Knights, Moose move up in ASBN poll

PALMER — The Colony Knights got the win last Friday night, edging the Palmer Moose 32-28, but both teams have moved up in the latest Alaska Sports Broadcasting Network Prep Football Poll.

The Knights, who clinched the Railbelt Conference title with the win over Palmer, rose two spots on the large-schools list and are ranked third. Palmer, left out of the poll in recent weeks, is ranked fifth.

The Moose, who host Wasilla Friday in the annual Potato Bowl, also clinched a playoff berth despite the loss to the Knights. West Valley’s 18-7 win over Wasilla last Friday eliminated the Warriors from playoff consideration and guaranteed Palmer one of the Railbelt’s four spots.

West Anchorage stayed undefeated with a 20-3 win over Dimond and continues its stay at the top of the large-schools list. Service stays at No. 2 after a lopsided win over defending state champion Bartlett. Juneau-Douglas is ranked fourth after a 24-21 loss to Mount Vernon (Wash.).

Soldotna’s big win over fifth-ranked Eielson kept the Stars (7-0) at the top of the small schools poll. Thunder Mountain (7-0) is back in second. Kenai (5-2) and Skyview (5-2) each moved up a spot and are ranked third and fourth, respectively. Eielson (5-2) dropped from third to fifth.

While Colony and Palmer are in the postseason, this weekend will mark the final action for two Valley programs. Wasilla closes its season in the Potato Bowl. Houston caps its 2010 campaign at Homer on Saturday.

The Knights host West Valley Saturday at 7 p.m. Palmer and West Valley are both in reach of the No. 3 seed in the Railbelt. Palmer can clinch the third seed with a win over Wasilla or a Colony win over West Valley.

Alaska Sports Broadcasting

Network Prep Football Poll

Large-schools

1. West (7-0); 2. Service (6-1); 3. Colony (5-2); 4. Juneau-Douglas (5-2); 5. Palmer (4-3).

Small-schools

1. Soldotna (7-0); 2. Thunder Mountain (7-0); 3. Kenai (5-2); 4. Skyview (5-2); 5. Eielson (5-2).