The 2025 Alaska high school football season continues with a marquee conference showdown as the Lathrop Malemutes (1-0) host the Eagle River Wolves (1-0) on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Fairbanks, AK. Both teams are undefeated and ranked in the state’s top 15, setting up an early-season matchup with major implications in conference play.
Game Details
Matchup: Eagle River Wolves (Eagle River, AK) vs. Lathrop Malemutes (Fairbanks, AK)
Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 1:00 PM
Location: Lathrop High School, Fairbanks, AK
Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
Eagle River Wolves:
The Wolves are off to a 1-0 start, defeating West Valley 22-12 on the road in Week 1. Ranked #12 in Alaska and #8,516 nationally, Eagle River has proven to be a tough defensive team, allowing just 12 points in their opener.
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Points Scored per Game: 22
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Points Allowed per Game: 12
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Quarter Scoring Breakdown: Q1: 0 | Q2: 0 | Q3: 14 | Q4: 8 | Final: 22
Eagle River leans on a balanced offense, averaging 132 rushing yards and 149 passing yards per game, for a total of 281 yards of offense. Quarterback Mac Steeves (149 passing YPG) leads the air attack, while Michael Roschi (96 rushing YPG) anchors the ground game. Wide receiver David Shipley adds big-play ability with over 100 receiving yards per game.
On defense, linebacker Ryker Dean leads the team with 11 tackles per game, making the Wolves a scrappy and physical unit.
Lathrop Malemutes:
The Malemutes enter Week 2 with a 1-0 record, coming off a 34-21 victory over Wasilla. Ranked #5 in Alaska and #5,314 nationally, Lathrop has a reputation for explosive offense, averaging 34 points per game in their opener.
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Points Scored per Game: 34
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Points Allowed per Game: 21
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Quarter Scoring Breakdown: Q1: 0 | Q2: 14 | Q3: 14 | Q4: 6 | Final: 34
Their offense is built on a dominant rushing attack, producing 298 rushing yards per game. Senior playmaker Luke Skinner is the centerpiece, rushing for 173 yards per game and totaling 200 yards of offense. Skinner also leads the team in scoring impact, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensively, the Malemutes are led by Kenyon Pulgarin (6 tackles per game) and Sebastian Lynch, who already has 1 sack. While the defense did allow 21 points in Week 1, their ability to control possession with the run game keeps pressure off their secondary.
Head-to-Head by the Numbers
| Category | Eagle River | Lathrop |
|---|---|---|
| Points/Game | 22.0 | 34.0 |
| Points Allowed/Game | 12.0 | 21.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 281.0 | 331.0 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 132.0 | 298.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 149.0 | 33.0 |
| Tackles/Game | 63.0 | 35.0 |
Eagle River relies on balance, short passing, and a defense that swarms to the ball. Lathrop, meanwhile, prefers a power-run identity, capable of wearing down opponents with their ground game.
The Wolves average 22 points per contest, while the Malemutes are putting up 34 points per game—a full 12-point difference. If Eagle River can slow down Skinner and keep the Malemutes under 30, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. But if Lathrop controls the line of scrimmage, the Malemutes could run away with another high-scoring win at home.
