ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Kahlil Autry returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown to spark a dominating second half by South in the large school state football semifinals against Palmer. South, which trailed 7-0 at the break, rallied to knock off the previously unbeaten Moose, 25-7 to reach a second straight championship game.
It was all South after Luke Heun gave Palmer a 7-0 lead with a second quarter 11 yard rushing touchdown. Zach Lujan threw a short touchdown pass to Wade Ellis for the Wolverines' first touchdown of game. The Wolverines went for the two point conversion and made it to lead, 8-7.
After Palmer punted on its next possession, Autry ran the kick back all the way for a tide-turning score. Tommy Hopp added the final touchdown of the night.
The Wolverines, who lost the 2011 title game to Service, will take on either the Cougars or West Eagles for the championship. That semifinal is set for Saturday at noon at Chugiak's Tom Huffer, Sr. Stadium.
