Warriors enter poll

WASILLA — Apparently, Wasilla’s 55-33 upset of Juneau-Douglas last Friday has caught some folks’ attention.

The Warriors have vaulted into the Alaska Sports Broadcasting Network Poll, and are now ranked fourth in the large-school list released by the media outlet Monday morning. It’s the first time this season the Warriors have been ranked.

After the win, first-year head coach Kent Rilatos said the Warriors are changing the way they’re seen around the state.

“I don’t believe a lot of people in the state are going to overlook us now,” Rilatos said. “I think they’re going to know we’re going to come and play hard for four quarters. There won’t be a lack of effort.”

Wasilla improved to 3-2 in the win and 2-1 in Railbelt Conference play.

Service (4-0-1) remains on top of the latest large-schools poll following its 63-30 win over previously-ranked Bartlett. West Valley (4-1) jumped to No. 2 after its 62-38 victory over North Pole.

Chugiak (3-2) is back in the top 5, ranked third after a 35-7 nonconference win over Colony. South Anchorage, which dropped a 65-40 decision to Placer High in Autumn, Calif., over the weekend is fifth.

Juneau, which was locked in a first-place tie with Service in the poll last week, dropped out. The Crimson Bears and West Anchorage also received votes.

Soldotna (5-0), the lone undefeated team in the small-schools ranks, is once again the No. 1 team on its list.

The Stars beat Homer 26-22 on Friday.

Homer (4-1) remains at No. 2 despite the loss. The Mariners are followed by Kenai (3-2), Monroe (4-1) and Barrow (4-1).

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.