Juneau-Douglas High School football coach Kevin Hamrick, right, watches his team play against North Pole at Adair-Kennedy Memoiral Field on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. JDHS lost 22-16. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Juneau-Douglas High School football coach Kevin Hamrick, right, watches his team play against North Pole at Adair-Kennedy Memoiral Field on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. JDHS lost 22-16. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears need upset for postseason berth

Two things are set in stone when looking at the Southeast Conference playoff picture: Thunder Mountain’s in; Ketchikan’s out.

The future of the Juneau-Douglas and North Pole High School seasons remain in limbo — that is, until tomorrow night.

JDHS (3-3, 1-1 SEC) welcomes TMHS (5-1, 2-0 SEC) to Adair-Kennedy Memorial Field for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday.

It’s going to take a mammoth effort by the Crimson Bears to knock North Pole out of playoff contention.

If JDHS defeats Thunder Mountain on Saturday, they, along with North Pole, with finish with identical conference records at 2-1.

However, because the Falcons defeated the Patriots and the Crimson Bears lost to them, JDHS must win by 15 or more points against TMHS or miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

After a team’s conference record, pre-established metrics are used to determine which team with the same conference record as the others gets bounced from the playoffs.

These include the head-to-head record, record against common opponents and point differential (points scored minus points allowed) between the tied schools.

“We’re really well matched up, so I expect it’s going to be a very close battle again,” JDHS coach Kevin Hamrick said.

It took a goal-line defensive stand in overtime for TMHS to win 10-7 over JDHS in the two teams’ prior contest this season.

A mixture of turnovers and penalties stunted the Falcons’ offense in that Sept. 1 game at TMHS. On the other hand, the JDHS offense struggled to penetrate their opponent’s defense. Senior Erik Frenette and the rest of the defense scored the Falcons’ only touchdown on an interception turned into a touchdown in the first quarter.

“They feel great,” Hamrick said of his team’s chances of winning Saturday. “They knew we came four inches short of beating them last time so they’re confident in their ability. They’re not looking past them, they know it’s not going to be an easy game.”

Ketchikan’s season came ended with a 54-21 Wednesday night home loss to North Pole.

The Patriots played an unusual midweek game due to the relative proximity of Juneau and Ketchikan compared to their home outside Fairbanks. North Pole defeated JDHS last weekend.


• Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nolin.ainsworth@juneauempire.com.


More in Sports

2022 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé graduate Brooke Sanford (5) reacts with teammates during a Regis University Rangers home volleyball match this season in Denver, Colorado. (Regis photo courtesy Makayla Salter)
Former JDHS volleyball star Brooke Sanford discusses college adjustments

Local 2022 graduate takes game to higher court while pursuing education degree in Colorado.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé hockey players and Bartlett High School hockey players work for a puck during the Crimson Bears 10-6 win over the Golden Bears Saturday at the Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)
ASAA concerned incident in JDHS hockey game not reported

Visiting Bartlett High School player had to be restrained and escorted from ice.

The author during his morning constitutional on Jan. 1, 2025. (Photo provided by Klas Stolpe)
Pure Sole: Resolution or resolute

Ahem, a report from my daily morning constitutional, Jan. 1, 2025. There… Continue reading

Licorice ferns often grow on tree trunks and branches. (Photo by Bob Armstrong)
On the Trails: Licorice ferns

The understory of our forests is graced with lots of ferns in… Continue reading

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Emilio Holbrook (37) defends Bartlett senior Dylan Beals (19) during the Crimson Bears’ 10-6 win over the Golden Bears on Saturday at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Crimson Bears sweep Golden Bears in second high-scoring shootout

JDHS stops Bartlett again on Treadwell Ice Arena for 10-6 win.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé juniors Joren Gasga (12) and Tyler Frisby (21) and senior Ahmir Parker (2) rebound with Ketchikan senior Marcus Stockhausen during the Crimson Bears’ 70-63 loss to the Kings on Saturday at the George Houston Gymnasium in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Kings fire long-range shots at Crimson Bears, get 70-63 win to sweep two-game series

First time Kayhi has won back-to-back games at Juneau in over a decade.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Dance Team pose for a photo in the JDHS commons before Saturday’s Crimson Bears basketball game against Ketchikan. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
JDHS dance team are top entertainers and athletes

Fans become unglued from seats through every halftime performance.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Joren Gasga (12) dribbles past Ketchikan junior Jozaiah Dela Cruz (11) during the Crimson Bears 52-48 loss to the kings on Friday at the George Houston Gymnasium in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Kings escape Crimson Bears den

Ketchikan wins Southeast Conference opener 52-48.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Paxton Mertl (7) shoots against Bartlett’s Dylan Beals during the Crimson Bears 7-5 win over the Golden Bears Friday at the Treadwell Ice Arena. The teams play against Saturday at 3 p.m. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Crimson Bears ice Golden Bears

JDHS wins 7-5 scoring shootout against Bartlett.

Most Read