Sports

Bartlett's Falaniko is Alaska's Gatorade football player of year

Ethan Falaniko, the Bartlett High running back who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 33 touchdowns this season, has been named the Gatorade Alaska Football Player of the Year.

The 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior, a two-time all-state selection, rushed 207 times in nine games, and racked 2,053 yards. That total included a school-record 351 yards against Nikiski.

Falaniko is an honor student involved in student government and his church.

"He's the most complete and impressive student athlete I can remember for many years in our state,'' said Chugiak coach Roger Spackman.

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