Crimson Bears use big 4th quarter to get past Hawks

WASILLA — Houston held an early lead and the advantage at the half, but Juneau-Douglas managed to put together a late rally.

The Crimson Bears scored 13 fourth-quarter points and posted a 27-20 nonconference win over the Hawks Friday night at Houston High School.

“The defense looking really good. We’ve still got some growing pains on offense,” Hawks head coach Glenn Nelson said by cell phone Saturday morning.

Terry Hershman connected with Robert Ritter on touchdown pass to give the Hawks the early lead. Noah Plumb rushed for a touchdown for Houston. The Hawks also scored on defense. Jaydon Elson recovered a fumble for a touchdown, Nelson said.

Friday’s contest marked Houston’s first meeting against Juneau-Douglas in school history. Juneau-Douglas is now a Division II program in Alaska, in a class formerly called medium-schools. The Bears were once a large-schools state power, winning state titles in 2005 and 2007.

“They don’t have the numbers they normally do, but they do have good-sized linemen and great speed,” Nelson said of the Bears.

Houston is a Division III program, small-schools by the old definition. Prior to the season, ASAA changed the way it labeled its three classes for football.

Based on Friday’s performance, Nelson said there are certainly things Houston needs to work on. He praised the work of his offensive line, particularly senior Reed Graham, who saw his first game action after suffering a major knee injury in basketball as a junior. Nelson also noted Dylan Jackson’s work at left tackle. Jackson is a newcomer to the program.

Overall, Nelson said it’s back to work for the Hawks.

“We’ll get them coached up and head forward into the next game,” Nelson said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com