The 2014 ASAA First National Bowl, the state championships for high school football in both the Medium and Small School divisions, will feature a pair of games on Saturday, October 17th at Dimond High’s Alumni Field.
The reigning state champions in the Medium School division, Soldotna Stars and the reigning state champions in the Small School division, Nikiski Bulldogs will defend those titles Saturday. The Medium School championship game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and the Small School championship game is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
Medium School Championship Game: SoHi vs North Pole
The Soldotna Stars will strive for a three-peat in the Medium School division on Saturday as SoHi will battle North Pole in the 12:30 p.m. game at Dimond’s Alumni Field.
The Soldotna Stars have developed a balanced offensive attack, based on a power run game and enhanced by a solid passing game. The Stars running game is lead by Drew Gibbs, who scored three rushing touchdowns in SoHi’s victory over Juneau in the semi-final playoff game. Quarterback Brooks Furlong has passed for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The North Pole Patriots feature multiple sets and personnel groups and have shown depth in offense and defense. Quarterback Andrew Rogers leads the Patriot in both rushing and passing yards and SoHi’s defense will be called-on to contain the speed of the Patriots.
The Stars are 28-0 since 2012 and with a win Saturday will tie the state’s longest win streak (held by SoHi).
SoHi vs North Pole 12:30 p.m. ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
Small School Championship Game: Nikiski vs Eielson
The Nikiski Bulldogs, 2013 state champions, will battle the Eielson Ravens, 2012 state champions, in the 2014 Small School division championship game at 4:00 p.m. at Dimond’s Alumni Field.
The Nikiski Bulldogs have proven an ability to move the football on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Cade Anderson leads the passing attack with 1267 passing yards on the season. Christian Riddall is Nikiski’s top rusher. Anderson passed for four touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 48-0 victory over Seward in last week’s playoff game.
Eielson defeated Nikiski in the regular season on the strength of a state rushing record 516 yards and eight touchdowns for Anthony Griffith. The Bulldog defense will have to contain Griffith for Nikiski to win a second-straight Small School championship.
Nikiski vs Eielson 4:00 p.m. ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
