South coach John Lewis hugs a player after last week’s semifinal win. Photo by Bryan Boyett/Alaska Sports Report
Even though it was summer, South coach John Lewis took his players to school.
Call it Gridiron 101.
Lewis and his staff held four-hour practices – 60 minutes in the weight room, 60 minutes in the classroom and 120 minutes on the field.
“That truly helps build confidence in the players and the coaches,” Lewis said.
That’s quite the commitment, but the Wolverines were starting from scratch.
They had gone 0-9 last season and were mired in a 16-game losing streak dating back to 2021.
“Everyone had to embrace going back to learn football – the old-school way,” said Lewis.
THIS SATURDAY!! The 2023 ASAA First National Bowl DI Championship… South Anchorage Wolverines vs. West Anchorage Eagles Saturday, 6:30pm at Service HS.
Purchase tickets before you arrive at https://t.co/Brr9AIwqTt! Same price as at the gate! #FNB23 @FNBAlaska pic.twitter.com/Hpb6TeXbp6— ASAA (@ASAA_org) October 19, 2023
The architect of South football, Lewis built the program since Day 1 in 2004 and owns the school record in wins (86).
He led the Wolverines to three of their four state championships before stepping down in 2017 and coming back in 2022.
The game had changed in Alaska while he was gone, and he wanted to get back to basics.
“Blocking and tackling are a priority, running the ball isn’t a crime and special teams are very important,” he said. “That part doesn’t work if you don’t understand the game.”
The Wolverines get it now. After stubbing their toe early in the season, they have put their foot into it.
South (5-5) has won five of its last seven games, including two revenge playoff wins, to reach Saturday’s ASAA Division I First National Bowl against top-ranked West (9-2) on Saturday night.
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South got here by knocking off two teams – East and Bartlett – that had beaten the Wolverines in the regular season.
The role reversal was a symbol of South’s resurgence that started in the classroom and ended on the field, where the scout teams played a role in helping develop the starters.
“We aren’t big, but they take it seriously,” Lewis said. “Our live sessions are a true fight, getting ready for the next contest.”
South’s turning point came in Week 4 of the regular season when the Wolverines beat defending state champion Colony 31-23 for the program’s first win in 714 days.
“For most of the kids on the team, they had never won a game before,” Lewis said. “It is easy to think that you can tell someone they can win, but you have to feel it, and I think for us, our coaches would stop and go back over our system from the beginning, never assuming our player knew what was being taught.
“Kids will shake their heads yes, but really, they don’t know, and as a coach/teacher, it’s your responsibility to make sure your kids understand before you move ahead. Coaches coach during the week, and players play the game. Don’t over coach during the game and don’t under coach during the week.”
South’s Cole Bridges breaks away from the Bartlett defense. Photo by Bryan Boyett/Alaska Sports Report