Skyline is accustomed to fast starts.
The Spartans had scored in every first quarter this season — until their preliminary state playoff game against Graham-Kapowsin.
The state’s top-ranked team rallied behind the arm of junior quarterback Jake Heaps and a key defensive play, however, to run away with a 30-7 victory.
Heaps broke a scoreless tie early in the second quarter, connecting with Gino Simone for a 49-yard touchdown. Tait Stephens padded the Skyline lead, returning a fumbled snap 12 yards for a touchdown with just seconds remaining in the first half.
Heaps, who threw for 227 yards, ran in a 3-yard score and found Simone for a 6-yard TD in the fourth quarter to build a 30-0 advantage. Kicker Brian Schwartz added a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter.
Graham-Kapowsin finally got on the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter, when Chris Ratteray powered in a 2-yard run.
Skyline improved to 10-0 overall with the victory. Graham-Kapowsin ended its season at 7-4.
Eastlake season comes to an end
Eastlake put a scare into second-ranked Olympia Saturday night, but the Wolves came up shy of extending their season, losing a preliminary state playoff game, 42-21.
Trailing 7-0 in the first quarter, Eastlake rallied for scores on its first two possessions. Stephen Nasca scored from 1 yard out, and Kelby McCorkle connected with Paul Wright for a 5-yard TD. Eastlake led 14-7 with just over three minutes to go before the half, and handed Olympia its largest deficit of the season. The Bears, however, rallied for two TDs before the half and never looked back. Olympia quarterback Willie Willard found receiver Garrett Hull for touchdowns of 22 and 45 yards. The go-ahead score came with 20 seconds remaining in the half.
The Wolves ended their season with a 6-4 record. Olympia improved to 10-0 and plays Central Kitsap in the opening round of the state tournament.
Skyline vs. Federal Way
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Nov. 14 at SHS
Quick look: Federal Way (8-2) runs a balanced offense. Running back Andre Barrington has more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Quarterback Nick Tanielu has passed for more than 1,100 yards and has seven TDs. The Eagles’ defense has held opponents to just 98 points, or an average of just over nine points per game this season.
Prediction: Federal Way’s defense is good, but Skyline’s is better. The Spartans have allowed just 33 points, or just over three points per game, in a tougher division. Expect another strong performance from Skyline on its home field. Final score: 35-7 Skyline.
