JDHS seniors to get tributes before taking to gridiron for final home game
- Klas Stolpe
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Crimson Bears football hosts Colony at 7 p.m. Saturday as teams fight for playoff positioning
By Klas Stolpe
Juneau Independent
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears football team will honor their senior players in their final home game as they host Cook Inlet Conference foe Colony Knights on Saturday at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Field.
“Really well-coached team,” JDHS coach Rich Sjoroos said of Colony. “They are similar to us in the sense we are both in the middle of the conference standings. At this point, it’s all about finding ways to be playing your best football over the next few weeks.”
JDHS is 2-3 in the conference and 2-4 overall, while Colony is 1-4 CIC and 2-4 overall.
“They are explosive offensively and have scored the second-most points in our conference,” Sjoroos said. “They throw lots of variety at you, so lots to prepare for. We’ve had a solid week of preparation and are looking forward to the challenge.”
Colony is averaging 24.4 points per game in the CIC, second only to South Anchorage’s 26.4. Colony also allows a league-leading 31 points per game. JDHS is averaging 19.2 points (fourth best) and allowing 22.2 (third highest).
Among common opponents on the season, JDHS defeated Bettye Davis East Anchorage (1-4 CIC/1-5 OA) 41-22 in week two and Colony topped the Thunderbirds 42-20 in week one. JDHS defeated Dimond (1-4 CIC/1-5 OA) last week 15-14, while Colony lost to the Lynx 25-22 in week five. JDHS lost to Service (3-2 CIC/ 4-2 OA) 19-12 week one and Colony lost to the Cougars 27-13 week two. JDHS lost to South Anchorage (4-1 CIC/5-1 OA) 29-28 week five and Colony fell to the Wolverines 48-29 week six.
“It will be our senior night, so it adds to the emotion for those players that it most likely will be their last game on that field,” Sjoroos said. “Both teams have been in several close games this year so I expect this one to be the same.”
West Anchorage (5-0 CIC/6-0 OA) leads the conference, South is second, and Bartlett (3-2 CIC/3-2 OA) third, Service fourth, JDHS fifth, East sixth, Dimond seventh and Colony eighth. JDHS plays at West to end the regular season while Colony faces Bartlett. JDHS fell to Bartlett 27-0 week three. West and Bartlett play this weekend, South faces Dimond and Service plays East.
Coach Rich Sjoroos commented on his senior team members including manager Zoe Mahle.
“Zoe has been incredibly dedicated to helping the team over the past couple seasons,” he said. “Lots of rainy nights and she always has a positive attitude. Great team manager.”
Of senior wide receiver/defensive back Noah Ault (number 0) he said, “Noah has been our big play guy this season. Played with us for all four years of high school. Absolute joy to coach and it has been great to see him really explode his senior season. Noah has great speed and elusiveness.”
Of senior tight end/linebacker Alex Marx-Beierly (4) he said, “Alex is one of the most respectful players I’ve had. He always has a positive attitude and is willing to play any position to help the team.”
Of senior quarterback/defensive back Daniel Campbell (8) he said, “Daniel has taken on a much bigger role this season. He worked hard to put himself in a position to share the quarterback duties. He has also been a lock down defensive back and sure tackler on the edges.”
Of senior running back/wide receiver/linebacker Mati Iona (18) he said, “Mati has become a dual-threat running back and receiver, to go along with being a starting linebacker. One of our most versatile athletes and creates matchup problems for the opposition.”
Of senior running back/linebacker Gunnar Niere (33) he said, “Gunnar is our extra defensive coach on the field. He knows where everyone should be and can diagnose the opposing formation as fast and accurate as anyone I have ever coached. Just an overall tough, smart football player.”
Of senior offensive/defensive end Hyrum Fish (52) he said, “Hyrum is another player that put aside personal glory to help the team. He moved to the offensive line and has been one of our steadiest players. Also done a tremendous job at defensive end. Has a motor that doesn’t stop.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Walter Haube-Law (53) he said, “Walter has been a three-year starter on the offensive line. As solid as they come, and is willing to take on any challenge. He can play multiple positions.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Jonah Mahle (66) he said, “Jonah has evolved into one of the best centers we’ve had. His ability to snap to angles in bad weather does not go unnoticed. Very smart player and coachable.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Jace Kihlmire (68) he said, “Jace has been a fun guy to coach and he always shows support for his team and teammates. He gives his best effort each day and is willing to take on any role.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Kyle Carter (71) he said, “Kyle has developed into one of our best offensive lineman. He put an incredible amount of work in during the offseason, and it has translated into a great senior season. He has been a three-year starter and will definitely be missed.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Brandon Duran (76) he said, “Brandon has really come on his senior season. He has improved a lot and is looking to make an impact on the defensive line down the stretch. His effort in practice has raised the level of play of teammates around him.”
Of senior offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Tupou (77) he said, “Ricky is one of the top lineman in the state. He has excelled on both sides of the ball. An All-State returner, Ricky has played all four years of high school. Just an absolute joy to coach and his play will be used as a positive example for years to come.”
Senior football cheerleaders Faith Montez and Avery Cornett-Markey will also be recognized.
The varsity kickoff is set for 7 p.m., but senior appreciation will be at 6:15 p.m. following the 4 p.m. junior varsity game.
• Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@gmail.com.
