Redington gets past rival Houston

With less than two minutes left in regulation, the playoff-bound Redington Huskies were clinging to an eight-point lead over their biggest rival, the upset-minded Houston Hawks, who were playing in their final game of the regular season, regardless of what happened.

But the Redington defense gave the Huskies a late cushion and double-digit advantage. Redington returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns during a 23-second span to help the Huskies cement a 42-22 win over the Hawks Friday night at Houston High School.

Redington head coach Mathias Weinberger said the game, which was back-and-forth for much of the four quarters, was indicative of his team’s final weeks of the regular season.

“It’s been a little bit of a rollercoaster,” he said. “We’re lucky enough in the last three weeks, we were on top at the end of the game, but we can’t afford to make the mistakes.”

Redington improved to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, The Huskies have now won three straight, and had home field advantage in the Division III semifinals locked up a week ago after knocking off Homer. Despite the success, Weinberger said there is still room for improvement.

“All season long, we haven't put a full game together,” Weinberger said. “Part of the time we’re playing really good football, other times not so much.”

Houston senior Bryor Thayer used a big defensive play, a fumble recovery on the Houston 37-yard line with 1:48 left, to give the Hawks a shot while trailing by just a score. But the the Redington defense came up big. Kenai Espinda-Fuaoa intercepted a Houston pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 36-22. On the next possession, Kaedon Saxton picked off another pass and went 41 yards for a touchdown.

Redington quarterback Christian Ingraham gave the Huskies a quick 14-0 lead with a pair of rushing touchdowns during the first six minutes of the game, runs of 5 and 32 yards. But Houston answered and tied the score at 14 in the second quarter.

When Redington pushed its lead back to two scores again late in the third, the Hawks cut the deficit again on their next possession.

“Houston played tremendously,” Weinberger said. “Their record does not reflect how good they played.”

Houston fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play. Two of Houston’s four conference losses were decided by one score, and it was a one-score game on Friday with less than 90 seconds remaining.

Ingraham accounted for more than 250 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. He threw for 194 yards and two scores, both to Saxton. He rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

Saxton caught eight passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Terje McClurg led Houston with 74 yards rushing, and scored all three touchdowns. The senior broke free for scores of 23 and 25 yards in the first half, and added a 2-yarder in the second half.

The Division III postseason is now set. Barrow had already clinched first place. Redington, the second seed, will host Kenai in the semifinals Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Redington. Barrow will host Homer in the other semi. The Kards clinched third place with a 38-6 win over the Mariners Friday night.

In Division II action, Palmer improved to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play with a 35-21 win at Chugiak. KJ Henry sparked the Moose with a 72-yard touchdown run. Henry also had a 23-yard rush for a score. Quarterback Nolan Garner gave Palmer an early lead with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Logan Rolston. Garner also connected with Reed Craner on a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second half.

Eagle River beat Wasilla 41-13 at WHS. The Warriors are now 1-7 overall, and 0-5 in the conference. The Moose host the Warriors in the 45th annual Potato Bowl Friday at 7 p.m.

In Division I play, Juneau-Douglas beat Colony 42-6 at CHS. Ridge Spencer caught at touchdown pass for the Knights. Colony is now 0-8 overall.

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