Sports

Snow can't slow down top-ranked Bartlett in 76-34 football win over West Valley

An early blast of winter didn't slow down the Bartlett Golden Bears on Friday.

On a day when several inches of snow fell in Fairbanks, the top-ranked Golden Bears scored a blizzard of points to ice West Valley 76-34 in a nonconference game.

The field at West Valley was clear by kickoff, but players shared the sidelines with piles of snow.

Bartlett's Jordan Pace ran for five touchdowns – including a 77-yard kickoff return early in the first quarter, when the game was still close.

And Ethan Falaniko added to his nation-leading touchdown tally by rushing for four, which brings his seven-game season total to 27.

The Golden Bears, who improved to 6-1, led 28-14 after one quarter, 50-22 at the half and 76-28 after three quarters. Their 76 points is the most scored in a game this season, surpassing the 72 points scored by Soldotna against Service.

Falaniko rushed for 337 yards on 23 carries. Pace rushed for 189 on eight carries.

West Valley slipped to 3-4.

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