October 23, 2025 by the Seward Folly Staff

Under the Saturday night lights at Redington High in the Valley, the Seward Seahawks squared off against Fairbanks’ Student Wrestling Development Program (SWDP) for a shot at redemption and a crack at the state championship. SWDP, a newcomer to Alaska’s nineman high school football league, had already handed Seward a tough loss earlier in the season, closing out their inaugural season with a 40-18 victory and an undefeated record.

The Seahawks came out swinging in the first quarter. SWDP struck first with an early touchdown, but missed on the two-point conversion. Seward’s quarterback, Emerson Cross, answered back with a run into the endzone, then connected for a two-point conversion to put Seward up 8-6. Lane Petersen made his presence felt with a timely interception, swinging momentum the Seahawks’ way.

Photos by Amber Humbert

The second quarter opened as SWDP broke off a 50-yard run before Petersen chased down the runner at the 14-yard line. SWDP punched it in soon after, but Seward’s Chiron Cross, filling in at running back due to injuries, broke free for a 35-yard touchdown. Coach Tyler praised the freshman for stepping up under pressure. SWDP kept their foot on the gas, scoring once more before halftime to take a 20-12 lead.

After the break, SWDP’s ground game took over. They ripped off a 75-yard breakaway run and followed it up with a 65-yard touchdown, tacking on another two-point conversion. Seward struggled to get its offense going as the SWDP defense tightened up, and the third quarter closed with the Seahawks trailing 34-12.

SWDP found the endzone again in the fourth, but the Seahawks refused to quit. Emerson Cross hit Lane Petersen for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping Seward’s scoring on the night. The final whistle sounded with SWDP on top, 40-18, sealing their perfect season and the state championship.

Despite the score, the Seahawks left it all on the field. The Cross brothers churned out tough yards on the ground, Petersen made plays on both sides of the ball, and seniors Micah Brueckner and Camden Schrock hauled in key receptions. The defense delivered hard hits throughout, showcasing grit and determination.

Coach Mallory summed it up: “We played hard, but couldn’t get a stop on defense. The other team is good, and that night they were the better one. It was a hard-fought game, and as a coaching staff, we’re extremely proud of our players for their effort and attitude this year. It was a great year of growth. These kids did everything we asked.”

With the season in the books, the Seahawks can walk off the field with their heads held high.