Perennial powers in Alaska high school football prepare for the 2017 football season; Soldotna, Kenai and Nikiski, all past state champions, are readying for the opening weekend of the gridiron season.
Soldotna High School Stars
The Soldotna Stars football program, under the direction of head coach Galen Brantley, embarks on its season-long journey to a sixth-straight Medium School football championship and its immediate defense of a state-record, 49-game consecutive victory streak.
The Stars, under 10-year head coach Brantley, have won eight state championships in ten years and have amassed an overall record of 97-5.
Season Opener
The Stars will open the regular season against the Large School state football runner-up from 2016, the West High Eagles on Friday, August 11th at West High School. For a third-straight year, a pairing featuring the Medium School Champion Stars vs Large School football champion or runner-up (SoHi defeat reigning Large School champion South to open 2015 football season; defeated Large School champion West to open 2016 football season).
2016 SoHi Football Recap: The Soldotna Stars football program recorded its 49th straight victory with a 49-13 win in the 2016 ASAA First National Bowl Medium School Football Championship, defeating the Palmer Moose 49-13.
SoHi notched a fifth-straight, Medium School Football Championship; completed a 10-0 undefeated season; and extended current win streak to 49 games. The current win streak ranks fourth in the nation at the start of the 2017 high school football season, Kimberly, Wisconsin holds the top spot with 56 wins.
The Stars defeated four Large School opponents in 2016 including the Large School champion East Anchorage and runner-up West Anchorage.
Kenai Central High School Kardinals
The Kenai Kardinals under the direction of head coach Ted Riddall open with a new staff and a new look for Kenai football. Riddell is new to the Kenai sideline but well-respected in Alaska football having lead the Nikiski Bulldogs from 2007 through 2015; Nikiski earning Small School state championships in 2011 and 2013.
Kenai football finished as runner-up at the 2015 Medium School Football Championships and won the Medium School title in 2011. Kenai also owns five Small School football championships from 2002-2009.
Season Opener
The Kardinals season opener will be a scrimmage against the Nikiski Bulldogs on Friday, August 11th at KCHS. The Bulldogs will forfeit the varsity contest due to lack of eligible players. Kenai’s second week opponent will be the North Pole Patriots at North Pole on Friday, August 18th.
2016 Football Recap: The Kardinals, following a runner-up finish at the 2015 Medium School Football Championships, missed the playoff for the first time since the Medium School division was created. The Kardinals finished 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the Northern Lights Conference.
Nikiski High Bulldogs
The Nikiski Bulldogs, with second-year head coach Paul Nelson, will open the football season a little short-handed and will forfeit their first contest against Kenai on Friday. The Bulldogs advanced to the Small School football playoffs in 2016 and had played in five straight Small Schools championship games leading to the 2016 season. Nikiski won the Small School Football Championship in 2011 and 2013, adding to the Bulldogs’ state titles in 2000 and 2001.
Season Opener
The Bulldogs open the regular season at KCHS on Friday with a scrimmage night with the Kardinals. The scrimmage is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start time. The Bulldogs will host Monroe on Saturday, August 18th in their Peninsula Conference opener.
2016 Football Recap: The Nikiski Bulldogs, following a Peninsula Conference championship in 2015 with an undefeated conference season, finished #2 in the Peninsula Conference and fell to the Eielson Ravens in the first-round of the Small Schools football championships. The Bulldogs finished 4-4 overall and 3-1 in the conference for 2016.
High School Football: Week One Game Schedule
Friday, August 11th
Soldotna High vs West Anchorage High @ West High School 7:00 p.m.
ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com Pregame begins at 6:45 p.m.
