A masterful defensive performance was unveiled by the Skyline Spartans in their home opener against the Newport Knights on Sept. 12 in Sammamish. The Spartans (2-0 overall) had six takeaways in the first half and cruised to a 49-0 victory over the Knights (1-1).

The Spartans stingy defense plucked two interceptions and recovered four Knights fumbles. Newport finished the first half with a total of -18 yards on offense and no first downs. Skyline defensive back Joe Bretl, who picked off Newport’s Paul Wells on a halfback pass attempt in the first quarter, said it was a total team effort on both sides of the ball. Skyline defensive back Bradley Kim had an interception in the second quarter as well.

“We talked the whole week about how we don’t need to make every play, you just have to trust the guys around you and be personally responsible for what you’re supposed to do. We trusted each other and we just got it done,” Bretl said. “We wanted to focus on getting that ball out and forcing some turnovers because when we get our offense on the field, they are hard to stop.”

Skyline’s offense was clicking on all cylinders. Spartans’ junior running back Rashaad Boddie had four rushing touchdowns and quarterback Blake Gregory connected with wide receivers Derek Loville on a 14-yard touchdown reception and Danny Sinatro on a 17-yard touchdown catch. Gregory scored on a 1-yard touchdown as well to round out the scoring parade.

Skyline head coach Mat Taylor was ecstatic following his team’s dominating showing against Newport.

“It was incredible. Our kids totally bought in to the discipline that we preached all week. Newport is a great football team and I couldn’t be more proud of the way the kids played football,” Taylor said. “It was pretty impressive. It was awesome.”

The Spartans will make the short trip to North Bend for a showdown with the Mount Si Wildcats at 7 p.m. Sept. 19.

“They are new to the conference (KingCo 4A). I’m excited because they are always good. It is going to be a fun game,” Bretl said.

Taylor is looking forward to the matchup against one of his favorite mentors, Mount Si head coach Charlie Kinnune.

“I have known Charlie for a long time. When I got the job at Skyline he was the first coach I went to for advice about being a head coach. I have a lot of respect for him,” Taylor said. “They are going to come out fired up and play hard nosed football. It’s going to be a very tough and physical football game.”

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