The chilly air in Fairbanks is set to ignite as the Great American Rivalry Series returns for its milestone 20th season, and there couldn’t be a better matchup to celebrate the occasion. Lathrop High School Football Field will be the battleground for the long-standing rivalry between the Lathrop Malemutes and the West Valley Wolf Pack on September 30th, 2023.

With a rivalry that dates back to the year 2000, Lathrop and West Valley have been locking horns on the gridiron, and this year marks their 60th face-off on a football field. The history between these two teams is filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments.

The Lathrop Malemutes have undoubtedly dominated the all-time series, boasting an impressive 47 wins over their rivals, the West Valley Wolf Pack, who have managed 12 victories. Last year, Lathrop showcased their dominance with a resounding 35-0 triumph over West Valley, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch.

Rick Ford, Founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, shares his excitement for this year’s encounter, stating, “Lathrop vs. West Valley is a true testament to the spirit of high school football rivalries. The passion, history, and camaraderie between these two schools embody what the Great American Rivalry Series stands for.”

The Lathrop Malemutes have been an indomitable force in Alaska high school football, claiming 14 out of 23 state titles. Meanwhile, the West Valley Wolf Pack, though fierce competitors, have secured six state titles in their own right. This season, both teams are hungry for glory, and this rivalry game is an ideal opportunity for one of them to assert their dominance.

As the fans get ready to pack the stands with a crowd size of 1,200, the atmosphere promises to be electrifying. With the bragging rights and the 60th meeting between these two powerhouse teams on the line, the intensity will be at an all-time high.

Mark your calendars for September 30th, 2023, as the Lathrop Malemutes and West Valley Wolf Pack square off in a clash that will undoubtedly go down in the annals of Great American Rivalry Series history.

We Know Friday Nights.

MVP

Solomon Wade
Lathrop

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Cody Webb

Lathrop

Cody Webb has consistently performed at a Straight A level through out high school and has a 4.1 cumulative GPA. When not dominating the grid iron in football or working hard in the weight room at 6am workouts, Cody can be found perfecting his performance on the Clarinet. Cody has performed at the state and national levels on the Clarinet and plans to attend college to further his study in musical performance.
Isaac Gripper

West Valley

Isaac is a model student both in the classroom and on the gridiron. A member of the National Honor Society, Isaac has maintained an impressive GPA during his academic career while participating in numerous extra-curricular activities. Isaac runs track and is also involved with student government. As an established player on the team, Isaac is an invaluable teammate.

GAME SUMMARY

From the slowly-freezing, fields of Fairbanks, Alaska comes a series first that definitely did not disappoint. Known to locals as, "the Dog Bowl", the gridiorn is graced by the Lathrop Malemutes to take on the West Valley Wolfpack, a faceoff that is long-awaited annually. The first quarter started with defense, but it was no use for the Lathrop offense. With the Malemutes putting up 22 points in the first half, the Wolfpack already had their work put out for them. Alot of back and forth defense was performed by both sides, with the first half ending at 52-14. While West Valley did their best do defend the ball in the second quarter, it was no use for the strength of the already ahead Malemutes. The Dog Bowl of 2023 ended with a terrific score of 71-20, a great evening for football in Alaska.