Chugiak Black's Josh Bogowith finds running room behind teammate Mathew Oldenkamp on a sweep left during Saturday's State Mat-Su Youth Football Association Playoffs at Palmer Junior Middle School. PHOTO by david morse

The Chugiak Black 7th-8th grade boys Mat-Su Youth Football Association team extended its undefeated season, beating the Houston Hawks, 54-12, at Palmer Junior Middle High School Saturday.

Sporting a perfect 6-0 regular season mark, the team struggled a bit in the first quarter, managing a 14-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter, and that despite a 70-yard touchdown run by eighth-grader Dylan Timberlake on the first play from scrimmage.

Timberlake finished with three touchdowns, along with two from Josh Bogowith, and one each by Wyatt Reiser and Ricky Simpson. The Black line quarterback is eighth-grader Collin Metzel.

In their seven games, Chugiak Black has outscored opponents 358-60, reported head coach Scott Stark.

The team has gone through the season relatively clean, with only one major injury - a broken foot.

Stark said the team is not that imposing, on a player-by-player comparison in the league.

"We're probably right in the middle, based on sized. We're small compared to some of the teams," he said.

Stark said the team's strength is their offense, with their running backs capitalizing on the fine blocking of the offensive line.

"We spend a lot of time on blocking," the coach said. "We teach our players what to do, and who to do it to," he said, stressing both a mechanical advantage individually and a collective assault based on numbers.

"We try to send three, four or even five players at our 'point of attack,' forming a wedge," he said. "We do set up a pretty tight format."

With such a configuration, the team is able to substitute offenses and still perform well, he said, giving kudos to second-string quarterback Blake Kutch for orchestrating a pair of long second-half drives resulting in touchdowns against Houston.

Stark also noted the defensive play of Austin Martin, Mathew Oldenkamp and Ricky Simpson.

"Austin had a huge game for us," said the coach.

Oldenkamp also had an interception and Simpson, at safety, delivered huge hits for Chugiak Black's defense.

"He's a fierce tackler," said the coach of Simpson.

With the win, Chugiak Black will play Wasilla White in the state championship game this Saturday at Palmer Junior Middle School.

In their only meeting of the season, Chugiak defeated Wasilla, 30-6, reported Stark.

"But it was our second game, and their first," he said.

The loss was also Wasilla's only blemish of the season.

Wasilla also brings impressive statistics to the table, outscoring their opposition, 165-82.

"They had a couple touchdowns against us called back because of penalties. And we broke a couple of long runs for touchdowns against them," said Stark, expecting a good game. "They are a well-coached team."

Chugiak Black team members include Josh Bogowith, Cameron Collums, Tyler Frazier, Clayton Inabinet, Cody Jacks, Blake Kutch, Austin Martin, Collin Metzel, Mathew Oldenkamp, Justin Patin, Thane Perish, Wyatt Reiser, Mason Shafran, Ricky Simpson, Joey Starr, Dylan Timberlake, Tyler Tulare and Louis Wintters.