The Juneau‑Douglas High School Crimson Bears boys soccer team edged South Anchorage 1‑0 for the second day in a row, extending a surprising winning streak that has caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
Hockey‑Style Substitutions Fuel the Run
Coach Gary Lehnhart’s unconventional ‘hockey subbing’ approach saw 17 players see quality minutes, allowing the squad to rotate fresh legs and maintain intensity throughout the match.
Senior forward Elliot Welch praised the collective effort, noting that the team’s cohesion and energy were evident from the opening whistle.
Junior Maddox Carroll, who had been sidelined by injury, made a decisive impact by scoring the winning goal, the play set up by sophomore Bryce Haygood’s precise pass.
Defender Jesper Bennetsen logged 70 minutes, contributing nine steals and anchoring a back line that limited South Anchorage’s chances.
Lehnhart highlighted the value of a deep bench, saying the system gave the team flexibility to adapt positions and keep opponents guessing.
The upcoming Alaska School Activities Association state championships, scheduled for May 28‑30 in the Matanuska‑Susitna Valley, will test whether the Bears can translate this momentum into a larger tournament setting.