The upcoming 2025 high school football season has sparked significant excitement in the Wasilla community, as hometown fans eagerly await the Warriors’ return to the gridiron. After a 2024 campaign that was filled with highs and lows, the Wasilla High School football team is focused on redemption, growth, and competition. With a strong returning core and promising young talent, the Warriors are expected to be contenders in the Northern Lights Conference. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key players, position battles, and team expectations for the 2025 Wasilla football season.
2024 Season Recap: A Foundation for 2025
Last season, the Warriors finished with a respectable 6-4 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. Led by a senior-heavy roster, Wasilla relied heavily on its defense and running game to stay competitive. Despite losing several key starters to graduation, the underclassmen saw substantial playing time, giving them invaluable experience heading into this year.
Head coach Mike Leland, entering his fifth season at the helm, remains confident about the direction of the program.
“We lost a few leaders, sure,” Leland said, “but we’ve got kids who are battle-tested. This year the goal is not just to make the playoffs — it’s to win consistently and challenge at the top of our conference.”
Offensive Outlook for 2025
Offensively, the Warriors are transitioning from a run-first scheme to a more balanced attack that incorporates short passes and play-action. With returning quarterback Jason McConnell under center, Wasilla has the tools needed to execute a more complex playbook.
Key Offensive Players
- Jason McConnell – QB (Senior): McConnell passed for over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, despite starting only seven games due to injury. A dual-threat quarterback, he will be pivotal to Wasilla’s offense in both the passing and rushing games.
- Darren Foy – RB (Junior): Foy emerged as a dependable rusher with 800+ yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024. His north-south running style, vision, and low center of gravity make him tough to bring down.
- Jackson Lee – WR (Senior): Possibly the fastest player on the roster, Lee led the team with 600 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns last year. Expect him to be McConnell’s top target again this season.
- Ty Zimmerman – OL (Senior): The 6’3”, 285-pound Zimmerman anchors the offensive line and was a First Team All-Conference selection in 2024. His leadership and grit will be instrumental in protecting McConnell and opening lanes for Foy.
Defensive Strengths & Adjustments
On the defensive side, Wasilla returns a deep linebacker corps and a talented secondary fueled by speed and aggression. The defense was the team’s backbone last year, allowing fewer than 17 points per game, and could be even better this season with returning leader Luke Harris at linebacker.
Standout Defensive Players
- Luke Harris – LB (Senior): A tackling machine, Harris notched 90 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 2024. His sideline-to-sideline play and strong football IQ make him one of the most feared defenders in the conference.
- Jordan Spivey – DB (Junior): Spivey led the team with 5 interceptions last season. Known most for his coverage skills, he’s also physical in run support and doesn’t back down from big assignments.
- Micah Toland – DE (Senior): At 6’2” and 240 lbs, Toland racked up 8 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He dominates the edge and persistently disrupts backfields, often drawing double teams.
Defensive coordinator Ray Benton has crafted packages focused on quarterback pressure and aggressive zone coverages. Speed will be a major asset in 2025, with the Warriors fielding one of the fastest defensive units in recent years.
Special Teams Watch
While often overlooked, special teams played a huge role in past close games. In 2025, the Warriors turn to sophomore Edwin “E.J.” Carter as both their kicker and punter. Coach Leland has expressed confidence in E.J.’s range and composure, even comparing him to former standout Ryan Kline, now kicking in college.
Return duties remain up for grabs, though junior speedster Mike Trevors is the favorite given his elusive running on kickoff returns last year. Special teams could tip the scale in tight contests this season.
X-Factors: Under-the-Radar Contributors
While the stars draw the headlines, success often hinges on unexpected standouts. Here are a few players who could swing games this season:
- Chad Gibson – TE (Junior): Gibson is a big-bodied tight end with excellent hands. He had limited offensive exposure last season, but offseason reports indicate he’s become a reliable third-down target.
- Roman Clark – CB (Sophomore): Clark has emerged from the JV ranks with rave reviews. His ball skills and instincts give him starter potential midway through the season, if not by Week 1.
- Colton Brewer – OL/DL (Senior): A two-way player often rotated in, Brewer’s versatility might earn him starting roles on both lines, particularly if injuries strike.
Team Chemistry and Leadership
A hallmark of successful high school teams is strong internal leadership. For Wasilla, seniors like McConnell, Harris, and Zimmerman are expected to set the tone not only on the field but in the locker room. The team took advantage of summer 7-on-7 tournaments and off-season bonding to build camaraderie and resilience.
Coach Leland emphasized the importance of team unity during the preseason:
“This group cares about each other. They push one another, they hold each other accountable, and that translates into winning football.”
2025 Schedule Highlights
The 2025 schedule poses early challenges and significant opportunities. The Warriors open with a non-conference clash against Service High School, followed by tough conference opponents like Soldotna and Colony.
Highlighted games include:
- Week 2: Wasilla vs. Palmer – This in-town rivalry game will likely determine early season momentum and local bragging rights.
- Week 6: Wasilla at Soldotna – Last year’s game ended in heartbreak for the Warriors. Revenge and playoff leverage will be key themes.
- Week 9: Wasilla vs. Colony – Could very well decide the conference title if both teams live up to expectations.
Season Expectations
Realistically, the goal for the 2025 Wasilla Warriors is to win the Northern Lights Conference and earn a deep playoff run, if not a state championship berth. With returning leaders, strategic coaching, and promising youth, it’s a goal within reach.
Here’s what fans and analysts are projecting:
- Projected Record: 8-2 (with room to improve if key games go the Warriors’ way)
- Playoff Outlook: Strong chance to host a first-round playoff game
- Team Strengths: Defense, returning quarterback, special teams
- Team Concerns: Depth at offensive line, integrating new starters quickly
With a blend of experience and raw skill, the 2025 Wasilla football roster is one of the most exciting in recent years. They have the ingredients, the hunger, and the support of a loyal community behind them.
As kickoff nears, keep your eyes on the red and black — the Wasilla Warriors are ready to make serious noise in Alaska high school football.
