High-school football matchups don’t get more marquee in Washington than Friday’s battle between Skyline and Bellevue.
Since 2000, the powerhouses have combined for 13 state championships across the 4A and 3A classifications.
The 3A Wolverines hold a 6-5 all-time record against the 4A Spartans, but it’s Skyline who’s gotten the better of Bellevue the last two meetings, winning 28-21 in 2010 and 6-0 in 2007. Bellevue last beat Skyline 28-0 in 2006.
“I think it’s been a fun rivalry over the years,” Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff said. “They’ve gotten us more than anybody else and we’ve probably gotten them more than anyone else. We respect them and I think they would say the same thing about us.”
Friday’s game should mirror recent matchups as both teams are considered by most media outlets to be the top two teams in their respective classifications.
Skyline (1-0) defeated Liberty 62-27 in their season opener, while Bellevue (1-0) traveled to Southern California to beat Oaks Christian 31-21 in the Mission Veijo High School Football Classic.
The Spartans’ offense got off to an efficient start last week as junior quarterback Max Browne completed 16 of 18 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns. Skyline, which was given a short field after four consecutive Liberty turnovers, also rushed for a combined 125 yards.
Bellevue, which is currently ranked No. 15 in USA Today’s Super 25 Poll, was methodical behind its Wing-T offense and stingy defense. Wolverines’ quarterback Tyler Hasty rushed for 75 yards and completed 5 of 6 passes for 46 yards. He also earned two crucial interceptions on defense.
Running back John Nguyen was also impressive carrying the ball 21 times for 146 yards and two TDs.
“When it comes to Bellevue, we have to revamp our defense because the reads and keys are so different from a pro style or spread offense,” Skyline coach Mat Taylor said. “What makes them so much different from other Wing-T teams is they are the best at it — their fakes, the line of scrimmage and more importantly their team speed is unbelievable.”
So, just how does one counter that?
“The key to all victories against Bellevue is playing disciplined defense,” Taylor said. “The way they run the Wing-T is like no one else and as soon as you lose you discipline they will break a long play on you. Also for us to be successful, we have to patient on offense and eliminate turnovers.”
While the two teams are in different classifications, that doesn’t diminish the significance of Friday’s matchup. Bragging rights are on the line, and perhaps more importantly, momentum.
“It is very important to develop that competitive edge that will hopefully carry us throughout the season,” Taylor said.
AT A GLANCE
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Spartan Stadium
Players to watch: Skyline – Max Browne, QB; Damien Greene, RB; Taggart Krueger, WR; Peyton Pelluer, LB.
Bellevue – Tyler Hasty, QB; John Nguyen, RB; Ari Morales, RB; Sean Constantine, LB.
Keys to the game: Skyline – Slowing Bellevue’s multifaceted Wing-T rushing attack and limiting turnovers.
Bellevue – Find a way to slow quarterback Max Browne and his slew of talented receivers, and controlling the clock.
Pick: Skyline 24-20
For more picks and predictions go to the Reporter’s sports blog, The End Zone.