Knights the new No. 1; Moose break into media poll

PALMER — Colony head coach Jamie Mayo considers himself part of the, “old school.”

Yes, Mayo is pleased his Colony Knights have been recognized as the top 4A team according to the latest Alaska Sports Broadcasting Network Prep Football Poll. But in his mind, there’s another team that has a right to call itself the top dog.

“Service is the defending state champion until somebody beats them,” Mayo said of the 2-0 Cougars, who are ranked second in the poll released by ASBN on Monday afternoon. “By all rights they should have been ranked No. 1 at the beginning of the year. Even if you graduate 22 starters, until you’re beaten, you’re No. 1.”

Service slipped by South Anchorage two weeks ago and thumped Dimond 49-3 last Saturday.

Colony used wins over North Pole, the preseason 4A No. 1, and a Kodiak team that has been ranked in the small-schools top-five throughout the season to get to the top of the 4A ladder.

“It’s a great accomplishment and I’m happy for the recognition,” Mayo said. “We beat an extremely tough North Pole team that was No. 1 and a very good Kodiak team.”

What Mayo may not be happy about is the track record of recent top squads. North Pole opened the season at the top, and quickly fell out of the top-five with a loss to Colony. Last week, Bartlett was called the No. 1 team by voting sportswriters and sportscasters, but the Golden Bears are nowhere to be seen in the rankings after a loss to South last Saturday.

“Now that we’re number one, that means our kids have to work harder to keep it,” Mayo said. “It’s easier to get it than keep it. Just look at recent weeks.”

Colony has used an experienced corps of veterans, led by senior Matt Jaronik, to grab the early 2-0 record. Jaronik is Colony’s starting quarterback and posted more than 150 total yards of offense and a rushing touchdown in the win over Kodiak, but his presence was felt all over the field.

Jaronik also set a school record with a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown and intercepted a pass during the 23-6 win over the Bears.

“He’s doing it in all three phases,” Mayo said. “He’s doing a great job on special teams, a great job at quarterback, and he’s the last line on defense.”

Palmer also improved to 2-0 with a 46-0 win over Lathrop on Friday, and the Moose are in the ASBN top-five for the first time this season.

Palmer did much of its damage in the first half against the Malemutes, rushing for more than 250 yards and collecting all but one of its touchdowns during the first 24 minutes of play.

Seniors Brennan Bohman and Coleman Ahrens combined for 237 yards and three rushing touchdowns during the first half for Palmer.

With its 47-0 win over Wasilla on Friday, Juneau-Douglas improved to 2-0 and the 2008 4A runner-up is ranked third in the 4A poll. Undefeated Chugiak and West Anchorage are in a tie for fifth.

Following its 71-0 over Houston, Kenai remains in the top spot at the 3A level.

Eielson, Soldotna, Kodiak and Sitka, a newcomer in the poll, round out the top five.