Moose bounce back with win over North Pole

Palmer had a rough start to the 2025 season, falling by double digits to defending Division II state champion Soldotna on the road last week. But the Moose bounced back in a big way.

Palmer amassed more than 500 yards of total offense and the Moose defense picked off five North Pole passes during a 48-7 win over the Patriots Friday night at Machetanz Field in Palmer.

“We needed that,” Palmer head coach Tim Popowski said after the win. “We had a really good week of practice. That was the focus, and the kids were focusing. I really enjoyed the kids buying in this week, especially defensively.”

And defense was a key Friday night for Palmer, especially after allowing 78 points to SoHi in Week 1. Palmer finished with five interceptions.

“Our kids are calling out what's coming all the time. That's what we have to have all the time, and it really paid off this week,” Popowski said.

Senior Lee Kirby and junior Ezra Zimmerman had two each. Senior Jayden Hartman also picked off a pass.

“We knew that if we could get them to third-and-long, we were pretty confident that we could be in the right spot. Our guys stepped up and made those plays,” Popowski said.

North Pole did throw for 225 yards, trailing throughout the game. But Palmer held the Patriots to 105 yards on 19 carries.

As the defense created opportunities, the Palmer offense cashed in with seven touchdowns and a 48-point night. Senior Corbin Gerkin rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns in the win, and added a 42-yard touchdown catch. Senior quarterback Nolan Garner completed 10 of 12 passes for 203 yards and two scores. Senior Reed Craner led the team with four catches for 73 yards, and also had a 42-yard scoring run on an end-around in the second half.

Evan Denoncour hauled in a 9-yard touchdown catch, and Kohi Peteren broke away for a 59-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.

Palmer improved to 1-1 with the win. The Moose take a break from Division II play to host Division I Juneau-Douglas Saturday at 7 p.m. at Palmer High School.

In other Division II action, West Valley (1-1) got past Wasilla 27-13 at Wasilla High.

The Warriors scored both of their touchdowns early in the third quarter. Zorn Allen pushed in from 2 yards to put Wasilla on the scoreboard. Brandon Wadleigh used an 8-yard touchdown run to cut West Valley’s lead to 14-13. West Valley led 14-0 at halftime and capped the second half with 13 unanswered points.

Wasilla dropped to 0-2, and will face rival Colony Friday at 7 p.m. at CHS.

Service scored a 27-13 win over the Knights at Colony in Week 2.

Tyrus Fischer and Tayvon Lott caught touchdowns for the Knights. Colony led 7-0 early, but didn’t find the end zone again until the final minutes of the game.

Colony is now 1-1.

Mat-Su’s Division III programs finished 2-0 over the weekend.

In a rematch of a 2024 postseason game, Redington beat up Kenai 50-14.

Houston went on the road and earned a 33-8 victory at Kodiak. Elias Johnson led Houston with 113 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and added three catches for 34 yards and a score.

Quarterback Blake Baskett had a touchdown run and touchdown pass for the Hawks, and also returned a punt 22 yards for a score.

The Huskies and Hawks play Friday at 7 p.m. at Houston High.

Contact the Frontiersman at editor@frontiersman.com.