The visiting Nikiski football team held off Eielson for a 28-27 victory in Denali Conference play Friday.

The two programs have played in some engaging games through the years, including the Ravens winning state title games in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Friday, Eielson took a 7-0 lead after the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, Brady Bostic tossed a 25-yard touchdown to Simon Grenier for a 7-6 game. The Bulldogs then took the lead on a 10-yard run by Truit McCaughey with 2:35 remaining until halftime.

With 1:24 left until the break, Eielson scored a touchdown to cut the gap to 14-13 at halftime.

The Ravens then took a 19-14 lead in the third quarter before Bostic answered with a 6-yard run for a 22-19 lead.

With a minute remaining in the game, McCaughey dashed into the end zone for a 28-19 lead. Eielson was able to pull within 28-17 with 5 seconds left, but Nikiski held on.

The Bulldogs remain in Fairbanks to play Monroe Catholic on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Eagle River 57, Homer 0

The host Wolves cruised past the Mariners on Saturday in nonconference play. Homer plays at the Division III level, while Eagle River is a Division II squad.

Friday, the Homer News reported Douglas Waclawski, the principal at Homer, sent out a letter to students, parents and staff saying both the football and volleyball programs had members who tested positive for COVID-19.

While volleyball had no games scheduled this weekend, the Homer News reported the football team lost a minimal number of players due to the positive test and close contacts who were forced to quarantine.