The Wasilla (AK) varsity football team is set to host West Valley (Fairbanks, AK) in a crucial conference matchup today at 2 p.m. Both teams will be motivated to secure a win, with Wasilla aiming to defend home turf and West Valley seeking a key road victory in this competitive league contest.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alaska High School Football
- Who: Wasilla vs West Valley
- When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
West Valley vs. Wasilla Football Preview: Conference Showdown in the Last Frontier
Game Info:
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Matchup: West Valley Wolves vs. Wasilla Wolves
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Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
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Time: 2:00 p.m.
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Location: Wasilla High School, Wasilla, Alaska
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Type: Conference Game
Alaska high school football fans are in for an intriguing conference clash this Saturday as the West Valley Wolves travel to Wasilla High School to take on the host Wasilla Wolves. Both teams enter this matchup with a 0-1 record, having suffered narrow defeats in their season openers. While early losses can deflate momentum, they can also serve as catalysts for adjustment, and each team will be eager to prove they belong in the upper echelon of Alaska’s competitive football landscape.
This matchup is not only about early-season redemption but also about asserting dominance in the conference standings. A win here could ignite a turnaround, setting the tone for the weeks ahead in a tightly contested league.
Team Profiles: West Valley Wolves
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Record (2025–26): 0-1 (0-1 Conference)
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National Rank: 11,075
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Alaska Rank: 18
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Class Rank: 9
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Points For (PF): 12
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Points Against (PA): 22
West Valley opened its season with a 12-22 loss to Eagle River, a game that highlighted both strengths and weaknesses for the Wolves. The team scored a touchdown in the first quarter and another in the third, showing the ability to respond, but stalled in other periods, which contributed to the defeat. The Wolves’ performance highlighted a need for greater offensive consistency and sharper execution in high-pressure situations.
Defensively, West Valley showed a solid tackling presence, with #1 Dylan Reddick emerging as a key figure with 15 tackles and 12 points in the opener. His efforts underline his role as a defensive leader and playmaker who can influence both sides of the ball.
West Valley’s offensive game plan revolves around a combination of passing and balanced offensive attacks. While specific rushing and passing averages weren’t provided for the Wolves in aggregate stats, their season opener indicated a team capable of generating yards but in need of more sustained drives. The first- and third-quarter scoring bursts suggest potential in the red zone, but the team must find a way to extend drives and maintain possession against disciplined defenses like Wasilla’s.
Team Profiles: Wasilla Wolves
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Record (2025–26): 0-1 (0-1 Conference)
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National Rank: 10,443
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Alaska Rank: 14
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Class Rank: 5
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Points For (PF): 21
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Points Against (PA): 34
Wasilla enters this contest having suffered a 34-21 defeat to Lathrop, a game that exposed vulnerabilities in both defensive coverage and in containing a balanced attack. Despite the loss, Wasilla displayed offensive sparks, scoring seven points in each of the first, second, and fourth quarters. The team demonstrated resilience and the ability to respond quickly to in-game challenges.
The Wolves’ offensive leader is #5 Brayden Sparrs, who leads the team with 113 passing yards per game and contributes a total of 125 yards per game, making him a dual-threat capable of creating plays in both the air and on the ground. Sparrs’ ability to spread the ball effectively to key targets, such as #4 Brandon Wadleigh, who contributes 36 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards per game, is critical to Wasilla’s success. The combination of Sparrs and Wadleigh provides versatility, enabling Wasilla to adapt their attack depending on defensive schemes.
Defensively, the Wolves must improve after surrendering 34 points to Lathrop. Tackling fundamentals and assignment discipline will be essential, particularly against West Valley’s opportunistic offensive efforts led by Dylan Reddick.
Scoring Averages and Trends
The scoring trends from the opening week offer a glimpse into how the game may unfold:
| Quarter | West Valley | Wasilla |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 | 7 |
| Q2 | 0 | 7 |
| Q3 | 6 | 0 |
| Q4 | 0 | 7 |
| Final | 12 | 21 |
Both teams displayed scoring potential in bursts, but consistency remains a concern. West Valley scored in the first and third quarters but was shut out in the second and fourth, highlighting challenges in sustaining offensive momentum. Conversely, Wasilla scored in three of four quarters, demonstrating slightly better consistency despite allowing more points. The ability to maintain scoring drives while limiting opponent success will be a decisive factor in this matchup.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | West Valley | Wasilla |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards per Game | – | 105.0 |
| Passing Yards per Game | – | 113.0 |
| Receiving Yards per Game | – | 113.0 |
| Total Yards per Game | – | 218.0 |
| Tackles per Game | 90.0 | – |
| Points per Game | 21.0 | 21.0 |
From the statistical perspective, Wasilla appears to have a slight edge in offensive yardage with 218 total yards per game, spread evenly between rushing and passing. West Valley’s defensive effort, highlighted by 90 tackles per game, may serve as a counterbalance, showcasing their ability to apply pressure and disrupt the Wolves’ offensive rhythm.
Key Players to Watch
West Valley
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#1 Dylan Reddick: Leading the team in tackles with 15 per game and contributing 12 points, Reddick is the defensive anchor. His ability to read plays and disrupt opposing drives will be vital in limiting Wasilla’s scoring opportunities.
Wasilla
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#5 Brayden Sparrs: The team’s offensive engine, averaging 113 passing yards per game and contributing 125 total yards, Sparrs is instrumental in orchestrating drives and connecting with key receivers.
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#4 Brandon Wadleigh: Offering a balanced threat with 36 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards per game, Wadleigh’s versatility allows Wasilla to execute multiple offensive strategies.
Common Opponents and Early-Season Insights
Both West Valley and Wasilla have faced early-season challenges with common opponents:
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West Valley: Lost to Eagle River, 22-12
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Wasilla: Lost to Lathrop, 34-21
Although both teams began with defeats, the nature of those games shows different challenges. West Valley’s loss featured strong defensive efforts but limited offensive production, while Wasilla’s defeat highlighted defensive lapses despite productive offensive sequences.
This matchup offers each team a chance for immediate redemption. West Valley aims to leverage defensive pressure and opportunistic scoring, while Wasilla looks to balance passing and rushing attacks to overwhelm the visiting Wolves.
Matchup Analysis
Offense vs. Defense
West Valley’s defensive tackling strength may counter Wasilla’s balanced attack. If the Wolves can contain Sparrs and Wadleigh in critical situations, they may force turnovers or limit second-half scoring, which has been a recurring issue for Wasilla.
Passing vs. Rushing
Wasilla’s 105-yard rushing attack will face a disciplined West Valley defensive front. Conversely, West Valley’s aerial production, though not quantified in the stats, will be tested against a defensive unit that has demonstrated resilience in tackling and coverage.
Momentum Shifts
Both teams have shown they can score in bursts but have struggled to maintain consistent drives. Key plays in the first half may set the tone, with halftime adjustments potentially determining which team sustains momentum into the second half.
Coaching Strategies
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West Valley: Focused on defensive alignment, tackling efficiency, and exploiting Wasilla’s occasional defensive gaps.
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Wasilla: Aims to balance passing and rushing, utilizing key players to spread the field and sustain drives.
Potential Game Scenarios
Several scenarios could shape the outcome:
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Defensive Battle: If West Valley’s tackling and defensive coordination dominate, the game could turn into a low-scoring, field-position-focused contest.
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High-Scoring Shootout: If Wasilla’s offensive balance clicks while West Valley struggles to maintain defensive coverage, the Wolves could pull away in the second half.
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Turnover-Driven Outcome: Early turnovers could swing momentum significantly. Both teams must maintain ball security and capitalize on mistakes.
Historical Context
While historical head-to-head records aren’t provided, both programs have reputations within Alaska high school football. Wasilla has traditionally been a solid program in the Fairbanks area, known for its balanced offensive attacks. West Valley, traveling from Fairbanks, has often relied on defensive intensity to compete against skilled opponents. This game may reflect the clash of traditional defensive-minded teams versus emerging offensive balance strategies.
