The Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) reclassified high school football’s three divisions in January 2018, reclassified Kenai Central to DIII in 2020, reclassified Chugiak and Wasilla to DII in 2021 and the 2022 football season is ready for the second season under the new classifications and conference alignments.
The regular season for 2020 was restricted to district-only competition (for the most part) and classifications and conferences were superseded by school district mandates.
School size is the main determining factor; as well as, transportation costs, budget constraints, school district concerns, geography and more. Schools are allowed to co-op programs like Juneau and Thunder Mountain combining to form the Juneau Huskies and play in Division I.
Football Classification Facts
Ever wonder just how large Alaska’s football playing schools are? The numbers may surprise you. Enrollment numbers are based on published enrollments from 2021 according to ASAA. (Enrollment numbers throughout the state are lower due to Covid-19 effects on school populations).
Did you know that Soldotna High School (enrollment 637) is the 7th largest school in Division II football and the 15th largest in the state. SoHi won eight-straight Division II state championships from 2012-2020.
Kenai Central moved to Division III in 2020 and is the largest school in Division III with an enrollment of 380.
Enrollment numbers are provided from asaa.org/member schools (2021 enrollment).
Division II Football
West Valley 897
Lathrop 846 2021 State Champions
Wasilla 773
Eagle River 768
Chugiak 760
Palmer 664
SoHi 637 2012-2019 State Champions
Kodiak 611
North Pole 511
Division III Football
Kenai 380
Homer 365 (plus Voznesenka players) co-op
Houston 320 2019 State Champion
Redington 305 2021 State Champions
Barrow 287 2017 State Champion
Eielson 184 2018 State Champion
Nikiski 163
Seward 147
Valdez 156
Monroe 100
Division I Football
East 1710 2018 & 2021 State Champion
West 1754
Dimond 1383
Service 1474
Bartlett 1334 2017 State Champion
South 1203 2019 State Champion
Juneau/Thunder Mountain 1134 co-op
Colony 1015
