A season that started with much promise has quickly become a test of character for the Barrow High Whalers, who were humbled by the Nikiski Bulldogs, 27-2, on Saturday at Cathy Parker Field.
Barrow resident Budd Goodyear once again sent us a photo package, including the top image of three Whalers wrestling Nikiski running back Brando Wik to the blue turf.
Whaler quarterback Albert Gerke passed for about 200 yards, but was forced to scramble on this play. “Whenever we were on offense, we were making mistakes,” Barrow coach Mark Voss told the Fairbanks News-Miner. The Whalers had three passes intercepted and two lost fumbles.
A swarm of Bulldog defenders corner Whaler running back Daniel Thomas. Nikiski scored all of its points in the first half and Barrow's only points came on a safety after a snap went over the head of the Nikiski punter and out of the end zone.
Nikiski's Jasper Covey can't hold on to the ball. As always in Barrow, weather played a factor. The Whalers prefer to throw the ball, but windy conditions benefited the Bulldogs' Wing-T offense.
Budd writes: "Wind was from the west-northwest at 15-25 mph. It really ruined the pass game. We had scattered snow showers, which also meant scattered bright spots. Enough sun periodically to produce shadows, but not much of that.
"The waves were crashing on the shore from the Chukchi Sea, which is only 200 yards west of the field. Kids (spectators) went over there at halftime and chased waves, ran toward them when they receded then raced away from them when they crashed ashore. A short time into the third quarter the announcer asked the parents to get the kids off the beach because a bear had been sighted (polar bear). I did not see it."
Barrow plays host to Eielson on Saturday. The Ravens are coming off an 84-7 victory over the Valdez Buccaneers.
we ment to get the snap over the head of our punter brando wik.... get it right!
Posted by: Henry Eide | January 20, 2010 at 05:57 PM