Week one of the high school football season and the debut weekend for a pair of new head coaches provided an early bump in the road for both the Kenai Kardinals and the Nikiski Bulldogs, both programs dropping road games on Saturday.
South 27 – Kenai 13
The Kenai Kardinals played even with Large School opponent South Anchorage through the first half, Kenai leading 7-6; however, the Kardinals could not contain the South offense in the second half and Kenai falls to South 27-13 in a non-divisional contest.
Kenai took a 7-6 lead just before the half on a 10-yard carry by quarterback Chase Gillies. Kenai managed only one second half touchdown; a 5-yard touchdown reception for Zack Tuttle from Gillies in the fourth quarter.
For the game, Kenai rushed for only 14 total yards and completed 9 of 17 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
The Kardinals will play a second Large School opponent in week two, hosting the Service Cougars on Friday night at KCHS. Game time scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Valdez 38 – Nikiski 20
Valdez defeated the reigning Peninsula Conference champion and state Medium School runner-up on Saturday 38-20; the first victory for the Buccaneers over Nikiski in Valdez football history.
The Bucs opened a 24-6 halftime lead; Nikiski only managing a single touchdown in the first half and matched Valdez with a pair of second half touchdowns. Patrick Perry rushed for a pair of touchdowns and Tyler Olson carried for a lone touchdown.
The Bulldogs drop a conference game to Valdez on Saturday and will host a week two, non-conference game at Nikiski High on Saturday, August 20 against the Thunder Mountain Falcons. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.