Crimson Bears put on big show in home opener with 41-22 win over East Anchorage

JDHS jumps out to 28-0 lead in second quarter, coasts to easy win behind 3 TDs by Ethan Van Kirk

Ricky Tupou (77), a senior lineman for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, carries the ball after gathering a fumble from a teammate during a home game against Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Field on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This is a developing story, with full game coverage and photos to come.

The Crimson Bears were hot in their home opener Saturday as they controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage in a 41-22 victory over Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School.

Junior running back Ethan Van Kirk put on a scorching performance with three touchdown runs, including an 81-yarder to cap off a 99½-yard drive after the visiting Thunderbirds were stuffed on a goal-line stand late in the second quarter. That run gave Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé a 28-0 lead with 4:20 left in the first half and the Crimson Bears coasted to a win to even their season record at 1-1.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.

Ethan Van Kirk (3), lands upside down in the end zone after getting tripped up while scoring the first of his three touchdowns for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé during a home game against Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Field on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)