The Kodiak (AK) varsity football team will take on Houston (Big Lake, AK) in a home non-conference game today at 6 p.m. This matchup gives both teams an opportunity to showcase their talent outside of league play, with Kodiak aiming to protect home turf and Houston looking for a strong road performance.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alaska High School Football
- Who: Kodiak vs Houston
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Houston vs. Kodiak: Alaska Football Teams Look to Bounce Back
Kodiak, Alaska – Friday, August 22, 2025, 6 p.m.
The spotlight shifts to Kodiak Island tonight as the Kodiak Bears host the Houston Hawks in a non-conference high school football matchup. Both teams enter the game winless after tough season openers, and each program sees this matchup as an opportunity to reset, regroup, and grab their first victory of the 2025 campaign.
Team Records and Rankings
Houston Hawks (0-1)
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National Ranking: 12,368
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Alaska State Ranking: 20
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Class Ranking: 11
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Record: 0-1 overall, 0-1 at home, 0-0 away
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Points For: 8
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Points Against: 64
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Win %: .000
The Hawks had a rough debut, falling in a lopsided game where they gave up 64 points. Their offense showed life late, putting up 8 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t nearly enough to change the outcome. Defensive improvement will be key moving forward.
Kodiak Bears (0-1)
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National Ranking: 13,755
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Alaska State Ranking: 23
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Class Ranking: 14
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Record: 0-1 overall, 0-0 at home, 0-1 away
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Points For: 0
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Points Against: 2
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Win %: .000
Kodiak’s opening loss was far different than Houston’s. Instead of a shootout, it was a low-scoring defensive battle that ended 2-0. While the Bears kept their opponent in check, the inability to score a single point left them searching for answers on offense.
Team Scoring Averages
Houston Hawks
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Q1: 0
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Q2: 0
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Q3: 0
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Q4: 8.0
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Final Average: 8.0 points per game
The Hawks struggled to get going until late, suggesting adjustments at halftime helped unlock some offensive rhythm. Starting faster will be crucial if they want to compete tonight.
Kodiak Bears
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Q1: 0
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Q2: 0
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Q3: 0
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Q4: 0
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Final Average: 0.0 points per game
The Bears have yet to put points on the board. Their defense was impressive in holding an opponent to only two points, but until the offense finds production, wins will be hard to come by.
Keys to Victory
Houston Hawks
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Defensive Discipline – Giving up 64 points in one game signals major gaps in coverage and tackling. The Hawks need to clamp down defensively if they hope to win.
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Build on Late Momentum – Scoring 8 in the fourth quarter of their opener showed potential. Carrying that spark into Kodiak could set a better tone.
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Protect the Ball – Limiting turnovers will be critical against a defense like Kodiak’s that thrives in low-scoring contests.
Kodiak Bears
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Find Offensive Identity – Being shut out in the opener cannot continue. Establishing a run game or quick-passing rhythm will be vital.
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Lean on the Defense – Holding an opponent to two points is no small feat. If the Bears can repeat that effort, even modest offensive improvement could seal a win.
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Home-Field Advantage – Kodiak’s first home game gives them the chance to feed off their crowd’s energy and set the tone early.
Players to Watch
While specific player stats weren’t provided, both teams have clear needs:
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For Houston, look for the offensive leaders who managed to get on the board late in their first game. Their quarterback and primary ball carriers will be tasked with sparking earlier production.
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For Kodiak, defensive standouts will be worth watching. Anyone who can consistently apply pressure and force turnovers may swing the game, especially if their offense continues to struggle.
The Matchup at a Glance
This game presents an intriguing contrast:
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Houston proved they could move the ball but struggled heavily on defense.
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Kodiak showed they could defend well but couldn’t find ways to score.
In essence, one team has an offense in need of rhythm, while the other has a defense in need of stability. The result may come down to which weakness gets patched up first.
What’s at Stake
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Houston Hawks: A win would erase the memory of their 64-point defensive collapse and get them back on track. Falling to 0-2 with that kind of start would be tough to recover from.
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Kodiak Bears: A win at home would give them confidence and prove their defense is legitimate. However, another shutout loss would raise serious questions about their offensive future.
Prediction
This game is a classic “something has to give” matchup. Houston brings a struggling defense but at least showed late offensive signs. Kodiak brings a stingy defense but hasn’t shown they can score at all. If the Hawks find consistency, they may be able to wear down the Bears’ defense.
Projected Outcome: Houston 20, Kodiak 6
Final Thoughts
The Houston vs. Kodiak clash may not feature the highest-ranked teams in Alaska, but it represents a pivotal moment in the young season. Both programs are looking to avoid a dreaded 0-2 start, and both have glaring areas they need to improve.
For Houston, the question is whether their defense can stop giving up big plays. For Kodiak, the question is whether their offense can finally put points on the board. The answers will come under the lights at 6 p.m. on Kodiak Island, where two hungry teams will fight for redemption.
