ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Service Cougars defeated the South Anchorage Wolverines 32-7 on Saturday to retain the South Side Cup at home for the third year in a row.
Fifteen-year-old Cougars quarterback Taurian Phillip started his first career college game, shook off pregame nerves to throw three touchdowns and score another, showing the skills of a veteran rather than a rookie.
“Before the game, I was really nervous,” Phillip said. “I was like, ‘Okay, this is my first varsity game. I don’t want to mess anything up.’ When I threw the first pass, I felt great because I knew my teammates were around me and supporting me. I was going to get through it as long as I had my teammates.”
The first of Taurian’s three touchdowns would prove to be the most meaningful of all for the service sophomore, as it put a 10-pointer right into the hands of junior receiver Cassidy Phillip, a college veteran and brother of the Cougars’ newest signal caller.
“I dreamed of throwing the first touchdown to my brother. It was an incredible feeling,” Taurian said.
“I’m really happy, not only was that a touchdown for my brother, but it was also my first offensive touchdown on the varsity team,” Cassidy said. “I think that was a special moment.”
Cassidy took time to enjoy the celebration together and also said that it was a play that might not have become reality.
“This is our first year on the same team. To be honest, I didn’t think he would be on the varsity team with me because there were other opportunities,” Cassidy said. “But I think it’s very important that he’s on this team with me.”
From the possibility to the immediate present, the couple has enjoyed every moment.
“I thought to myself, ‘Dude, we need to come up with a handshake,'” Cassidy said. “We need to give it our all this season to win the championship.”
The Phillip brothers say this is just the beginning after defeating a Wolverines team that finished second in the 2023 Division I playoffs, and they advise teams across the state to prepare when they face the Green and Gold.
“Be prepared for us. We are here and we are here to play,” Taurian said. “We are coming to win the championship.”
“Our stats don’t matter as long as the team is successful and we win,” Cassidy said.
Service resumes the season this weekend against Juneau-Douglas. A win would be the Cougars’ first 2-0 start since 2019.
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