With 2:13 left in the fourth quarter, the Homer Mariners held a 19-18 lead over the undefeated and second ranked Barrow Whalers. They had led the entire way and found themselves in control of a grind-it-out game, driving down Cathy Parker Field with the game clock ticking.

And then disaster struck.

"We lost our concentration and threw an interception," said Mariner Head Coach Camron Wyatt. "They turned around and scored and then ran out the clock."

Final score: Barrow 24, Homer 19.

Quarterback Albert Gerke led the way for the Whalers, who have surprised many in the Alaska prep football world this season with their 5-0 start. Gerke finished the game 13 of 23 for 174 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead fourth quarter strike, a 12-yard pass to Cody Romine.

David Craig was a beast on the ground for the Mariners, racking up a game-high 120 rushing yards on just 6 carries. Craig scored twice in the game, from 6 and 26 yards out.

Cole Jacobsen started at quarterback for Homer and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Justin Frink in the second quarter.

Wyatt was disappointed in the outcome, but praised his team for a putting together a solid effort despite a tough travel schedule and some nasty weather.

"That wind was howling off the Arctic Ocean in the morning. It was pretty cold with the wind cutting right through you," said Wyatt.

It was the first ever trip to Barrow for the Mariners and Wyatt spoke highly of their hosts. The entire trip cost roughly $20,000 and the North Slope Borough School District footed the bill.

"We had a great time and everybody there treated us like royalty," said Wyatt. "If people want to see how it's done right, you need to go to Barrow. They invest in those kids like no other district."

On Saturday, the Mariners travel to Seward to take on the winless Seahawks at 3 p.m. If they can win that game and get another win at home against Skyview on Sept. 27, they still stand a decent chance of getting into the playoffs, said Wyatt. If that happens, he foresees a possible playoff rematch against Barrow.

"We got into a good battle up there this time. We were just two minutes short," said Wyatt.

Aaron Selbig can be reached at aaron.selbig@homernews.com.