The unbeaten East Thunderbids made quick work of winless Chugiak in a Saturday afternoon football game that finished with Mustangs senior kicker Josh Rolston making Alaska history.
The Thunderbirds continued marching through this makeshift COVID season, improving to 4-0 with a convincing 51-3 home victory.
Chugiak’s three points — the team’s first in four games — came on Rolston’s state-record 56-yard field goal with less than two minutes to play.
Alaska state record! 56 yards! @rolston_josh @Coach_Radke @KohlsHighlights @AlaskanAthletes pic.twitter.com/e3QYOn4BIi
— Brian Rolston (@rolston_brian) October 4, 2020
“The field goal and the points meant a lot to the team. It was very emotional,” Rolston said. “We love football at Chugiak and we’re a family. We want to see each other succeed.”
Rolston’s kick bested the previous state record of 53 yards by former Mustang Bryan Maley. Maley’s kick came 10 years ago against East.
Rolston was hit by an East defender on the play but Chugiak (0-4) declined the penalty, wisely opting for the historic points.
“I went down,” Rolston said with a laugh. “When I looked up, holder Harvey (Pullen) was just looking at me. He said, ‘You made it.’ ”
East coach Jeff Trotter said he was impressed by the game’s biggest highlight.
“I said before the game, I’d be really happy to see (Rolston) break a record,” Trotter said. “It was awesome.”
Thunderbirds quarterback Jasem Atonio passed for 212 yards and four touchdowns, including a 48-yard strike to Jordan Holland on the first offensive snap. Oakland Ala finished with 101 rushing yards.
From the only-in-Alaska department, Chugiak volunteer kicking coach Scott Minor is hunting buffalo this weekend with his wife in the Interior and missed Rolston’s big moment. Minor has helped the Mustangs since 2004, and his kickers have set the last four state records.
“When I texted Josh I was going to miss that game, I told him that’s when he’d do it,” Minor said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all. Without a doubt, he’s one of the best I’ve seen.”
Matt Nevala co-hosts “The Sports Guys” radio show, Saturdays at 11 a.m. on KHAR AM 590 and FM 96.7 (@cbssports590). Find him on social media at @MNevala9.
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