The Eielson Ravens and Nikiski Bulldogs own all six of the Small School Football state championships since 2011; Eielson with four titles and Nikiski with two championships and three runner-up finishes.
Friday, The Bulldogs and Ravens met in a Division III, non-conference contest, the final one for each team before they both close the regular season next week with pivotal conference games to determine playoff berths.
Eielson 27 – Nikiski 7
The Eielson Ravens survived four turnovers to record a 27-7 victory over the Bulldogs.
Eielson scored on their second drive of the game on a 47-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Payton DeVaughn to Jeriniah Brown to take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Nikiski answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Cody Handley to tie the game at 7-7.
Eielson added two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter for a 21-7 lead at the half.
Nikiski’s final drive at the half ended on a missed field goal and its first drive of the third quarter ended on an interception on the Raven 8-yard line. Close but no points.
Ravens win 27-7. Eielson coach Dave DeVaughn records his 117th coaching victory and stands in fourth on the Alaska all-time wins list.
