Prep football previews

This is the final weekend of the regular season. State playoffs begin October fifth and sixth.

Colony meets Palmer

Colony goes to Palmer Friday for a big game with heavy playoff implications. Both teams have made it to the playoffs, but the winner stays in the Valley to play at Wasilla next Friday while the loser goes to Fairbanks to play undefeated West Valley in the first round of the playoffs.

Palmer is coming off two straight losses at the hands of Wasilla and Bartlett.

The powerful running game will test Colony's defense early and often. Quarterback Charlie Bentti has shown that he can mix in the pass occasionally to surprise the defense when it stacks the line to guard against the run.

Colony showed a remarkable improvement on offense last week against Wasilla. The offensive line was able to open holes for Colony runners and allow time for quarterback Kyle Van-Sant to throw with some success.

The Knights must eliminate key mistakes on offense. Fumbles and interceptions deep in their own territory have cost Colony the game in both the Juneau and Wasilla games.

The defense is always tough. Colony seems to always have a game plan to shut down key facets of an opponent's offense.

Wasilla hosts Chugiak

Wasilla will get its homecoming game Saturday against Chugiak. Chugiak comes in as one of the top rated teams in the state.

The game will be a good test to see how Wasilla stacks up against one of the top Anchorage teams coming into the playoffs.

Wasilla comes into the game on a high note after defeating Colony last week and earning a home playoff spot against the winner of the Palmer/Colony game.

Wasilla will host either Palmer or Colony on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.

Wasilla athletic director Doug Bean advises to purchase tickets early due to the huge crowd that is expected.

Tickets can be purchased at the Wasilla High School activities office Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.--1 p.m.

Houston

travels to Seward

Houston goes to Seward Saturday in a game with playoff implications of its own.

"We control our own destiny," said Houston head coach Mat Bredberg. "If we win, we're in the playoffs. If we lose, it will be decided with a coin toss, and we don't want a coin toss."

Houston comes into the game off a big 32-25 win at home last week against the Soldotna Stars. That game should give them momentum going into Saturday's game.