The Homer Mariners varsity football team will advance to the Division III state championships this weekend, after taking down Redington in the semifinals game last Saturday, Oct. 11 at home.

Homer beat the Huskies 26-6 in what head coach Justin Zank called “a great game.”

“We scored on special teams and offense and our defense played a complete game,” he said via text message on Monday. “We knew it was going to be a tough game and we’re proud of how the guys stepped up to the challenge.”

On Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m., the Mariners will face the Barrow Whalers at the Division III State Championship game, hosted by Wasilla High School. The Whalers defeated Kenai Central High School 28-14 last Saturday to earn their spot in the final game of the season.

The Mariners split with the Whalers this season, with each team winning their home game.

Zank said that the Mariners are excited to play Barrow again on Saturday.

“We beat them at home, and they beat us at their place,” he said. “It’ll be another tough game.”