Wasilla vs. Dimond

And then there was one.

The Wasilla Warriors, the only remaining Valley team in the playoffs, will play the Dimond Lynx at the Anchorage Football Stadium Saturday at 10 a.m. in the semifinals of the large-school state playoffs.

The Warriors are surging coming into the game, riding a five-game winning streak with victories over Palmer, Chugiak, and two wins over Colony.

Quarterback Jake Carney has shown he can hit any receiver anywhere on the field. Receivers Travis Webb and Cody Schierman provide big targets that always seem to make the big catches and give Wasilla the capability to score at any time. Receiver Alan Boitz has also come on to make key receptions when the Warriors need it most.

Running backs Travis Dutcher and Abe Salmon have been effective all year, grinding out yardage and picking up key gains on screen and swing passes from Carney.

Although small by large school standards, the Wasilla offensive and defensive lines have played beyond expectations this year.

The offensive line has protected Carney well and opened holes for running backs all year. The defensive line has held its ground, bending but seldom breaking against bigger lines and powerful running backs.

The Wasilla defense has been overshadowed by the offense this year, but the defense has kept the Warriors in every game to allow the offense to take over the game.

Dimond comes into the game on a high of its own, having defeated Juneau 31-0 to earn a spot in the semifinals.