As the 2025 high school football season approaches in Alaska, excitement builds around a sport that embodies community spirit and passionate competition throughout the northwestern state.
Despite being less recognized for producing NFL prospects, Alaska’s high school football scene captivates with its hard-nosed style of play and memorable games.
According to the On3 Massey Ratings, which evaluates teams based on game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margins of victory, the following are the top 25 high school football teams in Alaska heading into the new season.
Leading the pack is the Soldotna Stars, a perennial powerhouse in Alaska football.
Since the introduction of a three-division format in 2012, Soldotna has consistently been a force, capturing or finishing as runner-up in the Division 2 state championship.
Last season, they redeemed an earlier loss to Lathrop by defeating the Malamutes in the championship game, cementing their status as a dominant team in Alaska.
Under the leadership of head coach Galen Brantley, who has become the state’s winningest high school football coach, Soldotna aims for its 15th state championship this year.
Key players to watch include two-way lineman Koda Lepule, offensive lineman Eli Brantley, running back Andon Wolverton, defensive back Matthew Schilling, and quarterback Owen Buckbee.
Coming in at a close second are the West Anchorage Eagles.
After a strong showing last season, where they reached the championship game before falling to Dimond 14-7, the Eagles look to capitalize on their progress.
A six-game winning streak highlighted their 2024 season, notably featuring a playoff victory over their rivals, East Anchorage, with a score of 34-14.
In the third position, the Lathrop Malemutes have become Soldotna’s fiercest challengers in recent years.
Lathrop has demonstrated resilience following a rocky start last season with a 1-4 record.
The Malemutes finished strong with a 6-5 record, including a notable victory over Soldotna that snapped the Stars’ regular-season winning streak.
Fourth in the rankings are the Dimond Lynx, fresh off an undefeated season in 2024 that culminated in their fourth state championship.
Quarterback Cayden Pili is back to lead a potent offense alongside wide receiver Corde Bates, running back Abraham Tauanuu, and tight end Carter Woodhead, making them a formidable contender.
The East Anchorage Thunderbirds rank fifth, seeking to end a seven-year championship drought.
The Thunderbirds started the previous season with strong momentum but faced a disappointing semifinal loss to West Anchorage.
With players like running back Peniamina Prince Siliato and wide receivers LJ Smallwood, Matthew Jackson, and James Anaruk spearheading the offensive unit, they aim to reclaim glory this fall.
Currently sitting sixth, the Bartlett Golden Bears are also on a quest to regain their championship stature, last winning a title seven years ago.
Bartlett had a respectable 2024 season with a 6-4 record, reaching the semifinals before falling to the eventual champions, Dimond.
For Bartlett to contend this season, standout performances from running back Simeon Alailefaleula, wide receiver Juhzeel Ewing-Batista, and tight end Jairus Mua will be crucial.
Seventh in the rankings, the Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears have experienced ups and downs, transitioning from a dominant force in 2021 and 2022 to struggling in recent seasons.
As excitement builds in the state capital, fans remain hopeful that Juneau-Douglas will return to its winning form.
The South Anchorage Wolverines, ranked eighth, are eager to build on a season that saw them finish stronger than in previous years.
Despite a tough start in 2024, improvements throughout the season culminated in a fifth-place conference finish, their best since 2020.
Ninth, the Eagle River Wolves look to rebound from an uncharacteristic losing season.
With standout player Nolan Beaty leading the charge, they aim to make a return to winning ways and push for a deep playoff run.
Service Cougars round out the top ten.
Once a powerhouse in the 1990s, Service has faced challenges in recent years but remains competitive, having reached the Division 1 championship game in 2019.
Losing their key quarterback Jonathon Tautua will pose challenges, but the team is focused on reestablishing its strength.
As the teams get ready for the 2025 season, anticipation mounts for thrilling matchups and spirited competitions across the state.
With the season just around the corner, fans are eager to see how these programs develop and which players will shine in pursuit of state championship glory.
image source from：on3
