily familiar to the regular season meeting; The Eielson Ravens hold-off a second half charge by the Bulldogs for the 55-51 victory.
Eielson controlled play early, building a 19-0 advantage early in the second quarter. Following a first quarter that saw the Bulldogs first three drives end on downs, an interception and a punt; Nikiski scored its first touchdown on an 18-yard run by Christian Riddall, the first of seven touchdowns for Riddall.
The Bulldogs trailed 25-14 at the half, with Riddall adding a 1-yard TD run midway through the second quarter.
Nikiski senior Christian Riddall carried for five, second half touchdowns; however, the Ravens scored four rushing touchdowns in the second half. Nikiski closed to 55-51 late in the fourth quarter; however, the Ravens were able to run-out the clock for the 2014 Small School championship.
For the game, Riddall rushed for seven touchdowns, a championship game record, and totaled 256 rushing yards. The Bulldogs and Ravens carried the ball for over 800 yards and combined for nearly 1000 yards of offense.
The Nikiski Bulldogs have played in the Small Schools championship game in each of the past four years (the division was re-aligned in 2011) and have twice won the championship and twice finished as runner-up.
