The outcome of the game had already been decided as the Skyline Spartans held a sizable 40-10 lead against the Eastlake Wolves in a showdown between rival football squads as the minutes and seconds trickled off the clock in the fourth quarter on Oct. 31 in Sammamish.

Throughout the final six minutes of the contest, the Spartans coaching staff began the process of inserting every senior football player into the game  they could on senior night. This is a tradition amongst nearly every high school football program in Washington. The stands are typically full to the brim consisting of family members, friends and community members for the final regular season matchup.

With about four minutes left in the game, the public address announcer at Skyline Stadium enthusiastically revealed senior Peter Daynes entered the game much to the delight of every player on the Spartans’ sideline. Daynes, who was inserted into the game as wide receiver, didn’t have any passes come his way but blocked valiantly against defensive backs lined up across from him on each rushing attempt. Those plays may not show up or account for much on the stat sheet, but Spartans players knew how special it was.

Elijah Nichols, who finished the game against Eastlake with a team-high 127 yards receiving, eyes lit up with excitement when asked about Daynes garnering playing time in the fourth quarter.

“It was awesome. He is one of the hardest workers on our team and doesn’t get much playing time,” Nichols said of Daynes. “It was great. Everybody has got a big heart for him. We love that kid.”

Spartans linebacker Chandler Wong was thrilled to his see his hardworking comrade get his opportunity to shine.

“Peter is a gem. Everyone on the team loves him and we were so happy to see him out on that field,” he said.

Taylor said making sure every senior gets on the field for the final regular season home game is a focus of the football program.

“Our biggest goal was to make sure that we honor all the seniors. Peter has worked his tail off,” Taylor said.

Halloween night couldn’t had gone better for the Skyline Spartans. They defeated their cross-town rivals by a sizable margin, got their momentum back before the playoffs and saw one of their most beloved players (Daynes) rewarded for his dedication to the football program. The Spartans are clicking on all cylinders as they host the Skyview Storm on Nov. 7 in a winner-to-state, loser-out game.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com