The Redington (Wasilla, AK) varsity football team is set to host Kenai Central (Kenai, AK) in a home non-conference matchup today at 7 p.m. Both squads will be eager to make a statement, with Redington aiming to defend its home field and Kenai Central seeking a key road victory.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alaska High School Football
- Who: Redington vs Kenai Central
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Kenai Central vs. Redington: Friday Night Lights in Wasilla
Wasilla, Alaska – Friday, August 22, 2025, 7 p.m.
Friday night football in Alaska continues as the Redington Huskies host the Kenai Central Kardinals in a non-conference matchup at 7 p.m. in Wasilla. Both teams enter the contest with something to prove: Kenai Central looks to build on a gritty season-opening win, while Redington aims to bounce back after a tough first loss. With each program striving for early momentum in 2025, tonight’s clash is shaping up to be an important tone-setter for the season ahead.
Team Records and Rankings
Kenai Central Kardinals (1-0)
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National Ranking: 12,172
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Alaska State Ranking: 19
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Class Ranking: 10
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Overall Record: 1-0
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Home Record: 1-0
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Away Record: 0-0
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Win Percentage: 1.000
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Points For: 2
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Points Against: 0
Kenai Central opened their season with one of the strangest scorelines possible: a 2-0 win at home. While it wasn’t flashy, the Kardinals’ defense delivered a shutout, and the safety proved to be the difference. The win reinforced the notion that Kenai’s defense can keep them competitive in tight contests.
Redington Huskies (0-1)
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National Ranking: 13,582
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Alaska State Ranking: 22
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Class Ranking: 13
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Overall Record: 0-1
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Home Record: 0-0
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Away Record: 0-1
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Win Percentage: .000
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Points For: 8
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Points Against: 16
Redington, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise in their opener but couldn’t hold on, losing 16-8. The Huskies scored all their points in the first quarter, but the offense stalled after that, allowing their opponent to claw back and seal the win. Consistency will be a major focus tonight as they take on a stingy Kenai defense.
Scoring Averages
Kenai Central Kardinals
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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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OT: 2.0
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Final: 2.0 points per game
Kenai Central’s opener was defined entirely by defense. While their scoring average sits at only 2 points per game, the important number is zero—the points allowed.
Redington Huskies
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Q1: 8.0
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Q2: 0
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Q3: 0
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Q4: 0
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Final: 8.0 points per game
Redington struck early in their first game but couldn’t sustain momentum. That early burst proves they have offensive potential, but finishing drives will be key against a team that just pitched a shutout.
Keys to Victory
Kenai Central Kardinals
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Sustain Defensive Dominance – The Kardinals’ opener showed their defense is reliable. Shutting down Redington’s offense will keep them in control.
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Offensive Spark – While defense carried them to victory once, they can’t rely on safeties and field position every week. Finding ways to move the ball will be vital.
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Limit Mistakes – In a low-scoring style of play, turnovers could easily swing the outcome.
Redington Huskies
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Play Four Quarters – Starting strong won’t be enough; Redington must prove they can execute offensively beyond the first quarter.
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Break Through Kenai’s Defense – If the Huskies can be the first team to score against the Kardinals this season, they’ll set themselves up for success.
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Protect Home Field – Opening their home slate with a win would restore confidence and energize the Huskies’ roster.
Players to Watch
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Kenai Central Defense – With a shutout already under their belt, the Kardinals’ defensive line and linebackers will be key in shutting down Redington’s attack.
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Redington Playmakers – The Huskies’ early success in their opener suggests they have explosive athletes capable of producing big plays. Their quarterback and top running back will be worth watching.
Matchup Outlook
This matchup is a classic contrast of styles:
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Kenai Central thrives on defensive grit and opportunism, comfortable winning low-scoring battles.
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Redington has shown offensive flashes but needs consistency to overcome disciplined defenses.
The Kardinals will want to slow the pace and keep things methodical, while the Huskies will look to spark early and maintain rhythm throughout the game.
What’s at Stake
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Kenai Central: A win would give them a 2-0 start, further establishing them as one of Alaska’s sneaky contenders this season.
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Redington: A loss would drop them to 0-2, making it difficult to recover in a short high school season. A home victory could flip their momentum entirely.
Prediction
Kenai Central’s defense has already proven it can win games, and Redington’s offense still has something to prove after fading in their opener. Unless the Huskies can find balance across all four quarters, the Kardinals may grind out another tough win.
Projected Score: Kenai Central 14, Redington 8
Final Thoughts
The Kenai Central vs. Redington showdown may not feature powerhouse programs, but it’s a perfect example of early-season Alaska football—tough, scrappy, and unpredictable. Both teams are hungry, and both are eager to set the tone for the rest of the year.
For Kenai Central, the test will be whether their defense can continue carrying them while their offense develops. For Redington, the challenge is proving that their first-quarter spark can extend across four quarters.
Fans at Redington High in Wasilla can expect a physical, defensive-minded battle under the Friday night lights, with both programs fighting for a statement win in Week 2 of the season.
