Expect another hard-hitting season from South (Anchorage), as the Wolverines are our pick to overtake Service as the state's top team this season mainly due in part to Service graduating key players in the trenches.
File photo by Carl Auer
1. South (Anchorage)2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: John Lewis
The Wolverines' only two losses to Alaska teams last year were both to Service, but South made up some ground over a 48-13 regular season loss with a 37-23 defeat in the state championship matchup. South is solid on the offensive line with returning all-state players
Jaramie Augafa and
Justin Moore, and the defense should also be outstanding with all-state linebacker
Dalton Sauder and defensive back
Dante Williams. South also has the state's best tight end in
Louis Page and one of the best kicking games with
Griffin Toomey. South is also included in the
Alaska state football champions for the past 11 years list.
2. Service (Anchorage)2011 finish: 10-0-1
Head coach: Numi Ilalio
The defending state-champion Cougars have a distinct advantage over other Alaska schools thanks to the return of all-state first team quarterback
Viliamu Aukusitino, who passed for 2,396 yards and rushed for 1,008. Service will need to replace some all-state linemen in order to protect Aukusitino, the state's Offensive Player of the Year, but it has a strong group returning on the other side of the ball in all-state defenders
Mathew Ilalio (DB),
Erich Pili (DE) and
Hiapo McCandless (OLB). There is also a big change, as
coach Jason Caldarera stepped down. Service also can boast that it had
Alaska's lone Division 1 signee last season.
3. West (Anchorage)2011 finish: 5-5
Head coach: Tim Davis
After finishing 5-5 last season, look for the Eagles to improve on that mark behind a talented group of returning all-state skill players
Conor Feckley (QB),
Marcel Dion (WR) and
Lincoln Tulimasealii (RB). Feckley threw for 2,541 yards and 25 scores while Dion is the state's top returning receiver with 58 catches for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Tightening up on defense will be coach Tim Davis' biggest concern after giving up 275 points last season. West players featured prominently on the
2011 Alaska All-State and All-League teams.
4. Juneau-Douglas2011 finish: 8-2
Head coach: Rich Sjoroos
The Crimson Bears figure to be the top team coming out of the Northern Railbelt Conference after finishing in a three-way tie for first place with Wasilla and West Valley. Juneau-Douglas returns
Philip Fenumiai at quarterback and also has one of the state's most exciting players in junior receiver and return specialist
Demetrius Campos. Another thing in Juneau-Douglas' favor: The Crimson Bears top
Alaska's Top 10 most consistent programs list.
5. Soldotna2011 finish: 8-1
Head coach: Galen Brantley
The top medium-school program in the state, the Stars stumbled in the first round of the playoffs last year, losing to Kenai Central to ruin an unbeaten season. Nevertheless, Soldotna is 57-5 over the last six years with four state championships. Coach Galen Brantley will look to return to the state finals this year with returning quarterback
Noah Fowler, along with receiver
Colton Young, guard
Jarrett Urban, running back
Reid Schmelzenbach, lineman
Troy Streiff and kicker
Cameron Grothe. Soldotna also heads the list of the
Top 10 Alaska football dynasties.
