The two most productive offenses and the two stingiest defenses in Division II football for 2022 matched wits and brute force in the 2022 ASAA Division II State Football Championship Game on Saturday at Service High School.
The Lathrop Malemutes with two, third quarter touchdowns, outscored the Soldotna Stars 21-18 in the championship battle. The difference in the score being three missed extra-point attempts for SoHi; two PAT kicks and one 2-point conversion. Both team scored two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.
Game Summary
The Stars defense opened with an interception by Brayden Taylor leading to a Colin Peck 1-yard touchdown run and a 6-0 SoHi advantage (missed PAT). SoHi recovered a Lathrop fumble on the Malemutes next possession; however, three penalties forced the Stars to punt. Lathrop answered with a 91-yard touchdown run by Tyler Clooten (PAT) and a 7-6 Lathrop lead.
On the next drive, SoHi scored on a 50-yard run by Peck for a 12-7 (unsuccessful 2-pt. conversion) Star halftime advantage.
Lathrop scored twice in the third quarter; an 8-yard pass to Earl Parker (PAT) and a 9-yard run by Cherub Adeniran (PAT).
Following a second interception by Taylor, the Stars mounted an 85-yard touchdown drive capped by a 2-yard pass from Zac Buckbee to Luke Miller (missed PAT) with 1:09 remaining. The Malemutes went to the victory formation for the 21-18 victory and a second-straight Division II football championships for Lathrop.
Final Score: Lathrop 21 – SoHi 18
More game details to follow…
