The Lathrop (Fairbanks, AK) varsity football team will host Eagle River (AK) in a key conference matchup today at 1 p.m. With standings and playoff implications on the line, both teams will be eager to deliver their best effort. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive afternoon of football action.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alaska High School Football
- Who: Lathrop vs Eagle River
- When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Eagle River vs. Lathrop Football Preview: Conference Battle in Fairbanks
Game Info:
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Matchup: Eagle River Wolves vs. Lathrop Malemutes
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Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
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Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Location: Lathrop High School (Fairbanks, AK)
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Type: Conference Game
The stage is set for an early-season conference showdown in Alaska high school football as the Eagle River Wolves travel north to Fairbanks to face the Lathrop Malemutes. Both teams come into the contest with 1-0 records, having earned confidence-boosting wins in their openers. With conference positioning on the line this early in the season, Saturday afternoon promises a physical, hard-fought battle between two squads eager to stay unbeaten.
Eagle River Wolves: Building Momentum
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Record (2025–26): 1-0 (1-0 Conference)
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National Rank: 8,516
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Alaska Rank: 12
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Class Rank: 3
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Points For (PF): 22
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Points Against (PA): 12
Eagle River’s season began with a gritty 22-12 victory over West Valley, a game that showcased both resilience and defensive toughness. The Wolves struggled offensively in the first half, but exploded with 14 points in the third quarter to seize control before closing it out in the fourth.
Statistically, Eagle River has shown balance offensively:
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Rushing Yards/Game: 132.0
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Passing Yards/Game: 149.0
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Total Yards/Game: 281.0
The Wolves lean on quarterback #3 Mac Steeves, who accounted for 149 passing yards and 157 total yards in the opener, proving himself as a dual-threat leader. His go-to target is #5 David Shipley, who recorded 103 receiving yards, giving Eagle River a dependable downfield weapon.
On the ground, #2 Michael Roschi paced the running game with 96 rushing yards, providing balance to keep defenses honest. Defensively, #52 Ryker Dean emerged as the anchor, tallying 11 tackles in Week 1, as the Wolves’ front held West Valley to just 12 points.
Lathrop Malemutes: Defending Home Turf
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Record (2025–26): 1-0 (1-0 Conference)
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National Rank: 5,314
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Alaska Rank: 5
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Class Rank: 2
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Points For (PF): 34
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Points Against (PA): 21
The Malemutes opened their season with a 34-21 victory over Wasilla, showing off both offensive firepower and second-half resilience. Unlike Eagle River, Lathrop’s scoring came steadily across multiple quarters, including 14 in the second and another 14 in the third.
Lathrop’s offense thrives on the ground, producing a dominant 298 rushing yards per game, compared to just 33 passing yards. The heartbeat of their offense is running back #1 Luke Skinner, who exploded for 173 rushing yards and 200 total yards in his season debut. His ability to wear down defenses makes him one of the most dangerous players in Alaska early this season.
In the receiving game, #3 Wilson Lawson chipped in with 31 yards, but clearly Lathrop’s offensive identity is built on a punishing run-first approach. Defensively, #4 Kenyon Pulgarin notched 6 tackles, while #60 Sebastian Lynch added 1 sack, showing the Malemutes’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Eagle River | Lathrop |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 132.0 | 298.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 149.0 | 33.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 281.0 | 331.0 |
| Tackles/Game | 63.0 | 35.0 |
| Points Per Game | 22.0 | 34.0 |
The stats reveal a clash of styles: Eagle River brings a more balanced attack with steady passing production, while Lathrop is an old-school, ground-and-pound team that leans heavily on its rushing dominance.
Defensively, Eagle River seems more aggressive, averaging 63 tackles per game compared to Lathrop’s 35, but the Malemutes offset that with superior offensive yardage and efficiency.
Common Opponents
Interestingly, both teams have already faced common opponents:
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Eagle River: Beat West Valley, 22-12
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Lathrop: Beat Wasilla, 34-21
While Eagle River’s opener was lower-scoring and defensive, Lathrop’s performance highlighted their ability to control the game with rushing depth.
Keys to the Game
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Quarterback vs. Running Back Battle
This matchup pits Eagle River’s passing leader Mac Steeves against Lathrop’s workhorse back Luke Skinner. Whichever star player imposes their style will tilt the balance. -
Defensive Endurance
Eagle River’s defense has shown tackling intensity, but can they contain Skinner and a Malemutes rushing attack that racks up nearly 300 yards a game? -
Special Teams & Field Position
With both offenses capable of big plays, field position and special teams execution could provide the deciding edge. -
Halftime Adjustments
Eagle River’s explosive third quarter against West Valley showed they can adapt. Lathrop, meanwhile, scored consistently throughout. Coaching adjustments will be critical.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are 1-0 in conference play, so Saturday’s game has direct implications for standings and potential playoff seeding down the road. For Eagle River, a win on the road against a higher-ranked opponent would be a statement of legitimacy statewide. For Lathrop, defending home turf would reinforce their status as one of the top programs in Alaska.
Final Thoughts
The Eagle River vs. Lathrop conference clash has all the makings of a classic: a balanced Wolves squad led by quarterback Mac Steeves against a ground-heavy Malemutes team powered by Luke Skinner. With both teams unbeaten, defenses tested early, and conference bragging rights on the line, fans in Fairbanks can expect a spirited, physical, and high-stakes matchup.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m., and if the opening week was any indication, Alaska football fans are in for a battle that could shape the trajectory of both programs’ seasons.
