Looking at the past present and future of high school football in the Last Frontier.
Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
Best Player: Alex Fagerstrom, WR, Juneau Douglas
The reigning All-State Offensive Player of the Year at wide receiver also is a playmaker in the secondary for Juneau Douglas. Returning state leaders - Passing: Sam McKinstry (West Valley) 72 of 148 for 1,300 yards, 6 TDs.
Top All-Time Player: Mark Schlereth, OL, Robert Service
Schlereth graduated from Robert Service High School in 1984, and enjoyed a fine career playing at Idaho. He was eventually drafted by the Redskins, where he won a Super Bowl in 1992. He also went on to capture two more Super Bowl victories with the Denver Broncos. Schlereth is now a football analyst for ESPN.
2008 Must Watch: Juneau-Douglas vs. Lake Oswego (Ore.)
Juneau-Douglas will have its work cut out for itself. Not only are they traveling over 2,000 miles, but the Crimson Bears will be taking on a Lake Oswego team whose only loss was a one point defeat in the 6A title against against Sheldon. A win by Juneau-Douglas would go a long way towards propelling Alaska towards the national spotlight.
One the Throne: Soldotna
The defending small school state champion Soldotna Stars have won 19 consecutive games and will be shooting for their third consecutive state title. The Stars’ hopes for a three-peat rest on the shoulders of the talented Anthony Griglione, a two way star who can impact a game at quarterback or in the secondary.
Best Rivalry: Palmer vs. Wasilla
This year’s edition of the “Potato Bowl” will be the 30th annual contest between the two southern Alaska schools. Last year, Wasilla edged Palmer 36-35, thanks to Derek Cottle Bosch’s go-ahead extra point with 25 seconds remaining. The loss snapped Palmer’s five game winning streak in the Potato Bowl.
Future Star: Eric Hagerstrom, Juneau Douglas
Wide receiver Eric Hagerstrom, brother of standout Alex, has all the tools to enjoy a similarly epic career at Juneau Douglas.
Fun Fact
In Alaska, the country’s largest state, traveling for an away game can sometimes be even more difficult than playing the game itself. Especially when it comes to playoff time, traveling can mean long hours and expensive trips. In a testament to how much they care about football, players themselves are often responsible for fundraising to help pay for team trips.
MaxPreps Preseason All-State Team
WR – Alex Fagerstrom, Juneau-Douglas
WR – Max Harvey, Eagle River
WR – David Eastman, West Valley
TE – Josh Kaiwi, West Anchorage
OL – Patxi Colbern, South Anchorage
OL – Lawrence Fenumiai, Juneau-Douglas
OL – Andy Higgins, South
OL – Jackson Collins, North Pole
OL – Brown Faaaliga, Service
QB – Adrese LaVern, Wasilla
QB – Sam McKinstry, West Valley
RB – Jamal Hale, Bartlett
RB – Silver Maake, Juneau-Douglas
RB – Nate Wilson, Juneau
ATH – Anthony Griglione, Soldotna
K – Amanda Dotten, Service
DL – Chris Krieg, Colony
DL – Angelo Bellotte, Colony
DL – Anu Poleo, East Anchorage
DL – Jordan Lagrone, South Anchorage
LB – Leo Aukusitino, Service
LB – Matt Higgins, South Anchorage
LB – Mitch Swetzoff, Palmer
LB – Gino Paoetti, Colony
LB – Lee Jones, North Pole
DB – Fatai Shittu, Bartlett
DB – Lincoln Maka, Juneau Douglas
DB – Steven Wright, North Pole
DB – James Rogers, Valdez
P – Patrick Dye, Eagle River
State Preview Video
