Valley matchups always a good game

My Take by Tim Brodt

As the evening air gets crisper and the high school football season begins to take shape, it is time for the best segment of the schedule -- the Valley matchups.

No matter what record a Valley football team has coming in, the annual meetings between Palmer, Colony and Wasilla are always the most enjoyable.

With three large schools so close together, rivalry between the schools is certain.

By the time the players reach varsity age, they have usually seen and played against each other for years, growing up playing Matanuska Youth Football Association, C-team, and junior varsity football. Some opponents have even played on the same teams while participating in other youth sports.

Palmer and Wasilla enjoy a long tradition of rivalry. The annual Potato Bowl between Palmer and Wasilla has become rich in tradition, dating back to 1979. The 23rd annual Potato Bowl takes place tonight at 7 p.m. in Wasilla.

Many times the intra-Valley games have had significant importance in determining the conference champions.

Last year's game between Palmer and Colony determined the Northern Railbelt Conference champion. Colony went to Palmer and defeated the Moose 33-21 to take conference honors. Both teams benefited from the experience, with Palmer advancing to the semifinals and Colony to the state championship game.

Wasilla's 1999 run at an undefeated regular season and trip to the state championship game included a matchup with then-undefeated Colony late in the season. Wasilla was able to win the game 21-14 by controlling the ball with a strong running game. The Warriors then went on to beat Palmer 24-7 to take the conference title.

Wasilla continued with a great year, suffering its only loss at the state championship game against Service.

The 1998 the Palmer--Colony game was an event to remember. With Wasilla having already clinched the conference championship, Palmer met Colony to decide a playoff berth. Colony had the game in hand, 23-14, with 51 seconds left, but saw Palmer steal the game by scoring a quick touchdown, recovering an on-side kick, then driving down and kicking a field goal to win, 24-23.

It is interesting to note that all three teams have made it to the state championship game in four of the last six years, with Palmer winning the state championship in 1995. The competitive intra-Valley matchups late in the season provide good experience going into the playoffs.

The consistent competitiveness among the Valley teams means that few matchups have decided favorites. This year is no different. At this point in the season, each team is very capable of beating the other.

Have I mentioned that the Potato Bowl is tonight at 7 p.m. at Wasilla?

I hope to see you there.