Barrow's Season Comes to a Close

Barrow High's program has come a long way since the team was formed in 2006. The Whalers played that first season on a gravelly field that had served as research facility for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War years. Barrow won only one of its six games, but the football bug took hold and considerable progress was made before season No. 2, highlighted by the installation of an artificial turf playing surface.

Fast forward to Saturday, and the Whalers were making their third consecutive appearance in the Alaska playoffs. The opponent was defending state small schools champion Kenai, and the visiting Whalers never got started, dropping a 25-0 decision.

Budd Goodyear, our guy in Alaska, sent along several photos of the game, which was played in a steady rain.

In the top photo, Whaler quarterback Eddie Benson, who completed five of 19 passes for 92 yards, looks downfield behind the blocking of Joe Burke.

Benson was under pressure throughout and had three passes intercepted, including one that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown.

Kenai quarterback A.J. Hull launches a pass downfield. Hull's 29-yard pass to Alex Nelson gave the Kardinals their first score. Barrow finished 5-4.