2016 4A Gridiron Classic
Click here for the 4A Championship Bracket
2016 3A Gridiron Classic
Click here for the 3A Championship Bracket
Click here for the 4A Championship Bracket
Click here for the 3A Championship Bracket
Thursday | Oct 20th | 2016 | 4A KingCo | Boys | Football | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pop Keeney Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | 2OT | 3OT | Final | |
Skyline | 0 | 13 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 35 | |
Woodinville | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 42 |
The Spartans grabbed control of the game in the first half when Isaiah Shim turned a handful of pitches from the backfield into big gains. They paid off with an 8 yard pass to Alex Diegel from Drew Kistner. The Falcons didn’t respond so Skyline added on with a razzle dazzle double pass for 53 yards from receiver Bradley Kim to CJ Moore. Woodinville was on the ropes early.
In an attempt to salvage the half with some momentum, the Falcons struck gold when Michael Roth bolted down the sideline and hauled in a perfectly placed deep ball by Jaden Sheffey. The scoreboard read 13-7 at the break.
Woodinville picked up where they left off when an early drive in the third quarter found them on the doorstep of a potentially leading score. However, a fumble near the goal line rolled into the endzone and was recovered by the Spartans.
Shim’s hard work in the first half paid off when the senior weaved his way for a 4th quarter score to put his team up by 14. Could the Falcons rally?
Mack Minnehan took the call and mere minutes later plowed his way to pay dirt to bring the contest back to one score. The Woodinville sideline erupted.
After a gutsy defensive stop, the Falcons had a chance to tie the game. Nash Fouch stepped in with a tremendous grab in the corner of the endzone to bring the ballgame to 21 apiece. Skyline opted to run clock and attempt to win in overtime.
Woodinville had the first crack in overtime and chose to keep feeding Minnehan the ball. After some big chunks of yards, he pushed the ball past the plane to put the pressure on the Spartans.
With a hungry Woodinville defense that could taste victory, Skyline needed a clutch play to keep their hopes alive. On 4th and 10 from the 11 yard line, Kister found Kim over the middle for exactly 10 yards to earn a fresh set of downs from one yard out. They punched it in.
Skyline opened second overtime with a handful of quick passes to move the chains and set up shim for a goal line plunge.
On Woodinville’s first play of double OT, Minnehan ran into a wall of tacklers but somehow emerged from the pile and took the ball to the house to bring the game to a THIRD OVERTIME!
Woodinville had the first crack in which Fouch showed off his great ball skills hauling in a 50/50 ball in the corner to put his team back on top.
Facing a fourth and goal from the four yard line, could Skyline continue this tight-rope act? The Falcons defense broke up a would-be touchdown pass to seal the win and a league title prompting the Woodinville crowd to pour onto Pop Keeney Stadium field.
The Final Score:
Woodinville 42, Skyline 35.
Top Performers
Woodinville
Mack Minnehan- 3 TDs (1,25,30)
Skyline
Isaiah Shim- 2 TDs (1, 16)
2016 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Skyline Spartans – Head Football Coach
Mat Taylor
Now in his ninth year on the Sammamish Plateau as the head coach of the Spartans, Mat Taylor joins Dick Fain to talk about one of the state’s most dominant programs. He discusses this year’s team and their title hopes after a 2015 runner-up finish, some top players on the roster, and some top former players he coached at Skyline.
To catch the complete radio interview with Skyline Coach Mat Taylor,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Thursday | Oct 6th | 2016 | 4A KingCo | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pop Keeney Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Bothell | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 | |
Skyline | 14 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
However, Coach Bainter rallied the troops and punched the ball into the endzone twice to bring the game back to even ground; a pair of touchdown passes by Jacob Sirmon to Daniel Johnson and DaVicious Wilson respectively. Before the break, the Spartans marched down the field on a drive which created a momentum swing that carried into the second half. Drew Kistner completed numerous quick passes to the sidelines to protect the clock and move the chains. With 28 seconds left in the second quarter, Kistner connected with Luke Stiles from 21 yards out to give Sparty a touchdown lead heading into the locker room.
When the game resumed, Skyline took the opening drive down the field and were on the doorstep of taking a two-score lead. Tanner Gunnells picked off a pass that was headed for the endzone handing the ball back over to Bothell. However, the Spartans defense stepped up and didn’t not allow the Cougs to capitalize eventually giving it back to their offense.
The game was put away when Isaiah Shim picked up some big chunk runs to set up a rushing touchdown for Kistner. The scoring concluded with a 53-yard bomb to Bradley Kim. The scramble at the top of KingCo 4A continues with Skyline taking over the reins.
The Final Score:
Skyline 34, Bothell 13.
Top Performer
Skyline
Drew Kistner- 4 pass TDs (11,21,33,53), 10 yard rush TD
4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
2 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 3-0 | |
3 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 3-0 | |
4 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
5 | Bothell | KingCo | 3-0 |
4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
6 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 3-0 | |
7 | Monroe | WesCo | 3-0 | |
8 | Olympia | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
9 | Skyline | KingCo | 2-1 | |
10 | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 3-0 |
4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
- | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 3-0 | |
- | Woodinville | KingCo | 3-0 | |
- | Eastlake | KingCo | 2-1 | |
- | Bellarmine Preparatory | South Puget Sound | 2-1 | |
- | Union | Greater St. Helens | 2-1 |
2016 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Skyline Spartans – Head Football Coach
Mat Taylor
Longtime head coach at Skyline Mat Taylor has his #9 ranked Spartans off to a strong start in the 2016 season. Coach Taylor talks about opening the schedule on the road at Richland and Gonzaga Prep, the home opener at their newly renovated stadium, and some of the top players on this year’s team. Can Skyline navigate through the tough 4A KingCo conference schedule to get back to the championship game and win a record 5th 4A state title with Taylor at the helm?
To catch the complete radio interview with Skyline Coach Mat Taylor,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
2 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
3 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
4 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
5 | Bothell | KingCo | 2-0 |
4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
6 | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
7 | Skyline | KingCo | 1-1 | |
8 | Monroe | WesCo | 2-0 | |
9 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
10 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-1 |
4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
- | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
- | Olympia | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
- | Union | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
- | Eastlake | KingCo | 2-0 | |
- | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 2-0 |
Friday | Sep 17th | 2016 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skyline High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Eastlake | 6 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 16 | |
Skyline | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
Sparty took the opening drive the distance ending with a 2-yard punch-in by Isaiah Shim. Unfazed, Eastlake responded by marching down the field and quarterback Ben Howard connected with a diving Parker Lester in the back corner of the endzone.
Skyline’s attacked found its groove by feeding their tailbacks the football behind their bruising left guard Henry Bainivalu. Riley Gill broke the deadlock on an 18 yard scamper up the gut to put the Spartans back up by a score heading into halftime.
Eastlake emerged from the locker room with a will to even the score and did so when Howard found Hank Pladson for 62 yards and the game tying touchdown. A successful two-point conversion brought the score to 14 apiece.
The Spartans bounced back when Kevin McGrane knocked in a field goal from 35 yards out. At 17-14, could the Wolves bounce back again?
A clean sheet by Sparty’s defense allowed the McGrane kick to be the game-winner as Eastlake’s attempt to win was thwarted. Both teams will enter week four with identical 2-1 records.
The Final Score:
Skyline 17, Eastlake 14.
Top Performer
Skyline
Kevin McGrane- Go-ahead 35 yard field goal (35), 2/2 XP
Eastlake
Ben Howard- 2 passing TDs (18,62)
4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
2 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
3 | Gonzaga Preparatory | Greater Spokane | 0-1 | |
4 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
5 | Bothell | KingCo | 1-0 |
4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
6 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
7 | Monroe | WesCo | 1-0 | |
8 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
9 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
10 | Skyline | KingCo | 0-1 |
4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
# | School | League | Record | |
- | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 0-1 | |
- | Mount Si | KingCo | 1-0 | |
- | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
- | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 1-0 | |
- | Kennedy Catholic | North Puget Sound | 1-0 |
Saturday | Dec 5th | 2015 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tacoma Dome | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Gonzaga Prep | 10 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 34 | |
Skyline | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 16 |
Gonzaga Prep Captures 4A Crown in Convincing Fashion
By Steve Dion
In a classic battle of east against west, the Gonzaga Prep Bullpups traveled 300 miles over the mountains to take on the Skyline Spartans from the Sammamish Plateau. Sparty was fresh off a shootout at the Tacoma Dome a week ago against Lake Stevens which tested them from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. They busted through the gauntlet that was the bottom half of the 4A bracket taking down Gig Harbor, Camas, and the Vikings. The Bullpups used their staunch defense and efficient offensive attack to navigate to the title game including a grinder in the Tri Cities during semifinal week against the Richland Bombers. A packed Woodshed was set to close out a fantastic Gridiron Classic.
The first few minutes featured a pair of turnovers when an early Bullpup drive ended with a fumble into the Spartan endzone; a big momentum swing that erased what was nearly a quick 7-0 lead. However, the second play from scrimmage following the fumble was picked off by the Pups giving them the ball back in good field position. Later in the first, GPrep struck when Coach McKenna’s trickery caught the Spartans off guard, a double reverse to Devin Culp who glide to the goal line. On the ensuing kickoff, Conor McKenna knocked the ball loose from the Skyline kick returner to give his team the ball back in great scoring position. They walked away with three points off the foot of Jared Kutsch. Skyline’s enemic offense continued throughout the first half as they were limited to 102 total yards; the Bullpups had 358 in the same time frame. Before the teams entered halftime, Culp busted loose for a 59 yard rumble to the endzone. Also, the big running back/defensive end combo Evan Weaver capped off a late Bullpup drive to punch it in from a yard out. Many knew Gonzaga Prep had a tough defense, but limiting Skyline to three points in the first two quarters drove that point home on the biggest stage.
Trailing by three touchdowns entering the second half, Mat Taylor needed to rally the troops and craft a gameplan to score quickly before a comeback was out of reach. After failing to move the ball into Bullpup territory on their first drive, SHS caught a break by forcing a fumble after they punted. Unfortunately, they turned it right back over on the next play. The ball must have been covered in butter because Skyline forced another turnover two plays later. In 45 second and five plays, there were 3 fumbles! The Spartans took advantage of their gift by setting up Jake Pendergrast for a quick slant route for a touchdown. The Spartans were very much alive!
In a series that put a stamp on the contest, Gonzaga Prep drove down the field on a 15 play, 80 yard drive that culminated in a Weaver touchdown to put the Pups up 31-9. Skyline would find paydirt only one more time in the game; a fantastic one-handed grab by Danny Sinatro (see highlight video above). However, this was not enough to overcome the massive lead the Bullpups built early on. When the dust settled, GPHS outrushed their counterpart by 500 yards! Additionally, they dominated the time of possession game by controlling the ball over twice as long as Skyline. A stellar defensive effort by Gonzaga Prep neutralized Skyline’s running attack to only 22 yards. In his postgame comments, Coach McKenna said, “We faced adversity all year long, so when we had to travel over here against a great Skyline team, our kids came out firing.” The 4A crown will head east for until the first week of December in 2016!
The Final Score:
Gonzaga Prep 34, Skyline 16
Top Performer
Gonzaga Prep
Evan Weaver- 24 rush, 133 yards, 2 TDs
Devin Culp- 4 rush, 79 yards, 2 TDs
Skyline
Jake Pendergast- 9 rec, 98 yards, TD
2015 State Championship Preview: 4A/3A
4A & 3A
Dick Fain & Steve Dion
With the 2015 Gridiron Classic at the Tacoma Dome coming up this weekend, Dick Fain from Varsity Football Live on Sports Radio 950 KJR and Steve Dion break down the 4A and 3A title games to project what they expect to see at the Woodshed this weekend!
To catch the complete State Tournament Preview with Dick Fain & Steve Dion,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Saturday | Nov 28th | 2015 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tacoma Dome | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 6 | 18 | 6 | 7 | 37 | |
Lake Stevens | 14 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 34 |
Skyline Survives in Shootout with Lake Stevens
By Steve Dion
The nightcap of semifinal Saturday at the Tacoma Dome would pair Skyline and Lake Stevens with a ticket to the 4A championship game next week on the line. Heading into the contest, both teams were aware that Gonzaga Prep earned their berth to the title game earlier that afternoon. Which team would set their date with the Bullpups for next Saturday?
The back and forth affair began early when Viking quarterback Jacob Eason connected with Riley Krenz for a fifteen yard score. Without skipping a beat, Sparty gave their rebuttal in the form of an 81 yard Danny Sinatro catch and run. The first of many botched extra points for both teams occurred on this Skyline touchdown. The floodgates opened at this point as the high-scoring shootout was underway. The quarterback clash between Blake Gregory and Jacob Eason took center stage. Gregory was allotted half as many pass attempts with a dozen as Eason threw twenty-four times, but trailed in passing yards slightly at 244 to 252 and matched in touchdowns with one apiece. The running attacks were nearly identical in the first half with Rashaad Boddie and Andrew Grimes recording 10 and 12 runs for 34 and 38 yards respectively. Two plays that stood out in the first two quarters was an Eason pass in which he rolled out toward the sideline, bought time, and at the very last moment before taking a big hit zipped the ball to a receiver on the other side of the field for a big gain. Also, Boddie hauled in a fingertip catch along the sideline which set up his touchdown that garnered many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd. Everyone in attendance was in store for an exciting finish.
Lake Stevens opened the second half with a seven-play eighty yard drive in less than three minutes culminating in a Asi Tupua run from two yards out. The extra point was blocked and instead of a four point lead for the Viks, they only led by a field goal at 27-24. Skyline gained the lead on a Bradley Kim reception from Gregory which required fantastic improvisation and vision, but Grimes captured a 34-30 edge shortly thereafter which held into the final quarter.
Midway through the fourth frame, Gregory struck once again on his brilliant game under center as he found Kim to give Sparty a 37-34 advantage. With less than three minutes remaining, it was gut check time for Lake Stevens. The purple and black were marching down the field when on a Skyline blitz, Eason was forced out of the pocket. Harry Reed and Joseph Chauvin bottled up the big quarterback and the ball fell to the turf. Skyline’s Alex Diegel jumped on the football and the official indicated the ball was heading the other way. The Viking defense was able to stave off enough offense in the ensuing drive to give themselves one last shot with less than a minute remaining. Three unsuccessful deep throws put the game on one last play. Eason drops back, fires to the right corner of the endzone. Intercepted by Noah Park! The Skyline sideline flooded onto the field thrilled to be victorious in a memorable game that places them forty-eight minutes from a state championship.
When asked where this game ranks among games Coach Taylor has been involved with, he simply replied, “It’s right up there!” In regards to his quarterback Blake Gregory, Mat said “hopefully this game will get on video for more college coaches to see” as his signal-caller has proven great ability and decision-making throughout his Spartan career. Skyline will play Gonzaga Prep for the 4A title next Saturday.
The Final Score:
Skyline 37, Lake Stevens 34
Top Performer
Skyline
Blake Gregory- 22/28, 436 yards, 3 TDs, 13 rush, 54 yards, TD
Bradley Kim- 2 receptions, 47 yards, 2 TDs
Lake Stevens
Jacob Eason- 32/42, 390 yards, 2 TDs
Andrew Grimes- 24 rush, 157 yards, TD
Riley Krenz- 12 rec, 173 yards, TD
Friday | Sept. 4 | 2015 | 4A | Boys | Football | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Issaquah High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | Final | |
Skyline | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 31 | |
Issaquah | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
Skyline Stuns Eagles in Season Opener
By Steve Dion
Football season is back and the first Friday night of high school gridiron action featured a classic KingCo rivalry matchup between Issaquah and Skyline. The Spartans have had the upper hand against their plateau foe for over a decade and the Eagles were primed to turn the tides in front a capacity crowd on the premises of Gary Moore Stadium.
A slow pace of play dictated the entirety of the contest as both sides incorporated a heavy dose of passing and short possessions as the ball exchanged hands frequently. After a scoreless first quarter, Blake Gregory found Logan Wanamaker on a long flare down the left side for a big gain. This set up Rashaad Body for a 9 yard scamper to give the green six. Issaquah responded with a scoring drive of their own which closed with a 9 yard tie-toe grab by Joe Nelson from Cameron Humphrey. The scoreboard read 7-7 at the break.
The home team picked up an early touchdown in the second half, a 2 yard goal line dive by Bryce Hughes. Minutes later, Sparty responded as Gregory crossed the goal line untouched on a quarterback sneak. The ping-pong match continued when Jack Dellinger hauled in a pass by Humphrey on what appeared to be a defensive misread for 72 yards and a 21-14 lead.
Issaquah grabbed a two score lead early in the final frame on another Nelson reception. The Eagles were less than ten minutes from stunning Mat Taylor’s perennial 4A juggernaut. The visitors rallied the troops and drove down the field to set up another rushing touchdown for Boddie. Needing seven to tie the game up and send the game into overtime, Wanamaker did just that on a fourth down conversion with less than a minute remaining.
With a complete shift of momentum to the visitor sideline, Buddy Bland needed to rally his team to a score and a stop. They fell short on step one as a field goal attempt did not split the uprights. It was the Spartans chance to complete the comeback and they were faced with a similar predicament. Jack Crane pounded the pigskin through with his big left leg to seal the improbable victory for Skyline.
The FinalScore – Skyline 31, Issaquah 28.
Top Performers:
Skyline
Rashaad Boddie-2 rushing TDs (9, 30)
Issaquah
Joe Nelson-2 rec TDs (9, 72)
Skyline Shocks Issaquah in KingCo Rival Clash
By Steven Dion
Friday- January 9 | 2015 | Girls | 4A | KingCo | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Issaquah High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 16 | 16 | 10 | 21 | 63 | |
Issaquah | 9 | 12 | 9 | 15 | 45 |
Skyline Junior Cassidy Daugherty
Game one of a varsity doubleheader on Friday night at Issaquah High School featured the host Eagles and the Skyline Lady Spartans. Both teams are jockeying for position in the 4A standings as league play heats up. The victor would take a big step in keeping pace with the KingCo leaders so the table was set for an exciting matchup of plateau rivals.
The home squad was able to score eight unanswered points to start the contest and gain early momentum. Coach Fithian was able to rally the troops and respond in a big way. Junior Cassidy Daugherty highlighted a Spartan run by knocking down a pair of triples. At the 2:30 mark in the first frame, Eagle coach Nicole Reid called a timeout to stop the Skyline attack. However, the green and white were on a 16-1 run by the end of the quarter. A strong defensive effort by SHS was led by Jade Loville and Maddie Adamson to help add onto their lead. Issaquah forward Ellen MacNary scored five second-quarter points to keep her team within striking distance. Despite her attempt at sparking a rally, Issy faced a double-digit deficit at the break trailing 32-21.
When play resumed, Skyline continued aggressive play by attacking the bucket and earning trips to the free throw line. Their 21/27 (78%) shooting from the charity stripe was a difference maker in the game as Issaquah was unable to get on extended scoring runs. The game was lengthened from the many starts and stops. Lady Spartan captain Taylor McKerlich scored 9 points in the second half en route to her 11 total points and Daugherty led all scorers with 20. Eagle freshman Mariah Van Halm had some nice takes to the cup as she led her team in scoring with 11 points. She helped IHS cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth, but the clock favored Skyline at this point and they were able to run away with the victory as the game came to a conclusion.
The Final Score: Skyline 63 Issaquah 45
Top Performers:
Skyline
Cassidy Daugherty-20 points (9/10 FTs)
Issaquah
Mariah Van Halm-11 points (5/7 FTs)
Skyline Shocks Issaquah in KingCo Rival Clash
By Steven Dion
Friday- January 9 | 2015 | Boys | 4A | KingCo | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Issaquah High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 18 | 15 | 19 | 24 | 76 | |
Issaquah | 12 | 20 | 25 | 16 | 73 |
Jason Griffith’s Issaquah Eagles have picked up the ’14-’15 season where they left off last year when they made a deep run in the 4A state tournament. The plateau platoon appears to be a prime contender to raise the hardware in December with a player of the year caliber player and a super sophomore. However, as the new year turns, league play begins and each night on the floor is a challenge. The Skyline Spartans would visit the Eagles’ nest to take a crack at their league rival ahead in the standings. Bill McIntrye had the green and white ready to roll this Friday night.
Immediately following the opening tip, Ty Gibson buried a triple from the corner. However, the Spartans responded by matching the early scoring and in doing so, outmatching the home team in the level of intensity on both ends of the floor. A key play early in the contest was a block by Braden Ahlemeyer that sent the energetic Spartan student section into a frenzy. This swat led to a Spartan score on the other end that prompted an Issy timeout to regroup. This proved to be a smart coaching decision because the Eagles started to trim the deficit down and eventually take the lead. When Issaquah took a 27-24 lead at 3:37 in the second quarter, the resolve of Skyline was tested. They passed. At halftime, the Spartans regained the lead at 33-32.
When play resumed, more of the same back-and-forth trend continued as there were countless momentum swings and lead changes. Eagle sophomore Trevon Ary-Turner knocked down back-to-back triples to give the purple and white a 45-39 lead midway through the third. But once again, Skyline kept the game within reach. Down the stretch, Sparty realized they played too well to let this opportunity slip. Ahlemeyer knocked down two buckets in the post in the waning minutes. Additionally, Skyline captain Robert Biegaj pulled down a long rebound that led to a layup with twenty seconds left. Leading by four, the Spartans did not allow the Eagles to send this game into overtime and the major upset was complete.
The Final Score: Skyline 76 Issaquah 73
Top Performers:
Skyline
Robert Biegaj-26 points
Issaquah
Ty Gibson-26 points
Friday | Oct. 10th | 2014 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spartan Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Graham-Kapowsin | 0 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 17 | |
Skyline | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Graham-Kapowsin Shocks Skyline
By Colin Caruso
On a beautiful evening on the Issaquah plateau, the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles travelled north to face off against the home side Skyline Spartans. It was homecoming for the Spartans and their crowd was in full force expecting a win in this non-conference matchup. The Eagles and their strong fan base had different plans.
The game began in typical Skyline fashion, with a long drive of both passing and running, capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Rashaad Boddie. After a failed fourth and goal attempt for the Eagles on their next drive, the Eagles forced a punt from the Spartans and capitalized mid-way through the second on an Asbjornsen pass to Walkinshaw to tie the game at 7.
Skyline responded, as they typically do, with another great drive, and a touchdown pass from Blake Gregory to Derek Loville. Loville had a huge day for the Spartans; he finished the day with 162 yards receiving. But he wasn’t targeted as much in the second half despite single coverage, and this proved catastrophic for the Spartans.
Graham-Kapowsin tightened their defense immensely in the second half. The Eagles held the Spartans to negative 32 yards rushing in the second half, negative 11 from Boddie. The Eagles 6’6″ 310 pound sophomore Foster Sarell became the big play maker, clogging up the line on defense and blocking well against one of the state’s best pass rushers, Skyline’s Cameron Saffle.
This stifling defense did not allow a point in the second half, while the Eagles added just one field goal, which proved to be the game winner. Graham-Kapowsin came up with the big road win, 17-14.
Top Performers:
Graham-Kapowsin
Trevor Asbjornsen – 17-28 for 192 yards and 1TD
Shannon Edwards – 20 carries for 114 yards and 1TD
Skyline
Blake Gregory – 20-37 for 282 yards and 1TD
Derek Loville – 9 catches for 162 yards and 1TD
Friday | Sept. 5th | 2014 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gary Moore Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 21 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 48 | |
Issaquah | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
Video Highlights and Game Recap below.
Skyline Makes Quick Work of Issaquah
By Colin Caruso
Welcome back to High School Football! It truly is like Christmas every Thursday through Saturday when the Gridiron starts rolling. Our first game of the year, and a matchup of two teams who battled for a playoff berth last year, saw the Skyline Spartans face off against the Issaquah Eagles at a packed Gary Moore Stadium. Last year’s matchup was a battle to the end, with Skyline defeating the Eagles by a final of 30-17 on the back of a 27 point third quarter. This year’s matchup was far from close, as the Spartans dominated the line of scrimmage and the football game.
Rashaad Boddie (pronounced body) rumbled for four first half touchdowns for the Spartans, two on quick passes, and two on rushes up the middle. The Eagles could not match the size discrepancy on the lines, with their line averaging around 200 lbs. and Skyline’s line averaging around 250 lbs. Blake Gregory, Skyline’s junior quarterback added another score on a 2 yard scamper to finish off the first half with a Spartan 34-7 lead.
Skyline began to pull starters midway through the 3rd quarter, but still maintained their commanding lead. The game ended in a 48-21 blowout, with the Spartans starting off their promising season on the right foot. Coach Mat Taylor and company will like to make another run at state from the 4A King-Co conference, but will find great challenges in the upcoming weeks with Bothell and Eastlake.
Top Performers:
Skyline
Rashaad Boddie- 4TDs – 2 receiving of 81 and 58 yards, 2 rushing of 16 and 1 yards
Issaquah
Cam Humphrey- 2TD passes of 29 and 13 yards
Friday | Oct. 25 | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Issaquah High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 0 | 3 | 27 | 0 | 30 | |
Issaquah | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
To The King, a Crown; Skyline
By Colin Caruso
At risk was the #1 team in the 4A KingCo-Crown league, with the matchup of all-too-familiar opponents who have battled well over the past several years. The Skyline Spartans traveled to their neighbor Issaquah to face the Eagles, the winner to secure a matchup against the top of the KingCo-Crest league. Students and fans from all over came to create a buzz of noise that lasted until the game concluded, which saw
Issaquah broke the scoring drought first in the second quarter, a 44 yard pass from senior quarterback Jack Neary to his senior star wide receiver Derek Chapman. The Issaquah sideline exploded as their Eagles took a 7-0 lead. The teams would exchange field goals later in the quarter and Issaquah took a 10-3 lead into half.
Skyline coach Mat Taylor had something brewing in that halftime speech, because his Spartans came out ready to play in the second half. A 27-0 third quarter in favor of the Spartans completely changed the complexion of the game. Touchdowns came from all different avenues; a pass from Kilton Anderson to Derek Loville, two rushing scores, and a special teams score. Issaquah needed a response and succeeded early in the fourth on another strike from Neary to Chapman to cut the lead to 30-17. But Skyline’s defense held tough, with an amazing second half performance from their defensive line to pressure Neary relentlessly. Skyline secured the victory 30-17 and a matchup with the 4A KingCo-Crest champion Bothell.
Top Performers:
Skyline
Kilton Anderson – 26 yard TD pass
Rashaad Boddie and Chandler Wong – TD run each
Issaquah
Jack Neary – 2TD passes of 44 and 19 yards
Derek Chapman – 2TD receptions
Thursday | Oct. 3 | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Memorial Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 28 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 41 | |
Garfield | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Skyline Eats Garfield’s Lunch
By Colin Caruso
Memorial Stadium was a great site for this KingCo matchup between the Skyline Spartans and the Garfield Bulldogs. The home Bulldogs brought a good amount of noise, but couldn’t match their fans intensity on the field. The first six minutes of the contest saw a fumbling brigade from both teams. The Spartans received and fumbled on their second play from scrimmage. Garfield then fumbled the ball on the next play of the game, and Skyline drove down and scored their first TD on a Kilton Anderson QB keeper to take the lead 7-0. Garfield received the ensuing kick, and fumbled on their next offensive play. Two plays from scrimmage for the Bulldogs, and both resulted in fumbles. Skyline recovered the ball deep in Garfield territory, presumably ready to punch in another touchdown, but they fumbled on their next play and Garfield recovered! Four turnovers, two from each side, in the first 6 minutes of the game!
Garfield punted after recovering Skyline’s second fumble and Spartan Elijah Nichols returned it 72 yards to go up 14-0 halfway through the first quarter. Garfield then fumbled the kickoff (too many fumbles, in my opinion) and Skyline recovered deep in Garfield territory. Chandler Wong rushed the ball in for Skyline 3 plays later to take the lead 21-0, still in the first quarter. Anderson would hook up with Wong once more prior to the first quarter end, on a 4 yard TD pass, to take a 28-0 lead.
At this point the game was in hand, and the next three quarters of play saw just 20 points total. Garfield did end up getting on the board in the fourth quarter with a QB keeper from Winfred Roberson, to cut the Spartan lead to 34. But that was too little too late, as the Spartans rolled 41-7.
Top Performers:
Skyline
Kilton Anderson – 2 rushing TD, 2 passing TD
Chandler Wong – rushing TD, receiving TD
Garfield
Winfred Roberson – Rushing TD
Saturday | Sept. 7 | 2013 | 4A-3A | Boys | Kickoff Classic | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husky Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | |
Bellevue | 14 | 21 | 3 | 7 | 45 |
Bellevue Rolls Over Skyline
By Colin Caruso
The Emerald City Kickoff Classic nightcap saw the Washington state 3A and 4A champions clash in Husky Stadium. Bellevue has won the past five 3A state championships, and Skyline has won four of the last five 4A state championships, a clear clash of the titans. Bellevue came to play early and seemingly caught the 4A state champs off guard, capitalizing on one costly turnover deep in Skyline’s territory and scoring on two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter.
Missed tackles for the Spartans capped off a tough second quarter for Skyline, who found themselves down 35-0 on two more Bellevue rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown from Timmy Haehl to Marek Spooner. The team speed discrepancy was very apparent from the onset of this game; it seemed as if Bellevue was in a different gear for the first 24 minutes of this contest.
Skyline began to move the football more in the third quarter, putting together a couple of good drives and moving into Bellevue territory. The Wolverine defense bent a little bit in the third but did not break, and Bellevue added a field goal in the quarter to go into the fourth up 38-0.
Both teams began using reserve players in the fourth, as the game was already well over by half. Skyline managed to get on the board late in the quarter, on a long run by Kilton Anderson. Bellevue also added a touchdown in the quarter, and sealed the victory 45-7.
Top Performers:
Bellevue
Sam Richmond – 7 carries 113 yds, 1TD
Budda Baker – 6 carries 69 yds, 2TD
To close the evening, the Emerald City Kickoff Classic brought in the two best teams in Washington, a matchup between the 4A Skyline Spartans and the 3A Bellevue Wolverines. Bellevue has claimed the 3A state crown in 10 of the last 12 seasons, and hasn’t lost a game since 2010. Their last loss came to these Skyline Spartans. Coach Mat Taylor and the Spartans have raised the 4A state trophy in four of the last five seasons, and are looking to avenge their 2011 loss to the Wolverines. This game is not only for ‘Eastside’ bragging rights, but for state bragging rights, as both of these teams are looking to repeat in 2013.
These series of games will be the second set of games in newly renovated Husky Stadium following the Husky opener last Saturday, Aug 31st, in the Dawg’s rout over Boise State. The Skyline – Bellevue game will kick off at 7pm, Saturday Sept 7th. Tickets are $15 at the door and $10 for seniors and students. Good luck to both of our defending state champions!
2013 Kickoff Classic
Event At A Glance – League | Record | |
---|---|---|
Kickoff Classic | W | L |
Cascade 2A/1A | 0 | 1 |
Northwest 3A/2A/1A | 1 | 0 |
Metro 3A | 0 | 1 |
Kingco 3A/2A | 1 | 0 |
Kingco 4A | 2 | 1 |
Out of State | 0 | 1 |
Seattle Prep vs. Roosevelt | Game 1 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husky Stadium- FINAL | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Seattle Prep | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Roosevelt | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
King's vs. Lynden | Game 2 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husky Stadium – FINAL | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
King's | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | |
Lynden | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Coeur d'Alene (ID) vs. Bothell | Game 3 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husky Stadium – FINAL | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Coeur d'Alene (ID) | 8 | 22 | 7 | 6 | 43 | |
Bothell | 7 | 7 | 16 | 14 | 44 |
Skyline vs. Bellevue | Game 4 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husky Stadium – FINAL | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
Skyline | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | |
Bellevue | 14 | 21 | 3 | 7 | 45 |
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