Crane hits game winning field goal in overtime

Skyline defeats Issaquah 31-28 in overtime thriller

By Shaun Scott • September 10, 2015 4:29 pm
Skyline wide receiver Bradley Kim breaks free into the Issaquah secondary after catching a pass from quarterback Blake Gregory. The Spartans trailed the Eagles 28-14 with 9:29 left in the fourth quarter but outscored Issaquah 17-0 down the stretch to capture a victory. Skyline kicker Jack Crane connected with a 44-yard field goal in overtime
Skyline wide receiver Bradley Kim breaks free into the Issaquah secondary after catching a pass from quarterback Blake Gregory. The Spartans trailed the Eagles 28-14 with 9:29 left in the fourth quarter but outscored Issaquah 17-0 down the stretch to capture a victory. Skyline kicker Jack Crane connected with a 44-yard field goal in overtime

Skyline Spartans field goal kicker Jack Crane had been their before.

Crane, who missed a key field goal attempt in last year’s playoff contest against the Skyview Storm, lined up for a 44-yard field goal try in overtime with the game tied at 28-28 against the arch-rival Issaquah Eagles.

Crane’s kick split the uprights and the Spartans celebrated a comeback 31-28 win against Issaquah Sept. 4 at Gary Moore Stadium in Issaquah. Crane’s kick would had been good from 50 yards out as it sailed over the cross-bar with a significant amount to spare. Skyline head coach Mat Taylor wasn’t surprised Crane came through when his team needed it the most.

“He has such a strong leg. I know in the back of his mind he was thinking back to the Skyview game where he missed one,” Taylor said. “I had full confidence in him, 100-percent.”

Crane said he prepared for the moment that presented itself against Issaquah all summer.

“I have been preparing and it finally came down to the last play. That is what every kicker hopes for and my dream came true,” Crane said. “We’re 1-0 and that is awesome.”

The Spartans were a long away from victory at an early juncture of the fourth quarter. Issaquah’s starting quarterback Cam Humphrey connected with Joe Nelson on a 28-yard touchdown pass on a fourth down play, giving the Eagles a 14-point with 9:29 left in regulation. The play appeared to be one of those plays that can break a team’s back but Skyline wouldn’t go down without a fight. Skyline’s Rashaad Boddie cut Issaquah’s lead to 28-21 after scoring on a 30-yard touchdown run with 6:29 left in the game. On Issaquah’s ensuing offensive possession, Skyline’s defense forced a three-and-out. After Issaquah punted, Skyline regained possession of the ball at Issaquah’s 43-yard line with 4:31 left in regulation. Skyline drove to Issaquah’s five-yard line with 41 seconds left on the clock. Facing a fourth down with four yards to go, Skyline quarterback Blake Gregory connected with wide receiver Logan Wanamaker on a crossing route in the back of the end-zone, tying the game at 28-28. Wanamaker was covered tightly but was able to secure the catch tying the game.

“Logan made a hell of a play. He is a great athlete,” Gregory said.

Boddie echoed Gregory’s sentiment.

“That was a great catch. He (Wanamaker) had great eye contact with the ball,” Boddie said.

Issaquah missed a 25-yard field goal on their first overtime possession and Skyline capitalized when Crane hit the game-winner from 44 yards out.

Gregory said Crane’s work ethic is second to none.

“I had full confidence in Jack. He struggled a little bit last year missing a few field goals but he’s worked his ass off over the summer. The results showed tonight. He put it through the uprights and we came out on top,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier. What a way to kickoff the season against our cross-town rivals. This is what you play football for.”

Boddie turned in a performance for the ages for the Spartans. Boddie had 37 carries for 221 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Gregory was thrilled to see Boddie churn out a multitude of yards and carries.

“His performance was amazing. We rely on him a lot. He did a great job tonight. He definitely worked hard and the line gave him good holes,” Gregory said. “It is what we were preparting for.”