Lathrop alternates quarterbacks every other possession, but Solomon Wade and Jenner Webb were both involved in a crucial third-quarter drive that steered the Malemutes into the winner’s circle.
Webb’s 48-yard run on fourth down set up Wade’s 8-yard scoring strike to Earl Parker for the go-ahead touchdown that keyed Saturday’s 21-18 win over Peninsula powerhouse Soldotna in the Division II ASAA First National Bowl in Anchorage.
With the win, Lathrop capped a 10-0 season while handing the 9-1 Stars their first loss of the year.
Lathrop’s rushing attack powered by Tyler Clooten and Webb racked up 311 yards on a day when the Malemutes struggled to get their air attack on track.
Clooten broke off a 90-yard scoring run in the first quarter and finished with 184 yards on 14 carries.
Lathrop’s Tyler Clooten. Photo by Bryan Boyett/Alaska Sports Report
Webb rushed for 112 yards on just seven carries, highlighted by runs of 48 and 32 yards. That 48-yard keeper was the play on the game, coming on 4th-and-1 from Lathrop’s own 18-yard line after Lathrop head coach Luke Balash rolled the dice.
Wade started the drive but it was Webb in the shotgun on this play, taking the snap and finding space on the right side. Wade was then put back under center and three plays later found Parker in the corner of the end zone for a 14-12 lead.
On the team’s next drive, Webb was back at quarterback and his 32-yard run set up another touchdown, this time on Cherub Adeniran’s 9-yard run to put the Fairbanks team ahead 21-12 late in the third quarter.
Lathrop kicker Ryan Thomas made all three PATs as the senior converted soccer player finished 62-for-62 on extra points this year.
Lathrop’s Solomon Wade. Photo by Bryan Boyett/Alaska Sports Report
Soldotna outgained Lathrop 362-324 in total yards behind a relentless rushing attack and seized first-half leads of 6-0 and 12-7 on TD runs from Collin Peck.
The Stars also snagged two interceptions in the first quarter, first by defensive back Brayden Taylor and second on a tipped pass by defensive lineman Kenai Lepule. Taylor grabbed another pick in the fourth quarter.
Peck’s first TD was the first score of the game and came on a 1-yard plunge to cap a 36-yard scoring drive, but the lead didn’t last.
Clooten broke off a 90-yard scoring run on third down after rolling over a defender and never touching the ground. He also never stopped churning his legs.
Peck countered with a 50-yard run on Soldotna’s next possession, side stepping a defender after it looked like he was bottled up near the sideline.
At the end of the first half, Soldotna moved the ball 74 yards behind big plays like Gehret Medcoff’s 32-yard run, Zachary Buckbee’s 19-yard run and Buckbee’s 22-yard pass to Wyatt Faircloth. But the drive stalled at the 2-yard line.
Soldotna’s Collin Peck. Photo by Bryan Boyett/Alaska Sports Report
Lathrop’s defense started the second half by forcing two punts and turnover on downs, giving its offense time to warm up on the chilly afternoon. The two scoring drives went for 91 and 55 yards, more yards than the previous four drives combined.
Soldotna found its stride on the final drive of the fourth quarter, marching 85 yards behind Buckbee and Medcoff, and pulling within 21-18 on Buckbee’s 3-yard scoring strike to Luke Miller with 1:01 left.
Lathrop iced the game when Jacob Johnson recovered an onside kick.