Chugiak enters football fray with high hopes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Because of the physical nature of football, seniors’ muscle is perhaps more important than in any other sport at the high-school level. That's why the Chugiak Mustangs feel safe at the wheel, heading into the Alaska prep football openers this weekend.

The Mustangs have some unfinished business to tend to after falling short in last year's large-school championship game. Chugiak has a small roster of about 30 players, but there is an abundance of quality.

Coach Duncan Shackelford brings back seven defensive starters and six on offense, including beefy linebacker and running back Greg Graham.

“He’s really strong,” said Chugiak right tackle Paul Boyden. “We’ve got a good quarterback, he’s got a pretty good arm. Maybe we'll throw the ball this year -- it should be fun.”

“We return some great guys on the line,” Shackelford said. “I really feel that this year these kids all picked up a lot from the success we had last year, and we'll see if we can come out on top here in the end.”