The Homer Mariners will get a shot at revenge against the undefeated Houston Hawks in the ASAA Division III State Football Championship Game, advancing to the title game with a 54-20 victory over Nikiski in Saturday’s semi-final playoff game at Nikiski High School.
Homer 54 – Nikiski 20
The Mariner’s offense scored touchdowns on its first eight possessions and the Homer defense held Nikiski on downs four times while allowing only one touchdown in the first three quarters. Homer also forced two fumbles and two interceptions on four-straight Nikiski possessions.
The Mariners scored three rushing touchdowns in the span of ten minutes to open a 22-0 lead over Nikiski; all three scored by quarterback Carter Tennison (18 yards, 13 yards and 13 yards). Nikiski’s Dwyght Mullins broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run to draw the Bulldogs to 21-8. Tennison continued his dominance with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Luke Hansen; a 6-yard touchdown run and a 46-yard touchdown run for a 42-8 halftime lead for the Mariners.
Homer opened the third quarter with a 48-yard touchdown run by Chris Martishev and a 10-yard touchdown run by Tennison. The third quarter ended 54-8 Mariners.
Nikiski scored a pair of late touchdowns; a 34-yard run for Sam Yerkes and an 8-yard run for Braeden Porter. Final Score: Homer 54 – Nikiski 20.
For the game Carter Tennison recorded six rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown and one interception on defense.
The Homer Mariners advance to the 2022 ASAA Division III State Football Championship Game to face the Houston Hawks on Saturday, October 15th at Service High School in Anchorage.
The Hawks advance with a 40-0 victory over Barrow in Friday night’s semi-final game at Houston. Houston is undefeated with a 9-0 record in 2022.