Local squads start 2007 season

Aug. 10, 2007

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Every team is tested during its first week. But to say the Houston Hawks are starting the 2007 season off with a challenge, could be construed as an understatement.

The Hawks travel to the Kenai Peninsula to take on Kenai Central, the winner of four of the last five small-schools state titles. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on

Saturday.

Although Kenai should prove to be one of the toughest teams the Hawks face this season, Houston head coach Norm Bouchard is looking at the challenge as a positive.

&#8220With Kenai right off the bat, it's a good indicator,” Bouchard said last week. &#8220We'll know where we stand after week one.”

The Kardinals are the first of two small-schools powers the Hawks will see in the first two weeks. Houston heads north to face defending Greatland Conference champion Eielson next week.

Leading the 2007 edition of the Hawks is junior running back and linebacker Israel Morales.

Morales led the Hawks with six rushing touchdowns last year, and is an anchor on defense.

Kenai is led by running back and defensive back Bill Chimphalee.

Wasilla vs. Eagle River

The Wasilla Warriors open the 2007 season with a nonconference contest against Eagle River at Anchorage Football Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. tonight.

On Wednesday, Wasilla head coach Jim Shetter said he expects the Wolves to come out passing against the Warriors. And the key for Wasilla could be putting pressure Eagle River, and forcing turnovers.

Leading that Wasilla defense is a strong group of linebackers - senior Zach Orr, senior Shane Green and junior Casey Katchinska.

Wasilla finished 3-5 last year, while Eagle River finished the season winless and is still looking for its first varsity victory.

Palmer vs. Dimond

The Palmer Moose will also hit the carpet of AFS in their season opener, taking on Dimond at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Moose finished 5-4 overall last season, and advanced to the first round of the playoffs.

Dimond (2-6) finished the season in the bottom half of the Cook Inlet Conference.

Following Palmer's preseason jamboree, and event that included Chugiak and Houston, Moose head coach Rod Christiansen said the team is looking to an experienced group of offensive lineman to lead the team early in the season.

Among the players on the line are senior Everest Moore, senior Drew Frohling, junior Kevin Priestley, junior Dan Contini and junior J.D. Mitchell.

Colony vs. Eielson

The Colony Knights travel north to face the Eielson Ravens tonight at Eielson Air Force Base at 6 p.m.

The Knights will sport their traditional green and black colors. But that's about the only thing that will look the same. Gone are 20 or 22 starters from a 2006 squad that advanced to the state title game.

Among the early favorites to make an impact are senior running back and defensive back Jaron Murphy and senior quarterback and defensive back Brad Truax.

Among Colony's biggest losses are defensive end and tight end George Percak-Dennett, running back and linebacker Chebon Jimenez and lineman Justin Beauchamp.

Each of the three earned major all-state awards following the season, and Percak-Dennett was named the Gatorade Player of the Year.

Eielson is also trying to fill a major loss.

Nick Rogers, the 3A offensive player of the year in 2006, graduated in May.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.