Lathrop vs Wasilla | Alaska High School Football | August 15

High school football in Alaska is set to light up the Friday night skies as the Lathrop Malemutes host the Wasilla Warriors in what’s expected to be one of the most electric season openers in the state. Scheduled for Friday, August 15, at 7:00 PM (local time), this non-conference matchup brings together two proud programs looking to make an early statement as the 2025 high school football season kicks off.

Let’s dive into an in-depth preview of this classic Alaska showdown, including team outlooks, key players to watch, and everything fans need to know about the game’s location, broadcast options, and competitive context.

Game Information

• Matchup: Lathrop Malemutes vs. Wasilla Warriors
• Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM AKDT
• Location: Lathrop High School – Fairbanks, Alaska
• TV/Streaming: NFHS Network (subscription required), Local Access Channel (check regional listings)
• Game Type: Non-conference Season Opener

Setting the Scene

Few venues in Alaska offer the kind of Friday night football atmosphere as Lathrop High School’s home field in Fairbanks. Known for its passionate student section, spirited marching band, and crisp late-summer evenings, this field becomes a beacon for football fans across the interior region. As the stadium lights flicker on against the Alaskan twilight, fans will be treated to a showcase of speed, power, and high school heart.

This game also serves as a measuring stick for both teams: Lathrop aims to build upon its strong tradition, while Wasilla is looking to rebound after a challenging 2024 campaign and prove they’re a legitimate threat this season.

Lathrop Malemutes Preview

2024 Recap

The Malemutes finished the 2024 season with a respectable record, earning a spot in the ASAA playoffs and demonstrating flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball. Their defense was stout, and their offense, though at times inconsistent, showed big-play potential.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Rey Johnson
  Coach Johnson enters his fourth year at the helm, and under his leadership, Lathrop has consistently been a top contender in Alaska’s medium-school division. He’s known for emphasizing discipline, speed on defense, and a balanced offensive scheme.

Key Players to Watch

• QB: Kayden Thomas (Senior) – A dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and deliver accurately downfield. He threw for 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024.
• RB: Josiah Cruz (Junior) – A breakout candidate who rushed for 900+ yards last season as a sophomore and adds explosive potential.
• LB: Ethan Rigsby (Senior) – The defensive anchor, known for his leadership and physical tackling style. Recorded 88 tackles and 4 sacks last year.

Team Outlook

Lathrop brings back several key starters, particularly on defense, and their offensive line has added bulk and experience. Their success will likely hinge on the development of the passing game and how well they can establish dominance early in the trenches.

Wasilla Warriors Preview

2024 Recap

The Warriors struggled through a rebuilding year in 2024, finishing below .500 and missing the playoffs. However, they showed resilience late in the season and gave several top-tier teams a scare, including a near-upset over Colony.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Travis Clark
  Coach Clark, now in his second season, has emphasized fundamentals, effort, and rebuilding the Warriors’ identity. With a full offseason under his belt, expectations are much higher entering 2025.

Key Players to Watch

• QB: Riley Patterson (Junior) – A developing passer with a strong arm, Patterson gained valuable experience last season and looks poised to take a major leap.
• WR/DB: Zeke Monroe (Senior) – A two-way playmaker who led the team in receptions and interceptions. Big-play threat every time he touches the ball.
• DL: Hunter Lavigne (Senior) – A force on the defensive line who recorded 5 sacks and consistently disrupted opposing backfields.

Team Outlook

Wasilla may lack the depth of Lathrop, but they’re improving fast. Their defense, particularly their secondary, will need to perform at a high level to slow down Lathrop’s speed on the perimeter. If Patterson can control the tempo offensively and avoid turnovers, this game could go down to the wire.

Key Matchups

Lathrop Offensive Line vs. Wasilla Front Seven

This battle in the trenches may define the outcome. Lathrop’s offensive success depends on creating lanes for Cruz and time for Thomas. Wasilla’s front seven, led by Lavigne and LB Mason York, must find a way to collapse the pocket and contain the run.

QB Duel: Kayden Thomas vs. Riley Patterson

Both quarterbacks are young, athletic, and central to their teams’ identity. Thomas is more polished, but Patterson has the potential to steal the spotlight with a breakout performance. Whichever QB limits mistakes will likely give his team the edge.

Special Teams Impact

In a game expected to be close, special teams could tip the balance. Lathrop’s kicker, Ian Reyes, has range out to 45 yards, while Wasilla has shown creativity in returns and coverage. A big return or blocked kick could change everything.

What to Watch For

• Opening Drive Momentum: Look for both teams to establish rhythm early. A long opening drive could demoralize the opposing sideline.
• Turnover Battle: Classic but true—turnovers almost always decide close games.
• Crowd Factor: Lathrop’s home crowd is loud, loyal, and knows when to rise. Wasilla’s young squad will need composure to handle the noise.

Prediction

On paper, Lathrop holds the edge in experience, coaching stability, and star power. But Wasilla has nothing to lose and everything to prove. Expect a game that’s tight at halftime, with Lathrop pulling away late due to superior depth and execution.

Final Score Prediction:
Lathrop 31, Wasilla 20
Expect Thomas and Cruz to combine for over 300 yards of offense, while Rigsby anchors a defense that forces key turnovers in the second half.

How to Watch

• Live Stream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
• Local TV: Check regional listings (some games rebroadcast via public access channels)
• Radio: Local AM/FM sports stations in Fairbanks and Wasilla areas
• Replay Access: On-demand replay available on NFHS after the game ends

Final Thoughts

Lathrop vs. Wasilla is more than just an August football game—it’s a tone-setter for both programs in 2025. It’s a showcase of Alaska’s rising football talent, dedicated coaching staffs, and communities that deeply care about their high school teams.

For fans across the state, whether watching in the stands or streaming from home, Friday night under the lights in Fairbanks is the place to be.