Service strikes back after early loss

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In the season since a first-week loss to West High School, Service High’s football team has served notice that it will be a force in the Cook Inlet Conference race.

In the last two weeks, the Cougars have outscored opponents 57-7 in the second half, in victories over Kenai and South.

The win over the Wolverines was particularly satisfying for Coach Jason Caldarera's crew, with a 30-point outburst in the fourth quarter sending the Cougars’ confidence soaring before a Week 4 matchup with east.

There’s also an equally real psychological impact such a comeback imposes on Service’s opposition.

“People tend to doubt -- when people start doubting, they stop playing any more,” said Service defensive lineman Paul Pedro.

“We told the kids, ‘If we ever put four quarters together like our second halves there, it would be a totally different deal for us,’” Caldarera said. “We told the kids at halftime, ‘Show your character.’”

Contact John Carpenter at jcarpenter@ktuu.com