Soldotna High's multitalented and never-defeated football player, Anthony Griglione, today was named 2008-09 Gatorade Alaska Football Player of the Year.
The 195-pound senior running back and linebacker never lost a game in a Soldotna uniform. He led the undefeated Stars (10-0) to their third consecutive small schools state title in October, a 28-6 victory over Kodiak in Anchorage Football Stadium. Soldotna extended its winning streak to 29 in that game, tying a state record. Griglione started each of those games.
"He's one of those gone-in-60 seconds guys," said his coach, Galen Brantley Jr. "He's one of those special kids who only comes along once in a long time. He's the total football player.
"He's probably the most electrifying kid we've ever had here."
Griglione has prospered in the Wing-T offense that Brantley installed in Soldotna.
"He knows the Wing-T inside and out," Griglione said.
In Soldotna's version, three backs line up side-by-side behind the quarterback and everybody moves in the same direction at the snap. One player runs with the ball and the rest pretend they do, which fools the defense.
"It's a discipline thing that's worked out," Griglione said. "Brantley teaches us to carry out our fakes 20 yards. No team's been able to stop us."
The Alaska Small School Offensive Player of the Year, Griglione rushed for 1,702 yards and 25 touchdowns on 137 carries. He also caught 14 passes for 302 yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, he had 43 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.
Because Soldotna blew out so many opponents, Griglione spent significant stretches on the bench as his coaches attempted to keep the score down.
Off the field, Griglione has a 3.71 GPA and volunteered in a school tutoring program. He has yet to select which college he'll attend.
Griglione's selection puts him among the winners in the 49 other states and the District of Columbia seeking to become the national player of the year, an award to be announced this month.
Former winners of the state award include Bill Chimphalee of Kenai (2007), George Percak-Dennett of Colony (2006) and Chris Hinkley of Juneau (2005).
By MIKE CAMPBELL and KEVIN KLOTT
Anchorage Daily News