11 starters return from 9-1 team

PALMER — With its top-ranked defense and the state’s leading rusher, the Palmer Moose stormed through the 2012 season. The Moose won nine straight games, captured their first conference title since 2003 and finished with only a single blemish on their record.

But that loss came as Palmer stood just a victory shy of the state championship game.

Now as the Moose, who return five starters on offense and six on defense, head into the new season, Palmer is hungry for another run deep into the postseason.

“We return a good core,” longtime head coach Rod Christiansen said.

The Palmer offense earned a lot of attention last season, averaging 310 yards rushing and 34 points per game in 2012. But the Moose defense was as stout as just about any team in the state. Palmer led the Railbelt in scoring defense, allowing only 15 points per game. Palmer allowed seven or fewer points in four games, and 16 or less in eight of 10 contests.

Palmer also allowed less than 150 yards rushing seven times and less than 100 yards passing in three games.

Nearly half the starters from that unit return. Defensive linemen Nick Benshetler and Brian Thompson, linebackers Cody Wells and Ben Aumavae, and defensive backs James Nisbett and Vincent Aumavae all return.

Nisbett was also among the state’s top players on offense last season. As a junior, Nisbett led all large-schools runners with 1,555 yards and 22 touchdowns. Nisbett rushed for more than 100 yards eight times, more than 200 yards four times and posted a career-high 305 yards during a Potato Bowl win over Wasilla.

“He looks like last year, maybe even a little bit better, and he was awful good last year,” Christiansen said of Nisbett. “He had a great year. He’s a little more motivated, as a senior, ready to pick it right back up.”

Vincent Aumavae, now a senior, also finished among Valley rushing leaders as a junior, with 510 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for a career-high 214 yards during a win over Lathrop.

“Vincent will be more of a part of the offense,” Christiansen said.

Ben Aumavae, another senior, will also join the rotation in the backfield.

“We’re excited to be able to mix it up a little bit,” Christiansen said.

Palmer did graduate its starting quarterback from 2012, Cameron Christiansen, who finished with 666 yards passing and nine touchdowns. Senior Zeth Merritt has inherited the role, and will line up behind center when the Moose open the season against Bartlett tonight. Merritt, a varsity fullback last year, also has experience as a junior varsity quarterback.

“He has good game awareness and knows our offense inside and out,” Christiansen said.

Palmer also returns more than half its starting offensive line. Senior Caleb Deemer and juniors Nick Benshetler and Ben Button are back to lead Palmer’s charge up front. Junior Adam Christiansen will move into the starting center spot, and Thompson will play offensive tackle.

Like every team in the Valley, Palmer is presented with a tough road through the regular season.

“We have a challenging schedule,” Christiansen said.

Palmer opens the season against Bartlett tonight at 7 p.m. at Machetanz Field. The Golden Bears were winless in 2012, but expected to be much improved this season.

The Moose open Railbelt play next week against West Valley in Fairbanks, and return home to host a team from Woodinville, Wash., in Week 4.

Head coach: Rod Christiansen

2012 finish: 9-1 (6-0 in Railbelt)

Key returners: James Nisbett, Sr., RB/DB; Vincent Aumavae, Sr., RB/DB; Ben Aumavae, Sr., RB/LB; Brian Thompson, Sr., OL/DL.

Key losses: Cameron Christiansen, QB; Dylan Myers, WR/DB; Cole Frohling, OL/DL; Luke Heun, RB/DB