North Pole vs Chugiak | Alaska High School Football | August 15

High school football returns to Alaska with a highly anticipated clash between the North Pole Patriots and the Chugiak Mustangs on Friday, August 15 at 7:30 PM (local time). These two proud programs will meet under the bright lights of a mid-August evening, setting the stage for what promises to be a physical, hard-fought season opener in the 2025 high school football campaign.

This matchup will test both teams’ offseason growth, grit, and readiness to begin a long road toward the playoffs. Expect drama, physical play, and a classic Alaska football atmosphere as these two rivals square off.

Game Details

• Matchup: North Pole Patriots vs Chugiak Mustangs
• Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM AKDT
• Location: North Pole High School – North Pole, Alaska
• TV/Streaming: NFHS Network (Subscription required), Local Access Channel (regional availability)
• Event Type: Non-Conference Season Opener

Game Preview

Both the Patriots and Mustangs enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism and revamped rosters. Each team had its share of highs and lows last year, and now they’re looking to establish an early rhythm that can carry into the rest of the season.

The spotlight will be on two programs that know how to compete. North Pole aims to defend their turf and remind the state of their physical brand of football, while Chugiak travels with confidence and the goal of flipping the narrative after falling short in key games last year.

North Pole Patriots Preview

2024 Season Recap

North Pole finished the 2024 season with a 6-4 record, clinching a playoff spot in the Medium School Division. The Patriots showcased a run-first identity and a disciplined defense that often bailed them out in close games. However, their offense struggled in the postseason, and head coach Dennis Stark emphasized offensive balance heading into 2025.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Dennis Stark
  Known for building physical teams with disciplined fundamentals, Stark enters his fifth season and has laid a consistent foundation for the Patriots. His system relies heavily on execution and toughness in the trenches.

Key Players to Watch

• RB: Isaiah Moffett (Senior) – A bruising back who racked up over 1,000 yards in 2024. He sets the tone on offense and is difficult to bring down after contact.
• QB: Tyler Greer (Junior) – Smart, accurate, and efficient. Not flashy, but dependable and effective in managing the offense.
• LB: Carter Vann (Senior) – The heartbeat of the defense, known for his sideline-to-sideline tackling and leadership.

What to Expect

North Pole’s strength lies in its defense and ability to control the clock with the run game. Their offensive line returns three starters, which bodes well for their ground-and-pound approach. The key will be finding balance and hitting play-action shots when the opportunity presents itself.

Chugiak Mustangs Preview

2024 Season Recap

The Mustangs endured a frustrating 2024, finishing 3-7, but showed signs of growth late in the season. A string of close losses, often decided by turnovers or penalties, plagued their campaign. Coach Tommy Schultz has used the offseason to build mental discipline and improve the fundamentals.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Tommy Schultz
  A former Mustang player himself, Schultz took over in 2023 and has been leading a culture change based on hard-nosed defense and high-tempo offensive sets.

Key Players to Watch

• QB: Brayden Sosa (Senior) – A fiery competitor with a strong arm and quick feet. Threw for over 1,500 yards last season but needs to cut down on turnovers.
• WR/DB: Caleb Montgomery (Junior) – A two-way star who can change the game on offense or defense. Dangerous in the return game as well.
• DL: Jackson Lindstrom (Senior) – A disruptive presence up front who commands double-teams and opens lanes for linebackers.

What to Expect

Chugiak will look to use tempo to keep North Pole’s defense off balance. Sosa’s ability to extend plays and Montgomery’s game-breaking speed make the Mustangs dangerous, especially if they avoid self-inflicted mistakes.

Key Matchups

Isaiah Moffett vs. Chugiak Front Seven

Moffett is a physical runner who gets better as the game goes on. Chugiak’s defensive line must wrap up and gang tackle to avoid chunk plays. If they can slow him down, they’ll force North Pole into uncomfortable passing situations.

Brayden Sosa vs. North Pole Secondary

Sosa can make every throw, but the Patriots’ secondary thrives on baiting quarterbacks into mistakes. If he gets too aggressive, it could lead to turnovers. But if he’s sharp, Chugiak could control the tempo.

Special Teams Edge

Games in Alaska often come down to field position, weather, and special teams. North Pole’s kicker, Eli Barton, has a strong leg and could be an X-factor in close quarters. Chugiak’s return unit is explosive—expect one or two special teams plays to change momentum.

Intangibles

Home Field Advantage

Playing at Patriot Pride Field in North Pole gives the Patriots an undeniable edge. The fans show up loud and loyal, and the chill in the air—even in August—can make conditions challenging for opponents used to milder coastal weather.

Momentum Matters

This is the season opener, but the winner gets more than a “W”—they get confidence, identity, and momentum. For two teams hoping to take the next step in 2025, that matters.

Penalties and Turnovers

These are young teams in many spots, and first-game jitters can lead to penalties or blown assignments. Whoever wins the turnover and penalty battle will almost certainly walk away with the win.

Prediction

This is going to be a tightly contested game. North Pole has the home-field advantage, the more reliable run game, and a defense that has proven capable of rising to the occasion. However, Chugiak’s speed and explosive potential give them a real chance to pull off a surprise.

Final Score Prediction:
North Pole 27, Chugiak 21
Expect a fourth-quarter touchdown from Moffett to seal it after a tense, back-and-forth battle.

How to Watch

• Live Stream: NFHS Network (Subscription required)
• Local Broadcast: Select Local Access Channels (check regional listings)
• Radio: Local stations in North Pole and Chugiak area
• Replays: Available through NFHS Network on-demand archive

Final Thoughts

Friday night football in Alaska doesn’t get much better than North Pole vs. Chugiak. These two teams bring history, passion, and competitive fire to every meeting. Whether you’re in the stands bundled up with hot cocoa or watching from home on stream, this is the kind of game that reminds us why high school football matters.

Look for big plays, emotional momentum swings, and a tone-setting win that could define the early part of the 2025 season. It’s the Patriots and Mustangs—two teams with something to prove and everything to gain.