The Soldotna Stars rushing offense made a statement in the first half recording five touchdowns in six possessions and the Stars bend-but-don’t-break defense held Anchorage’s Service High School to two touchdowns through 3 1/2 quarters in a 48-34 SoHi victory over the Division I Cougars.
The Stars youth stepped-up to the challenge, with multiple freshman pressed into key positions due to covid protocols which left the Stars short-handed, especially on the defense.
SoHi 48 – Service 34
The Stars scored on three-straight drives in the first quarter with touchdown runs by Gehret Medcoff, Wayne Mellon and a second rushing touchdown for Medcoff. SoHi kicker Zac Buckbee executed a perfect onside kick following the Stars first score, setting up the touchdown run by Mellon. SoHi lead 20-0 after one quarter.
The second quarter opened with a pair of Service rushing touchdowns, followed by two SoHi rushing touchdowns, one for Brayden Taylor and one for Medcoff. An interception by Taylor on the SoHi 1-yard line closed the first half with the Stars leading 34-12.
SoHi and Service traded interceptions early in the third quarter and the quarter ended at SoHi 34, Service 12.
The Stars opened the fourth quarter with a Brock Wilson touchdown for a 41-12 SoHi lead and added a final Medcoff touchdown with 4:27 remaining for a 48-18 lead. The Stars emptied the bench; Service scored two touchdowns and a safety. Final Score: SoHi 48, Service 34.
Gehret Medcoff recorded four rushing touchdowns and carried for over 150 yards. SoHi’s defense totaled two interceptions, twice stopped Service on downs, and forced two punts in the Cougars first seven series.
SoHi improves to 2-1 on the regular season and will face Northern Lights Conference opponent Palmer on Friday, September 10th for the Stars Homecoming game.
Kenai 2 – Houston 32
The Kenai Kardinals opened the scoring with a defensive safety for a 2-0 lead. However, the Kardinals offense failed to score in a 32-2 victory for the Houston Hawks.
The Hawks capitalized on five Kenai turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumbles. Houston has not allowed a touchdown in eight quarters against Division III teams Kenai and Nikiski.
