Homer football knocks off Houston, moves to 5-0

Published 10:30 pm Friday, September 12, 2025

The Homer football team celebrated homecoming and senior night by topping Houston 40-8 on Saturday in Mid Alaska Conference action.

The Mariners move to 2-0 in the league and 5-0 overall, while the Hawks drop to 0-2 and 1-4.

Homer grabbed a 26-0 lead after the first quarter and a 34-0 lead at halftime.

“First half, I thought we came out fast and we were playing well,” Homer head coach Justin Zank said. “Second half, the offense was just kind of slow to get going again.

“We had quite a few turnovers and that didn’t help.”

In the first quarter, Nikifor Reutov opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, then also ran in the two-point conversion.

Thomas Martin then had a fumble return for touchdown.

CJ Burns kept things going with a touchdown pass to Emelian Melkomukov, then Justus Grimes had an interception return to close the quarter.

In the second quarter, Grimes had a punt return for touchdown and Reutov ran in the conversion.

In the fourth quarter, the Mariners defense gave up a touchdown after pitching shutouts in the previous three games. Homer has given up just 16 points in five games.

“They played well, given the circumstance of having to be on the field so long with the offense turning the ball over and having quick three-and-outs and things like that,” Zank said.

Burns closed the scoring for Homer with a rushing TD.

Zank said the offensive line of Ellington Dudley, Maxwell Herndon, Timmy Cissney, Shea Yatchmeneff and Dimitri Hooks had a solid game.

The coach said the problem is the offense is not firing on all cylinders.

“When the O line gets going, we’re throwing interceptions, we’re fumbling the ball, or we’re missing assignments with the wide receiving corps,” Zank said.

On defense, Zank said Jackson Snaric and Jayden Sims played well in the secondary.

Homer now travels to Barrow for a noon game on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Whalers are 2-0 and 3-2. Homer topped Barrow in nonconference play 34-0 in Week 2.

“They’re upset with losing to us down here, so I expect them to play us tough,” Zank said.