The Soldotna (AK) varsity football team is set to host Chugiak (AK) in a key conference matchup today at 6 p.m. With both teams battling for position, this game carries high stakes. Soldotna will look to defend its home field, while Chugiak aims to secure a crucial road victory.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alaska High School Football
- Who: Soldotna vs Chugiak
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Chugiak vs. Soldotna: Conference Clash in Alaska
Soldotna, Alaska – Friday, August 22, 2025, 6 p.m.
High school football in Alaska is heating up, and tonight the Soldotna Stars welcome the Chugiak Mustangs for an early-season conference showdown. The game kicks off at 6 p.m., with both teams looking to solidify their footing in the 2025 campaign. For Chugiak, it’s a chance to bounce back after a tough opening loss. For Soldotna, it’s an opportunity to build on an explosive start and prove why they are one of the top programs in the state.
Team Records and Rankings
Chugiak Mustangs (0-1)
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National Ranking: 10,781
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Alaska State Ranking: 16
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Class Ranking: 7
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Record: 0-1 overall, 0-1 in conference, 0-1 at home, 0-0 away
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Points For: 23
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Points Against: 36
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Win %: .000
The Mustangs dropped their season opener in a tough conference battle. Despite putting up 23 points, defensive struggles allowed 36, leaving them with an early hole to climb out of in the standings.
Soldotna Stars (1-0)
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National Ranking: 3,678
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Alaska State Ranking: 1
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Class Ranking: 1
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Record: 1-0 overall, 1-0 in conference, 1-0 at home
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Points For: 77
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Points Against: 41
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Win %: 1.000
The Stars opened their season in dominant fashion, rolling to a 77-41 shootout victory. The high-scoring affair showed off their offensive firepower, while also leaving room for improvement on defense. Regardless, Soldotna’s early success has already affirmed their position as a top contender in Alaska this year.
Team Scoring Averages
Chugiak Mustangs
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Q1: 0
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Q2: 10.0
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Q3: 3.0
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Q4: 10.0
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Final: 23.0 points per game
Chugiak struggled to start fast in their opener, being held scoreless in the first quarter. Their offense began to find a rhythm in the middle quarters, but the inability to consistently sustain drives made it difficult to close the gap.
Soldotna Stars
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Q1: 35.0
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Q2: 28.0
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Q3: 7.0
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Q4: 7.0
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Final: 77.0 points per game
Soldotna’s season debut was nothing short of explosive. Scoring 35 points in the first quarter and adding 28 more before halftime, the Stars showed how quickly they can put a game out of reach. Even with a slowed pace in the second half, they finished with a staggering 77 points.
Keys to Victory
For Chugiak (0-1)
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Start Stronger – A scoreless first quarter put the Mustangs behind immediately in their opener. Against Soldotna’s high-powered offense, falling behind early could spell disaster.
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Tighten Defensive Gaps – Allowing 36 points shows defensive vulnerabilities. Against a team that just scored 77, they must limit explosive plays and win third-down situations.
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Ball Control – Sustained drives that chew up clock will help keep Soldotna’s offense off the field and give Chugiak’s defense time to rest.
For Soldotna (1-0)
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Keep the Pressure On Early – Their 35-point first quarter last game proved their ability to bury opponents quickly. An early lead could crush Chugiak’s confidence.
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Balance Attack – Scoring in every quarter shows versatility. If the Stars balance rushing and passing, they’ll remain unpredictable and dangerous.
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Defensive Adjustments – While the offense was explosive, giving up 41 points leaves room for concern. Tightening up defensively will be key against stronger future opponents.
Players to Watch
Though detailed player stats aren’t listed, both teams have emerging leaders:
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Chugiak Mustangs will look to their offensive playmakers who managed to score 23 points despite early struggles. Their defense must step up, especially in the secondary, to prevent Soldotna from connecting on big plays.
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Soldotna Stars likely feature a deep roster of offensive weapons, given their balanced scoring across quarters. Their quarterback and running backs will play crucial roles in dictating tempo, while their defense must prove they can prevent shootouts from developing.
The Atmosphere in Soldotna
Conference matchups always carry extra weight, and with Soldotna playing at home, the stands are expected to be full. The Stars have long been one of the most respected programs in Alaska, and fans will be eager to see whether their team can deliver another commanding performance.
For Chugiak, this road test provides a chance to upset one of the state’s giants and reset the tone of their season.
What’s at Stake
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Chugiak: Avoiding an 0-2 start is critical. A second straight loss, especially in conference play, could create an uphill battle in the standings. Winning against the state’s top-ranked team would be a statement victory.
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Soldotna: A win keeps their momentum rolling and reinforces their No. 1 state ranking. Another dominant performance could send a warning to every other program in Alaska.
Prediction
Chugiak is a scrappy team that can put points on the board, but Soldotna’s offensive dominance is hard to ignore. If the Stars start quickly again, the Mustangs may struggle to keep up. The key question will be whether Soldotna’s defense can improve from their opener.
Projected Outcome: Soldotna 56, Chugiak 20
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s Chugiak vs. Soldotna game showcases the essence of Alaska high school football—competitive conference play, community pride, and young athletes eager to prove themselves. For Chugiak, it’s a chance to grow from last week’s loss and test themselves against the best. For Soldotna, it’s about maintaining dominance and showing balance on both sides of the ball.
With kickoff set for 6 p.m., fans can expect an electric atmosphere and a game filled with big plays, hard hits, and the determination that makes high school football so special.
