The high school football regular season opened week four with divisional match-ups featuring perennial powers paired against divisional newcomers; a look at the changing landscape of Alaska football.
SoHi 62 – West Valley 18
The Soldotna Stars overpowered and ran over the West Valley Wolfpack in an anticipated showdown between SoHi and the Stars, third Fairbanks opponent. West Valley entered the game 3-0 and unbeaten in its first season in Division II football (previously played in Division I).
Welcome to Soldotna High School and the best of Division II.
The Soldotna Stars dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and held West Valley to under 100 yards through the first half while scoring on all six offensive possessions. Halftime score: SoHi 62, West Valley 6. SoHi added a kick-off fumble recovery for a touchdown to open the second half; tacked-on a touchdown pass and lead 62-6 halfway through the third quarter–time for starters to take a seat.
Soldotna scoring drives and touchdown recap
80 yard drive Hudson Metcalf 17-yd touchdown run
70 yard drive Jersey Truesdell 2-yd touchdown run
69-yard drive Aaron Faletoi 12-yard touchdown run
99 yard drive Hudson Metcalf 11 yard touchdown run
69 yard drive Wyatt Medcoff 25 yard touchdown run
25-yard drive Truedell to Medcoff 15 yard touchdown pass
Halftime Score: SoHi 62, West Valley 6
2nd Half Kick off Fumble recovery for touchdown Hudson Metcalf
76-yard drive Truedell to Galen Brantley III 33 yard touchdown pass
4th Quarter Mercy Rule
Final Score: SoHi 62, W.V. 18
SoHi amassed 22 first downs and over 525 total yards, including nearly 440 rushing yards on 48 carries.
The Stars travel to Eagle River to face the Eagle River Wolves on Saturday, September 8th. The Wolves are 3-0 in Alaska football with a contest in the Lower 48 scheduled for week four. The Wolves will be the third-straight, undefeated team for the SoHi football program.
Editorial Note: Please ASBN–Please rank Eagle River #1 in the poll for Division II football for week number five! SoHi has averaged over 55 points per game and have “mercy ruled” three-straight opponents since dropping from the Anchorage-based ASBN poll.
Nikiski 24 – Ketchikan 54
The Ketchikan Kings record a 54-24 Peninsula Conference victory over Nikiski at Nikiski High on Friday. The Kings are playing in Division III in 2018 and have a 4-0 record, Ketchikan’s best start in program history. More game details when state are available.
Photo courtesy of Soldotna Stars Football facebook page and Koral Johnson